Last Thursday evening, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the graduation of the Mesa County Leadership Program Class of 2026 at Bookcliff Country Club.
Family members, employers, alumni, community leaders, and program supporters gathered to recognize 30 graduates who dedicated the past 10 months to immersive learning, community exploration, and leadership development.
Graduation was more than a ceremony. It was a celebration of the commitment each participant made to invest in their own growth while gaining a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, opportunities, and challenges that shape Mesa County.
Throughout the program, participants explored the many facets of our community through hands-on experiences and candid conversations with local leaders. Along the way, they built relationships across industries and organizations, creating connections that will strengthen collaboration and civic engagement for years to come.
Those relationships were a central theme of the evening.
In remarks to her classmates, graduate Sarah Casey of Bank of the San Juans reflected on the meaningful connections formed throughout the program and encouraged her fellow graduates to find their own unique ways to make a difference in Mesa County. Her message served as a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by a title or position, but by a willingness to engage, collaborate, and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.
The Mesa County Leadership Program has been developing informed, engaged leaders for more than three decades. Its graduates have gone on to serve on nonprofit boards, lead community initiatives, hold elected office, and champion positive change throughout Mesa County. The Class of 2026 now joins this growing network of alumni who share a commitment to making our community stronger.
Congratulations to the Mesa County Leadership Program Class of 2026:
- Jeffrey Prell, Munro Companies, Inc.
- Daniel Cooley, U.S. Bank
- Katie Squier, HopeWest
- Antonio Celis, ANB Bank
- Sarah Casey, Bank of the San Juans
- Crystal Garcia Becenti, Riverside Education Centers
- Riley Scott, Office of Congressman Jeffrey Hurd
- Jordan Koos, Western Colorado Contractors Association
- Selestina Sandoval, City of Grand Junction
- Christine Peck, Eide Bailly LLP
- Jason Luoma, Ute Water Conservancy District
- Rick Zatarain, FCI Constructors, Inc.
- Vincent Donohue, Intermountain St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
- DaLynn Werito, Community Hospital
- Lexter Rodriguez, Shaw Construction LLC
- Kristen Wood, Timberline Bank
- Dylan Heberlein, Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority
- Teppy Vicheana, Climb Credit Union
- Lindsey Wiltse, Food Bank of the Rockies
- Robert Wick, PFS Insurance Group
- Jessie Kelleher, Hilltop Community Resources, Inc.
- Courtney Corbett, Mesa County Administration
- Nikki Clark, Alpine Bank
- James Call, Guild Mortgage Company
- Alicia Quintana, Bank of Colorado
- Madison Donnafield, DWC CPAs and Advisors
- Jeremy Sewell, Citywide Home Mortgage
- Kristi Hensley, Coloramo Federal Credit Union
- Jacob Johnston, Hoskin Farina & Kampf, PC
- Gilberto Ramirez Macias, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
The success of the Mesa County Leadership Program would not have been possible without the employers who encouraged and supported participants throughout the program, recognizing that investing in leadership development strengthens not only their organizations but our entire community.
We are also grateful to the alumni, volunteers, presenters, and community partners who make each class experience possible.
Special thanks to our 2026 sponsors for their continued commitment to cultivating the next generation of Mesa County leaders:
Title Sponsors: Climb Credit Union and Highline Internet
Featured Sponsors: Munro Supply, Inc. and The Trophy Case
Congratulations again to the Mesa County Leadership Program Class of 2026. The relationships built over the last 10 months are only the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the many ways this class will continue to lead, serve, and create a lasting impact across Mesa County.