November 5, 2025
In 2025, the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) embarked on a statewide listening tour, convening the 2025 Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits. Between February and July, nearly 500 partners including employers, educators, and community leaders gathered to address Colorado’s most pressing workforce challenges and opportunities. We extend our sincere gratitude to every participant who dedicated their time and expertise to this critical conversation.
The invaluable input gathered from these sessions has directly informed the development of seven distinct Regional Tactical Workforce Plans.
Learn more about the key themes that emerged from the Summits by Industry.
The Power of Convening: Voices from Across the State
The impact of these summits is already being felt by leaders who are turning conversation into tangible collaboration. The events served as a powerful catalyst for building partnerships and aligning regional priorities.
“Participating in the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits has been invaluable for me and our company, Manufacturer’s Edge. These gatherings created a unique space to learn directly from industry, education, and community leaders; while also allowing us to share the real-world lessons we hear every day from manufacturers. The exchange of best practices and insights strengthens the partnerships we need to build a stronger workforce and a more competitive manufacturing sector.”
– Rob Newbold, Vice President of Client Success, Manufacturer’s Edge
“The Regional Talent Summit proved to be more than just a conversation—it was a catalyst. The connections made and the strategies discussed have already translated into real action, from employers aligning on shared workforce priorities to new partnerships being built across the region. We’re seeing momentum that is not only addressing immediate needs but shaping long-term solutions that will strengthen our businesses and our communities for years to come.”
– Candace Carnahan, President & CEO, Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
What's Next: Introducing the Regional Action Committees
Building on this momentum, the CWDC and OEDIT are excited to announce the official transition from convening to action with the launch of seven Regional Action Committees (RACs).
Led by Local Workforce Development Boards, these RACs are composed of dedicated leaders from business, education, economic development, and workforce sectors. Each committee is committed to a collaborative approach, driving the implementation of the Tactical Workforce Plans to address the critical needs of their region.
Between now and the end of October 2025, the RACs will engage employers and community partners to review and suggest final edits to the plans. The completed plans will be published in the annual Talent Pipeline Report, scheduled for release this December.
Action is Already Underway
This collaborative spirit is already evident, as several organizations are proactively launching initiatives based on the insights from the summits:
- ColoradoThrives, an employer-led organization committed to driving economic mobility, has launched a Career Exposure Campaign to highlight opportunities for employers to showcase quality career paths to the next generation of talent.
- Leaders from all seven regions are currently engaged in the Colorado Talent Academy, hosted by Colorado Succeeds, to develop advanced skills and accelerate scalable talent solutions within their local communities.
This proactive work is a testament to the commitment of our partners across the state. We are excited to support the RACs as they formalize these efforts and turn strategic plans into lasting impact for Colorado’s workers and employers.
Meet Your Regional Action Committees
Region 1: Northeast
Counties: Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld, Yuma
- Mark Johnston, Director Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
- Kelsey Baun, Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
- Tami Grant, Employment Services of Weld County
- Yvonne Meyers, Ft. Collins Chamber of Commerce
- Carol Salter, Weld County Director of Employment Services
To contact the Northeast Regional Action Committee, please contact Kelsey Baun at Kbaun@larimer.org.
Region 2: Denver
Counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson
- Kat Douglas, Tri-County Business and Workforce Center
- Tony Anderson, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
- Sash Easton, Arapahoe Douglas Works!
- Jodie Kammerzel, Adams County Workforce and Business Center
- Erin Jones, Workforce Boulder County
- Matt Wiggins, Boulder Chamber
- Kami Welch, Arvada Chamber of Commerce
- Rob Newbold, Manufacturer’s Edge
- Lisa Hough, Adams County Regional Economic Partnership
- Joe Rice, Lockheed Martin
To contact the Denver Regional Action Committee, please contact Kat Douglas at kdouglas@jeffco.us.
Region 3: Southern Region
Counties: Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo
- Tracy Gegelman, Industry and Engagement Lead, Colorado Rural Alliance
- Suzie Miller, Director, Colorado Rural Alliance
- Amy Stang, Business Engagement, Colorado Rural Alliance
- PJ Chenoweth, Baca County Economic Development Council of Colorado
- Leslie Mastrooianni, Southern Colorado Economic Development District
To contact the Southern Regional Action Committee, please contact Suzy Miller at suzie.miller@state.co.us.
Region 4: Western Region
Counties: Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Blanco, San Miguel
- Candace Carnahan, Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
- Heather Nara, Mesa County Workforce Center
- Carolyn Tucker, Colorado Rural Alliance
To contact the Western Regional Action Committee, please contact Candace Carnahan at candace@gjchamber.org.
Region 5: South Central Region
Counties: Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan
- Patrick Garrett, Colorado Rural Alliance
- Ashley Maestas, Pathways Director, The Attainment Network
- Suzie Miller, Director, Colorado Rural Alliance
- Amy Stang, Business Engagement, Colorado Rural Alliance
To contact the South Central Regional Action Committee, please contact Patrick Garrett at Patrick.garrett@state.co.us.
Region 6: Northwest Region
Counties: Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Pitkin, Summit, Routt, Park
- Chris Romer, President, Vail Valley Partnership
- Carolyn Tucker, Colorado Rural Alliance
- Sarah Leonard, Director, Steamboat Chamber
- Amy Stang, Business Engagement, Colorado Rural Alliance
To contact the Northwestern Regional Action Committee, please contact Amy Stang at amyk.stang@state.co.us.
Region 7: Pikes Peak Region
Counties: El Paso, Teller
- Zach Barker, President, Startup Support Center
- Debbie Miller, President, Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce
- Allison Cortez, Chief of Staff Pikes Peak State College
- Tamara Moore, CEO Relevel LLC
- Traci Marques, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
To contact the Pikes Peak Regional Action Committee, please contact Traci Marques at tracimarques@elpasoco.com.