A Transformative Leadership Journey from Rural Roots to Real Estate
Katie Kruger’s leadership in commercial real estate, dedication to community-focused policies and impressive commitment to connecting young people to jobs have earned her recognition as a 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist. From championing policy to fostering economic connectivity and sponsoring more than 1,200 young people in climbing up in their careers, Katie’s vision reflects her commitment to creating opportunities and addressing challenges that shape Colorado’s future. Today she serves as CEO of Denver Metro Commercial Association of Realtors, Owner of CAI Up, and is a Professor of Business at the University of Colorado, Denver.
Katie has made an extraordinary commitment to give back 100 thirty-minute meetings per year to anyone looking to climb up in their careers. To date, she has met with more than 1,200 professionals and shared more than 3,600 network connections to help each person get to a real job. She believes that if each working American gave back one meeting per month to helping someone climb, that nearly half the country would experience immediate improved mental health benefits and over 130 million young people would experience improved economic connectivity.
Growing up in rural Alaska, Katie and her siblings worked hard and took on responsibilities beyond that of a normal childhood. Katie’s teenage experience in the oil and gas fields of northern Alaska shaped her balanced approach to environmental and economic challenges. Witnessing the environmental standards of large-scale operations gave her a nuanced perspective on the need for pragmatic solutions that protect natural resources while addressing practical energy demands. This understanding allows her to drive meaningful solutions that address both sustainability and energy demands.
Katie credits much of her career transformation to the mentorship of Kelly Brough, former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President, and CEO, who inspired her to focus on policy and its impact on communities. Katie once spent a year of early weekend mornings at a coffee shop, studying policy and ultimately earning a role leading Brough’s legislative policy committee.
Today, she advocates for policies to shift school hours to better mirror the workday, addressing the challenges of children on aftercare wait lists. Through her work with the Colorado Succeeds board, Katie supports policies that help high school students graduate with some college or equivalent credentials already complete, knowing that these policies make higher education more affordable for Colorado families.
Katie Kruger’s journey and work reflect a deep commitment to creating meaningful change in Colorado. Guided by a belief in the power of sponsorship, she strives to motivate others to believe in themselves and to ask for the job. Whether negotiating complex energy policies, advocating for families, or building stronger community connections, Katie activates her network and leverages her unique gifts to leave a lasting impact. Her vision is clear: to inspire collaboration in Colorado policy making and to provide network connections to thousands of young people looking to climb.
Vote Katie Kruger for 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year
*Voting open February 12-April 9.
Register for Meet the Finalists, March 5