Meet 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year Shawn Neville

Inspiring Innovation and Empowering Communities Through Purpose-Driven Leadership

Shawn Neville’s dedication to mentorship and creating opportunities for youth has shaped his impactful leadership journey. As a 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist, Shawn 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 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 Boar

Shawn’s early experiences, including the loss of his father and his mother’s determination to support their family, deeply influenced his path. He credits his mother as his first mentor and a source of inspiration for his dedication to creating opportunities for youth. After earning a scholarship to DU, Shawn began his career at Procter & Gamble, where he realized the importance of mentorship. In 1985, he joined Big Brothers Big Sisters, forging a lifelong connection with his “little” and inspiring a legacy of mentorship across his career. Leadership, for Shawn, is rooted in a philosophy of “leading from the future”—aligning vision, accountability, and purpose to drive meaningful change.

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.

As Shawn reflects on his journey, he attributes his leadership style and values to his mother’s kindness and care. His vision for the future is clear: to inspire businesses and communities to create positive exposure for youth, bridging economic and social divides through mentorship and opportunity. Shawn’s story is a powerful reminder of the effect that thoughtful, purpose-driven leadership can have on individuals and communities alike.

Vote Shawn Neville for 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year

*Voting open February 12-April 9