Leadership Colorado officially touched down on its final program day at one of the state’s most iconic destinations: Denver International Airport (DEN)!
The day kicked off with an incredible panel of DEN leaders, including Interim CEO Dave LaPorte; Chris Herndon, Chief Commercial Officer; Mark Nagel, Chief Operating Officer; Mike Biel, Chief Financial Officer; Maria G. Meleandez, Chief of Staff; and Michael Sheehan, SVP of Special Projects. They shared an inside look at the leadership, collaboration, customer experience, and long-term vision required to operate one of the world’s busiest airports while preparing for Colorado’s future growth. Participants also toured DEN’s new Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation before getting a special behind-the-scenes look at Southwest Airlines. The group visited the pilot lounge and took a shuttle to the maintenance hangar, where they learned more about aviation safety, operations, and career opportunities in the industry.
From there, the group headed to Central Park to celebrate nine months of learning, connections, and experiences together at FlyteCo Tower. Founder Jason Slingsby gave participants a guided tour of the former Stapleton Airport control tower and aviation museum. Senate President James Coleman followed with an engaging keynote on leadership, the responsibilities that come with it, and the importance of showing up for the people you lead. Each participant also had an opportunity to share personal milestones and moments of growth from the past nine months, bringing the program year to an intimate and memorable close.
A Year of Connections and Growth
The 2026 cohort brought together 34 participants representing 21 industries. Throughout the year, they explored Colorado businesses and organizations spanning aerospace, agriculture, aviation, brewing, culture and nonprofits, gaming, government, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, small business, sports, and technology. Collectively, the companies represented employ more than 30,000 Coloradans and generate $13 billion in statewide revenue. And what a year it was! Participants connected with 15 CEOs, 62 senior leaders, and six legislators; traveled more than 400 miles across Colorado; and experienced firsthand how leadership looks across some of the state’s most important industries. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to thoughtful conversations with business and policy leaders, the class had experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. Through company visits, policy discussions, Colorado Chamber events, and five CEO leadership luncheons, participants gained a deeper understanding of how business and public policy intersect and how they can become stronger advocates for Colorado’s business community. Just as importantly, they built lasting friendships, valuable relationships, and a greater appreciation for the state they help lead.
CENTENNIAL, COLORADO – September 14: Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Colorado program takes place at Centennial Stadium in Centennial, CO. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Clarkson Creative Photography)
Thank You to Our 2026 Partners!
A program like Leadership Colorado wouldn’t be possible without the incredible companies and leaders who open their doors, share their experiences, and invest their time in our participants. We are so grateful to this year’s hosts and partners:
The Colorado Capitol, CultureQ Workshop, Colorado Symphony Association, Craig Hospital, Monarch Casino Resort Spa, Tolmar, Native Hill Farm, Distortions Unlimited, WeldWerks Brewing Company, Amazon, Lockheed Martin Space, Denver Summit Football Club, Denver International Airport, and Southwest Airlines.
A special thank-you also goes to our Leadership Luncheon hosts: George Sparks, CEO, Denver Museum of Nature and Science; Josh Jones, Campus President, Lincoln College of Technology; Scott McCallister, CEO, Prosci; Jeff Kennedy, Co-Founder, Moe’s BBQ; and Julie Havens, Market President, Wells Fargo. Thank you for making time for meaningful conversations and giving participants a more personal look at leadership.
To see the complete list of 2026 participants and revisit some of the year’s highlights, take a look at our 2026 Leadership Colorado Year in Review.
Interested in being part of the next class?
Applications for the 2027 Leadership Colorado cohort open in mid-November! The next class will run February through October, and we’d love to have you join us for a year of new perspectives, meaningful connections, and experiences that take you behind the scenes of Colorado’s business community.
