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Aug. 6-7, 2020
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Voting Opens Today for 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year
Voting Opens Today for 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year
Three Finalists Will Share Their Leadership Journeys at
Virtual Meet the Finalists Event at 3:30 p.m.
DENVER – The 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalists will share what leadership means to them at Meet the Finalists, a forum moderated by 9NEWS anchor Steve Staeger today at 3:30 p.m. The event, hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, will be streamed live on 9NEWS.com and includes an opportunity for participants to connect and network with each of the finalists.
Immediately following Meet the Finalists, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and B:CIVIC members, as well as Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation alumni, will have the chance to vote for the finalist of their choice.
This year’s finalists are:
- Adeeb Khan, vice president of corporate social responsibility and executive director of the Delta Dental of Colorado (DDCO) Foundation
- Jesse Ogas, CEO and executive director, Firefly Autism
- Lorii Rabinowitz, CEO, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF)
This year marks the 21st year that 9NEWS will honor a Colorado leader for contributions to the community. 9NEWS again partnered with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation to select and honor this individual. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice and a complimentary seat in one of the Leadership Foundation’s programs.
The 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year will be announced live at the Leadership Foundation’s Leading Colorado virtual luncheon on March 10. This event, presented by BBVA, recognizes exceptional community leadership while raising scholarship funds to ensure professionals from all sectors can develop their skills and enhance their impact in the community.
Register for today’s Meet the Finalists event and the Leading Colorado virtual luncheon on March 10 at denverleadership.org/leadingco.
Get to know the finalists:
Khan has dedicated his career to bring voice and attention to the issues of equity. He channels his passion for providing equal opportunities for all Coloradans through his work at the DDCO Foundation, and his past roles at TIAA, Mile High United Way and the American Red Cross. Outside of work, Khan was appointed by the Governor to the Colorado Early Childhood Leadership Commission and serves on the University of Denver Daniels College of Business Executive Advisory Board and the boards of College Track, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and B:CIVIC. He has been recognized as a Downtown Champion by the Downtown Denver Partnership and one of Denver’s Top 40 Under 40 by the Denver Business Journal.
Ogas increases access to medical care for all communities by bridging language and cultural gaps. In his role as CEO and executive director of Firefly Autism, Ogas has increased outreach and autism treatment to previously underserved Latino and Black communities. He extends this mission through his membership on the boards of many charities, including Clinica Tepeyac, which provides medical care to those who may have otherwise been unable to access it due to monetary or language barriers. Ogas was also appointed by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock to the Mental Health Center of Denver Board and the Mayor’s Latino Commission, where he served for six years as a liaison to Mayor Hancock on issues that impact the Latino community in Denver.
Rabinowitz leads authentically, approaching challenges with curiosity and collaboration in mind. At DSF, Rabinowitz is known as a leader with a deep commitment to her team and community. She forges connections across sectors and is passionate about fostering equitable opportunities and outcomes with students who reflect historically underrepresented communities in higher education, including students of color, first generation college students, and students with low income. In her work at DSF, Rabinowitz collaborates with the DSF team to make college possible, empowering and inspiring Denver students on their journeys to and through college and building the future of our community. Outside of DSF, she is the former chair of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation Board of Directors, served on the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a trustee of the Rose Community Foundation. She volunteers for numerous organizations including Project Angel Heart and Big Brothers Big Sisters and was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business of 2019 by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Meet 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist Peter LiFari
Meet Peter F. LiFari, a visionary leader on a mission to disrupt generational poverty and empower Coloradans. As the Chief Executive Officer of Maiker Housing Partners, a socially conscious public housing authority based in Adams County, Peter’s journey is one marked by dedication, innovation, and a pursuit of justice.
Peter’s path to Maiker Housing Partners began during his tenure with USIS, where he discovered a profound link between poverty reduction and national security. Recognizing affordable housing as a cornerstone for poverty alleviation, Peter began searching for an opportunity that would allow him to serve at the local level.
In his role as Deputy Director at the Adams County Housing Authority, Peter spearheaded the development of a strategic plan, steering the organization towards Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects and progressive policy improvements. When he assumed the role of CEO, Peter seized the opportunity to redefine Maiker’s mission, values, and brand, reflecting a new, progressive commitment to family stability and economic self-sufficiency.
Under Peter’s leadership, Maiker Housing Partners has grown its annual operating budget from $28 million to over $40 million in less than five years. The organization’s focus has dedicated its effort to addressing systemic in justice at the root of poverty, creating a pipeline of high-quality affordable housing, fostering community building, and emphasizing individual strengths.
Peter collaborated to create from Conflict to Compassion: A Colorado Housing Development Blueprint for Transformational Change, a roadmap for affordable housing solutions. To date, this report remains the most impactful housing report in recent Colorado history. It generated multiple bills that are now law affecting every corner of the state.
Beyond Maiker, Peter’s commitment to justice and equity echoes in his community involvement. Board memberships, panel discussions, and advocacy for improved housing systems are just facets of his broader mission. As a Housing Fellow with The Common Sense Institute, Peter authored a report addressing the decline of condo construction in Colorado, offering solutions to tackle the housing affordability crisis.
Peter’s passion reverberates through every endeavor. His empathy manifests in his commitment to building a culture of warmth, grace, and trust. For Peter, creating safe spaces is not just a goal—it’s a necessity, allowing individuals to shine as their true selves.
To vote for Peter LiFari for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.
Meet 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist John Farnam
Meet John Farnam, a dynamic force shaping positive change in the heart of Colorado. His story isn’t just one of leadership; it’s a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to community service.
As the Managing Director at the Morgridge Family Foundation, John has overseen grants exceeding $150 million, aligning resources and fostering innovation around social issues. But his leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms; it’s felt in the heart of communities across Colorado.
John’s commitment to foster care youth is unwavering. An advocate for transparency, he openly shares his story of being adopted, using it as a catalyst to bring awareness to the inequities in the child welfare system. He recently authored a report with the Common Sense Institute which sheds light on the cost to our economy when teens and young adults leave the system without finding a permanent home.
Education is another chapter in John’s story. His journey to raise $6.5 million to build one of the first charter schools approved by Aurora Public Schools showcases his deep passion for creating tangible impacts. He co-founded MindSpark Learning, a nonprofit that has touched the lives of over 2 million students nationwide, elevating and uplifting educators.
Coming from a family ranch in Montana, John’s personal connection with rural communities fuels his advocacy for work-based learning. His partnerships with Colorado’s Community Colleges and rural universities reflect his commitment to creating workforce and opportunity hubs within these communities. In his multifaceted approach, John ensures inclusivity and equity. Driven by the belief that everyone can lead, he fosters connections and ensures diverse voices are heard.
Beyond professional achievements, John’s commitment extends to addressing local food insecurity. Together with his husband, Paul Heitzenrater, they grow and donate over 2,000 pounds of produce annually to hunger relief efforts in the Denver Metro area. It’s a hands-on approach that mirrors John’s deep connection to the community.
John’s story is one of compassion and active involvement in initiatives addressing educational, health, and socio-economic disparities. Whether it’s his dedication to foster care youth, his efforts in food security, or his advocacy for work-based learning, John leaves an indelible mark.
To vote for John Farnam for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.
Meet 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist Lorez Meinhold
Meet Lorez Meinhold, a leader weaving inclusive collaboration into the fabric of health and well-being transformation in Colorado. With over two decades of experience in grantmaking, health policy, and advocacy, Lorez’s commitment to equity is the heartbeat of her personal and professional pursuits.
Dedicating her life to community empowerment, Lorez recognizes the intricate interconnections between critical issues like access to food, homelessness, and healthcare, contributing to mental health and substance misuse challenges. To address these growing needs, she played a pivotal role in developing and championing the ballot initiative that created the Caring for Denver Foundation. In less than 18 months, the foundation became fully operational, distributing over $142 million in funding, guided by community input at every step.
Lorez’s journey encompasses diverse leadership roles, from steering the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative to serving as a senior program officer for the Colorado Health Foundation. Her expansive experience allows her to co-create public health policies and funding strategies that resonate across Colorado communities.
Embodying a steadfast commitment, Lorez’s motto, “raising my hand, showing up, listening, following through, and building inclusive processes to earn trust,” reverberates through her community and volunteer leadership roles. Whether as a Planned Parenthood and HIV counselor, volunteer medical assistant at Inner City Health Center, or board member of Project Angel Heart, Lorez actively engages, raises funds, and volunteers, leaving an lasting mark on the organizations she serves.
For Lorez, the journey is about meeting the community where they are, learning through collaboration, and genuinely caring about the health and well-being of others. Lorez’s dedication extends beyond the present, as she envisions a Denver community with more inclusive access to care tailored to individual journeys. Her actions inspire others to take risks, fostering meaningful change not only in Denver but also serving as a model for cities addressing mental health and substance misuse challenges.
To vote for Lorez Meinhold for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.
Shawn Neville Named 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year by Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
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.
Leadership in Action: Reflections from Sarah McCarthy, Leadership Denver Class of 2025
“Leadership Denver has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. I’m walking away with new friendships, a deeper love for this city, and a renewed commitment to lead with courage, humility, and heart.”
What an incredible ride these past 11 months have been! Being part of Leadership Denver has stretched me, inspired me, and connected me with some of the most thoughtful, passionate changemakers in the city. As I reflect on this journey, here’s a little glimpse into what I’ve learned along the way…
A defining leadership moment
One of the biggest turning points in my leadership journey happened early in my role as CEO of the Global Livingston Institute. I had to make the tough call to transition some of our signature programs to local leadership in East Africa—a move that required me to let go, trust, and release control. It was scary (okay, terrifying at times!), but it taught me this: real leadership isn’t about holding on tightly—it’s about building others up to lead. That decision changed how I see my role, and it’s made our work more sustainable and community-driven than ever.
How Leadership Denver shifted my perspective
Before this program, I saw leadership mostly through the lens of my own organization. But Leadership Denver cracked that wide open. Through site visits, deep discussions, and bold conversations about housing, healthcare, education, and more, I’ve learned just how interconnected everything is. It’s taught me that leadership isn’t just about leading your team—it’s about showing up for your city, building bridges, and solving problems together.
What gives me hope about Denver’s future
Honestly? I’m blown away by how civic and business leaders in Denver are leaning into equity, collaboration, and innovation like never before. I see leaders willing to listen more deeply, co-create solutions, and challenge the status quo. There’s a boldness AND a humility emerging in this next generation of leadership—and that gives me so much hope for the future of our city.
Advice to my younger self
Oh, I’d tell her: “Trust your voice—even when it shakes.” Stop waiting to feel fully ready or perfectly qualified. Leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and learning as you go. You’re more capable than you think, right now.
Here’s to what’s next!