Member Portal

Back to News

Celebrating CO's Leaders & Businesses

How do you define leadership? No matter what’s in your definition, we have incredible leaders in our community. And whether they exhibit leadership through their individual actions or their organization’s success, they are stepping up and making a difference. Here are a few that will knock your socks off – and you have a role […]

Download PDF

How do you define leadership? No matter what’s in your definition, we have incredible leaders in our community. And whether they exhibit leadership through their individual actions or their organization’s success, they are stepping up and making a difference. Here are a few that will knock your socks off – and you have a role in helping us honor one of those leaders this year:

Each year we recognize outstanding individuals through the 9NEWS Leader of the Year Award, a partnership between our Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundationand 9NEWS. We are again asking you, our investors, to help select the 9NEWS Leader of the Year along with Leadership Foundation alumni and B:CIVIC members.

The finalists are:

  • Luis Benitez, vice president of government affairs and global impact for VF Corporation
  • Jerome Davis, regional vice president of Xcel Energy – Colorado
  • Tasha Jones, senior director of marketing and community relations for Brookfield Properties

You’ve got your work cut out for you in making this tough decision. Luis has brought the same tenacity to conquering Everest six (yes, six) times to advocating on behalf of the outdoors, as the state’s first director of the Outdoor Recreation Industry and today with VF Corporation. Jerome is incredibly collaborative, and he has created a big impact by bringing the community together for Xcel’s Day of Service. As a mentor and connector, Tasha empowers others, particularly young women, to reach their goals and honor their voice, all while ensuring Brookfield Properties is successful in Colorado.

Get to know each of the finalists and be sure to cast your vote by March 9.

You won’t want to miss hearing who you all selected as the 2020 9NEWS Leader of the Year. Get your table or tickets to Leading Colorado to see the winner named live March 12.

We’re also recognizing organizations who are making an impact with our 2020 Business Awards, presented by BOK Financial. Our finalists are:

These organizations not only create great jobs but they and their teams are shaping our future. We love a good surprise, so join us and emcee Reggie Rivers on April 24 at Infinity Park to hear the winners named live.

Kelly Brough is the president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber.

Related Resources

View More Chamber in the News

View All Resources
The dome of Colorado State Capitol against cityscape and sunset

Colorado Space Coalition Supports NDAA Industry Provisions, Urges SBIR/STTR Renewal

The Colorado Space Coalition of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to rapidly pass a FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that retains the key aerospace and defense industry support included in the conferenced bill text released on December 7, 2025. The Coalition highlights the bill’s critical support for America’s aerospace and defense […]

Leading With Purpose: Reflections from Dianne Myles, Leadership Foundation Board Member, Leadership Denver Class '21, Leadership Exchange Program '25

What has been a defining moment in your leadership journey, and how did it shape you? A defining moment for me was when I decided to stop hiding all parts of me. My story, my light, the very things that make me, me. Becoming a mother at a young age, and realizing my experiences were […]

Leading With Purpose: Reflections from John Farnam, 9NEWS Leader of the Year for 2024, Leadership Denver Class of '25, Leadership Exchange Class of '25

What has been a defining moment in your leadership journey, and how did it shape you? A truly defining moment in my leadership journey occurred when I was in my late 20s. I was the Executive Director of the Northern Colorado AIDS Project at the time. The then mayor of Fort Collins nominated me for […]

Leading With Purpose: Reflections from Alejandra Nieland Zavala, Leadership Fellows Class of Impact Denver '25

What has been a defining moment in your leadership journey, and how did it shape you? When I took my first leadership role at 25, I became the Principal for the Education Department at a Southwest Key Program shelter for unaccompanied minors. It was a huge responsibility that I loved and cared deeply about, but […]
downloadmagnifiercrossmenuchevron-downarrow-leftarrow-rightcross-circle