The beginning of June marked a significant milestone as the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the distinguished graduates from the highly anticipated 2023 Mesa County Leadership Program. With a rich history spanning three decades, this esteemed program has witnessed the graduation of over 340 individuals, many of whom have since assumed prominent roles on nonprofit and local government boards, been elected officials, and made a visible impact on our community.
Over the course of ten months, this new generation of business leaders demonstrated unwavering commitment, dedicating one day per month, and sometimes more, to engaging and immersive sessions that delved into the essence of leadership in our vibrant business community. As active participants in the latest Mesa County Leadership Program, they absorbed a wealth of knowledge encompassing a broad spectrum of topics.
They embarked on a journey of exploration, analyzing the profound influence of water and education in our Valley, engaging in meaningful conversations with local, state, and industry leaders to discern the key factors that drive our thriving economy. Additionally, they gained valuable insights into the pivotal role of healthcare and embraced the challenge of self-evaluation to nurture and enhance their personal leadership skills. These experiences served as a mere glimpse into the rigorous efforts these individuals invested to successfully complete the program.
Throughout the year, this remarkable cohort exhibited remarkable flexibility and unwavering determination, remaining steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge and growth. After nearly twelve months of intense study and unwavering resolve, classmates united to commemorate their achievements in a momentous graduation ceremony held at the Bookcliff Country Club. In the company of program alumni, employers, and loved ones, the participants of the 2023 Mesa County Leadership Program reasserted their commitment to assume active leadership roles in our community. They vowed to uphold the responsibility of safeguarding our economic vitality while wholeheartedly giving back to the community they proudly call home.
For further details regarding this interactive program, please do not hesitate to contact Candace at candace@gjchamber.org.
Congratulations to the 2022/2023 Mesa County Leadership Program graduates. We look forward to seeing the impact you have and are grateful for your dedication to our community!
2022/2023 Mesa County Leadership Class
Alec Anderson, Mesa County Administration
Dee Burke, Rocky Mountain Health Plans
Luke Carleo, RSI EnTech
Chris Dunkin, ANB Bank
Jeff Engell, Business Incubator Center
Vereniz Flores, Eide Bailly
Nicole Galehouse, Grand Junction City Government
Meranda Hernandez, Community Hospital
Corey Jimerson, Bank of the San Juans
Kayla Knowlden, Mountain West Dermatology
Stephanie Krueger, Alpine Bank
Kayley Kutcher, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce
Aidan Leighton, U.S. Bank, N.A.
Alberto Madrigal, Shaw Construction, LLC
Justin McDaniel, Munro Companies
Justin Mendenhall, FCI Constructors, Inc.
Eric Mocko, Grand Junction City Government
Braden Neptune, Rocky Mountain Health Plans
Jamie Neyers, Shaw Construction, LLC
Lacey O’Connor, Ute Water Conservancy District
Alicia Saunders, BBSI – Barrett Business Services, Inc.
Benjamin Smalley, Intermountain Health | St. Mary’s Medical Center
Brent Starnes, Hoskin Farina & Kampf, PC
Crystal Sundeen, Bank of Colorado
Kaela Thornton, CoorsTek, Inc.
Charles Wallis, Orchard Mesa Lions Club