DENVER — April 16, 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced Shawn Neville, CEO of BOA Technology, as the 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year. The award for community leadership was presented during the Leading Colorado Luncheon, an annual event aimed at honoring leadership excellence in Metro Denver while raising funds for the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund. Voting among the three finalists was open to the public.

Neville has worked to connect young people with education, career paths, and outdoor experiences, inspiring businesses, and communities to join in fostering inclusivity and unlocking potential. Today, as the CEO of BOA Technology, he leads initiatives like the Career Possibilities program, which builds bridges for students by partnering with organizations like the Denver Scholarship Foundation to, as they say at BOA, “enable peak performance” for the next generation. He has also served on the National Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Board of Directors for Boston Scholars, Advisory Board of Mass Bay Big Brothers, and Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, and University of Denver Business School Advisory Board.

In response to being named the 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year, Neville highlighted the work of the other finalists, Amanda Blaurock and Katie Kruger, as well as the organization Big Brothers Big Sisters, although his greatest thanks were to his mother, who was present in the audience. Neville commented that the work of all these leaders was incredibly important, saying, “The essence of what we do today—what matters—I know all of you reflect that. And it’s something I’m trying to live my life by.”

Shawn’s passion for empowering youth extends through his involvement with initiatives like the Chill Foundation, and programs that bridge gaps in STEM education and outdoor activities. Shawn’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion focuses on building a culture that inspires young people from all backgrounds. He believes in listening and fostering environments that spark potential, particularly for first-generation students and underrepresented groups.

“Shawn is an incredible leader who has overcome his own hardships, and he knows how impactful it can be in someone’s life to lend a helping hand,” said Kristen Blessman, Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and President of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. “He truly believes in giving those who need it most the tools and resources they need to forge their own paths and find success. We are thrilled to honor his incredible journey and impact through this award.”

For more than 26 years, the 9NEWS Leader of the Year award has recognized outstanding leaders passionate about making a difference in Colorado. The 2025 finalists included Neville and:

  • Amanda Blaurock, CEO of Village Exchange Center
  • Katie Kruger, CEO of Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors

Sponsors for this event included presenting sponsor Huntington Bank; platinum sponsors DaVita, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Suncor Energy; gold sponsor HCA Healthone; scholarship fund match sponsors Molson Coors Beverage Company and Southwest Airlines; student leader of the year sponsor Boettcher Foundation; and media sponsor 9NEWS.

To learn more about Shawn Neville and the 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalists, visit www.denverleadership.org/leadingco

 

About the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
An affiliate organization of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation educates and inspires people who want to make a difference as leaders in the community. Building strong, diverse leaders for more than 45 years, the Leadership Foundation provides the knowledge, skills, networks and experience to inspire leaders to engage in issues critical to the region’s success through a continuum of programs, including Leadership Denver, Impact Denver, Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows, Leadership Exchange, Access Denver, the Colorado Leadership Alliance and the Leadership Foundation Alumni Network. For more information, please visit denverleadership.org.

About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.

The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.