DENVER — March 10, The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced the winners of the 2026 9NEWS Leaders of the Year at its annual Leading Colorado event, presented by Huntington Bank, recognizing three exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to Colorado’s civic, economic and community landscape.
The awards were given in three categories:
- 9NEWS Nonprofit Leader of the Year
- Carlos Fernández, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
- 9NEWS Public Sector Leader of the Year
- Dr. Angie Paccione, Former Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Higher Education
- 9NEWS For-Profit Leader of the Year
- Raju Patel, Former Commercial Banking Executive for Bank of America
“Each year, the 9NEWS Leaders of the Year remind us what leadership in Colorado truly looks like,” said Kristen Blessman, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and president of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. “Carlos Fernández, Raju Patel and Dr. Angie Paccione represent the best of Colorado — leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors solving tough challenges and creating economic empowerment for every Coloradan.”
The 9NEWS Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award recognizes executives who lead with purpose and deliver measurable impact while addressing complex challenges facing communities across the state. Carlos Fernández leads a team of more than 60 staff and a board of 22 trustees working to protect Colorado's lands, waters and climate. With more than two decades of experience at the organization, Fernández has helped guide major conservation initiatives including the creation of the Yampa River Fund, the establishment of Fishers Peak State Park and the development of innovative funding programs that advance conservation and climate resilience across the West. His leadership focuses on collaboration across communities, Tribal Nations and partners to ensure a sustainable future for Colorado’s natural landscapes.
“We believe that nature is truly common ground that unites us all,” said Fernández. “By working collaboratively with partners and communities, we can make a lasting difference for Colorado and beyond.”
The 9NEWS Public Sector Leader of the Year Award recognizes government leaders who elevate community voices and champion policies that improve quality of life for Coloradans. Dr. Angie Paccione has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity and activating the potential of others through education and leadership. A former educator, coach and state legislator, Paccione has helped advance innovative initiatives that make higher education more accessible and affordable, including scholarship programs supporting students experiencing foster care and homelessness, as well as credential pathways that help students translate their coursework into meaningful career opportunities. Her leadership continues to position Colorado as a national leader in connecting higher education with workforce and community needs.
“My passion and purpose is to activate potential in every interaction every day... that credo doesn’t have an expiration date,” said Dr. Paccione. “If you remember me, remember this. I didn’t change you. I awakened you, and you did all the rest.”
The 9NEWS For-Profit Leader of the Year Award honors executives and entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong business leadership alongside a deep commitment to Colorado’s economic and civic vitality. Raju Patel spent nearly four decades helping middle-market companies and institutions grow and thrive. Throughout his career, Patel built strong partnerships across the financial sector to deliver banking, credit and investment solutions to businesses across the region. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Patel has played an active leadership role in the community, serving on the boards of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Food Bank of the Rockies and the Denver Art Museum Foundation, and was recognized as a Denver Business Journal Most Admired CEO in 2021.
“America is approaching its 250th birthday, Colorado its 150th. My family, its 50th birthday of US citizenship all on this upcoming 4th of July,” said Patel. “This award is a reminder that when a nation welcomes those looking for opportunity... when a city like Denver chooses service over self, extraordinary things become possible. I’m living proof of that.”
The 9NEWS Leaders of the Year awards celebrate individuals whose leadership strengthens Colorado’s communities and inspires the next generation of civic engagement. Through their work across sectors, Fernández, Patel and Paccione exemplify the collaborative spirit and commitment to impact that defines leadership in Colorado.
Finalists for the awards include:
- 9NEWS Nonprofit Leader of the Year Finalist
- Elycia Cook, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado
- 9NEWS Public Sector Leader of the Year Finalist
- Al Gardner, Executive Director of Department of Public Safety and Deputy Mayor for the City and County of Denver
- 9NEWS For-Profit Leader of the Year Finalist
- Yevgenya Muchnik, Founding Partner for Launch Legal
Also celebrated at the Leading Colorado Luncheon, presented by Huntington Bank, was the Boettcher Student Leader of the Year, Derrick Downs, of Colorado State University Pueblo. Downs is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a minor in leadership. Downs, a U.S. Army veteran who served four years, including an 18-month deployment to Iraq, has transformed personal adversity into a story of leadership and service. After settling in Pueblo following his discharge from Fort Carson in 2007, Downs faced challenges including homelessness, addiction and incarceration before finding a new path through Veterans Treatment Court. Now four years in recovery, he serves as a Veteran Mentor and peer support specialist, helping fellow veterans navigate recovery and reintegration while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Sponsors for this event included presenting sponsor Huntington Bank; platinum sponsors DaVita, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Suncor; scholarship match fund sponsor Molson Coors Beverage Company; student leader of the year sponsor Boettcher Foundation; gold sponsor Intermountain Health; and media sponsor 9NEWS.
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.
