Last week, Leadership Colorado hosted its inaugural program in partnership with Pinnacol Assurance, where participants had the opportunity to gain insight into Colorado’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance.
With the generous support of Pinnacol’s executive leadership, including CEO John O’Donnell and Vice President of Public Affairs Wes Parham, the program featured a dynamic panel discussion on the legacy of this 100+ year-old organization. The conversation highlighted Pinnacol’s commitment to both its employees and customers and offered thoughtful reflections on leadership in a changing business environment.
The program also explored the evolving needs of Colorado’s workforce, featuring insights from special guests Shannon Nicholas of Colorado Succeeds and Jeff Keener of the South Metro Denver Chamber. One of the most impactful parts of the day was a panel of student apprentices who shared their experiences in Pinnacol’s nationally recognized youth apprenticeship program, along with highlights from the Pinnacol Foundation’s scholarship initiative, which supports the education of children whose parents were injured or killed in work-related incidents.
The day concluded with a meaningful service project, as the Leadership Colorado cohort joined Pinnacol’s youth apprentices to create encouragement cards for Pinnacol Foundation scholars and assemble birthday bags for patients at Craig Hospital.
We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and full support that Pinnacol’s leadership team invested in this experience. Their partnership helped our cohort better understand a vital component of Colorado’s business landscape.
Program participants later said:
“Hearing from current and former apprentices about their journeys into the professional world, they really were able to demonstrate the success of the program.”
“Pinnacol’s commitment to community, opportunity and creating pathways to success is awesome!”
“This was a fantastic program that taught me about something I never thought I’d find so engaging and interesting.”