Leadership Colorado closed out its 2025 program year at one of the state’s most iconic venues: Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Brian Kitts (Denver Arts & Venues), Andrea Blankenship (Colorado Tourism Office), and Justin Bresler (Visit Denver) shared insights on tourism’s economic impact, the power of collaboration, customer experience, and what it takes to operate one of the busiest venues in the world. Participants explored how place-based leadership can balance growth with cultural preservation, sustainability, and community benefit, and even got a behind-the-scenes walk through the legendary tunnel signed by every artist to perform there!
The group then headed downtown, where Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett discussed the reimagining of 16th Street and how the Downtown Development Authority is helping bring new energy and engagement to the state’s most visited street.
Later, the soon-to-be graduates celebrated in style at the Clocktower Cabaret, hearing from keynote speaker Robert Cohen (CEO, IMA Financial Group and controlling owner of the Denver Summit FC) about goal setting and pursuing opportunity, and reflected on their program year with Colorado Chamber President & CEO Loren Furman. Each participant shared personal milestones and moments of growth from the past nine months, closing the year on a note of gratitude and inspiration.
This year’s cohort included 29 participants representing 18 industries. They studied Colorado businesses in hospitality, insurance, gaming, manufacturing, agriculture, small business, transportation research, healthcare, education, broadcast journalism, aerospace, cultural/non-profit, and tourism, collectively employing more than 22,000 Coloradans and generating $12.3 billion in statewide revenue. Over the course of the program, participants met with 14 CEOs, 46 senior leaders, and 5 legislators, traveled more than 400 miles across Colorado, and gained a firsthand look at leadership in the various industries studied, all while having once-in-a-lifetime exclusive experiences they will never forget!
Through site visits, policy discussions, attendance at Colorado Chamber events, and six intimate CEO luncheons, participants deepened their understanding of how business and policy intersect, and how to be stronger advocates for Colorado’s business community. Along the way, they built lasting friendships, valuable connections, and a deeper appreciation for the state they help lead.
Applications for the 2026 Leadership Colorado cohort open in mid-November, with the new class running February through October. We’d love for you to join us!