Colorado Leadership Stories

Note: This conversation with Kyle Clark was recorded and released in 2024. It is being republished as part of the Boettcher Foundation's YouTube archive. As the anchor at 9News and the managing editor of Next with Kyle Clark, Kyle has been at the forefront of delivering insightful commentary and fostering civic engagement. Learn about his innovative approach to journalism and his creation of "Word...

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, 2026 9News Colorado Leader of the Year Angie Paccione shares how place and opportunity have shaped her leadership journey as an educator, legislator, and higher education leader. From the South Bronx to Stanford University and leadership roles across Colorado, Angie reflects on the experiences and mentors that helped activate her potential, and why c...

Join Boettcher Foundation Chair Michelle Lucero and President & CEO Katie Kramer for a conversation with Melvin Baker, who served as Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for nearly 15 years. In his last public interview before resigning due to health reasons, former Chairman Baker reflects on tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, economic development, and the values that guide leader...

Meet Susana Cordova , Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and former Denver Public Schools superintendent, whose lifelong connection to Colorado public schools has informed her approach to leadership, learning, and service. A Denver native and DPS graduate, Susana’s deep Colorado roots continue to guide her dedication to public education across the state. Tune in to hear how her experiences as...

Meet Becky Kourlis, a former Colorado Supreme Court justice, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and Foundation Trustee. From her upbringing in the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion to building a life in rural Colorado, Becky's journey reflects the powerful influence of place on perspective and purpose. Tune in to hear how she approaches leadershi...

Meet Josh Blanchard, director of Colorado Creative Industries and former Summit County Commissioner, whose work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: place matters. From community theater to county leadership to statewide arts advocacy, Josh has spent his career partnering with rural communities to shape vibrant, creative places where people and ideas can thrive. Tune in to hear Josh's story an...

In today’s episode, Dr. Brock Leach reflects on a career spanning business, ministry, and nonprofit service. A 1976 Boettcher Scholar, Brock shares how his early years in Colorado shaped a lifelong commitment to service and led him from PepsiCo, where he served as CEO of Frito-Lay, to spiritual leadership, teaching, and social justice work. He offers insights on innovation...

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie Kramer sits down with Dr. Lisa Roy , executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, to explore her remarkable leadership journey and the transformative work shaping Colorado’s youngest learners. From her deep family roots in education to her personal experience navigating the high cost of child care as a young mothe...

In today’s episode, Kristin Todd, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, reflects on what it means to be an invested neighbor and community member. Drawing on more than three decades in Colorado philanthropy, Kristin shares insights on building trust, convening unlikely partners, and creating space for collaboration in an increasingly complex world. Kristin discusses t...

In today’s episode, meet Deidre Johnson, a “daughter of Denver” whose leadership is advancing health equity and strengthening community across the Metro area. Deidre shares about her early roots, how she was shaped by a family grounded in service, and the impact of her father's entrepreneurial mindset.  Since stepping into leadership at the Center for African American Health in 2015, Deidre h...

In today’s episode, hear 2010 Scholar  Lisa Reid’s  inspiring story of creativity, courage, and community impact. From Brighton, Lisa co-founded  The Showtimes , a national livestock magazine, with her siblings as a teenager after seeing a need for more representative storytelling in Western agriculture.  Lisa gives advice to other entrepreneurs and shows how business...

In this episode, meet Wes Allison , president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex. From West Texas 4-H and youth rodeo to leading the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and now Colorado’s iconic Stock Show, Wes’s path reflects   a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education, and community.  As we all gear up for the 2026 National Western Stock Show, Wes offers a ti...

Gain a firsthand look at state government with 2007 Scholar Greg Sobetski, the nonpartisan chief economist for Colorado's legislature. With roots in the San Luis Valley, Greg brings a grounded perspective to his work, one shaped by early experiences that sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding how policy decisions affect real people and communities. In this conversa...

In today’s episode, meet 1974 Boettcher Scholar Mike Kercheval . From Grand Junction roots to global real estate leadership, Mike’s story is shaped by early experiences with migrant workers that fueled his curiosity and service-minded career. He talks about directing CU’s Real Estate Center, mentoring emerging leaders, and why he believes real estate can, and should, be a force for good. Listen on...

In today’s episode, hear Brian Peagler’s story of leadership and community impact. Born in Denver and a 1998 Scholar, Brian has combined business experience and a strong service ethic to shape Colorado’s leadership landscape. Learn more about Brian's experience with failure, his perspective on AI, and his journey in prioritizing his health and wellbeing while balancing a demand...

In today’s episode, hear Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald’s inspiring story of grit and innovation. Growing up in a large immigrant family and navigating life with dyslexia, Anita learned early on to see every challenge as a puzzle to solve. She entered the workforce at just 18 and went on to become the CEO of multiple companies and a member of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. Her path is a masterclass...

Listen in as Renee Ferrufino , president and CEO of the Women's Foundation of Colorado (WFCO), discusses her strategic work to create meaningful social impact. As the first Latina to lead WFCO, Renee discusses her vision for uplifting women, her rural Colorado roots, and the importance of reimagining philanthropy to do the most good. In this episode, learn more about her experience overcoming inst...

Discover the importance of leading from your values with Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall as he reveals how love, dignity, resiliency, humility, courage, curiosity, and power ground every decision. In this conversation, Katie and John explore rethinking higher education’s blind spots, navigating free speech on campus, and collaborating to create positive change despite di...

Join Dr. Brian Hill , superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51 and 2024 Boettcher Fellow , for a conversation with Katie on supporting student well-being, parenting and mentoring, and building strong, collaborative teams. Hear how Brian is driving improvements in student mental health across one of Colorado’s largest districts and leading bold changes—like a district-wide cell phone...

In this episode, Anna Stout , known for bridging divides and uplifting civic innovation, shares her story of creating opportunities for others on the Western Slope of Colorado and around the world. Anna has worked in a wide variety of roles, including serving as the former mayor of Grand Junction; here, she shares how to lead dynamically, empowering people to grow into their own version of leaders...

In this episode,  Erin Pulling , President & CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, shares how her belief in acting swiftly to address urgent needs underscores her leadership style. Erin’s insistence on compassionately serving every constituent reveals her deep commitment to include everyone in the mission. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the importance of having a vision...

Join Boettcher Scholars Jhoany Juarez, Dylan Lindsey, and Arianna McCarty as they open up about the realities of applying to college and scholarships. From crafting standout essays to framing leadership narratives and navigating merit-based programs, they share the strategies that helped them shine. Along the way, they reflect on the power of storytelling, the role of mentors and support networks,...

Katy Craig, leadership coach and curriculum expert, creative, and entrepreneur, joins Katie Kramer for a conversation about leadership as an activity where presence precedes performance. Together, the longtime friends and colleagues explore how coaching unlocks authenticity, strengthens teams, and builds a sense of belonging for individuals navigating change -- and challenge. The Kat(ies) also ref...

On this episode, Katie is joined by Linda Appel Lipsius , seasoned entrepreneur and now executive director of Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) . Tune in as Linda discusses the exciting work at DUG and the positive impact they are having in both Denver and Colorado. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Linda emphasizes the need to be passionate and fearless as a leader. She discusses the power of commu...

In this episode, Katie is joined by Noah Atencio , president and CEO of Philanthropy Colorado and a respected voice in the nonprofit sector. Through reflections from his Colorado upbringing and career path, Noah reveals a leadership philosophy built on purpose and authenticity. He offers insights on the power of meaningful relationships, the importance of cultivating a supportive network, and the...