2024 General Session Keynote Speakers
Frank Kenny
Wednesday, October 2nd at 2:15 pm
Thursday, October 3rd at 8:15 am
Frank Kenny is a successful entrepreneur, former chamber board member, elected board chair, and chamber President/CEO.
He now coaches and consults with chamber and economic development professionals, trains staff and board members, and speaks professionally.
He has worked with hundreds of chambers and related entities over the past 14 years doing strategic planning, board retreats, and orientations.
While with his chamber, Frank was appointed to the executive committee of his state’s chamber of commerce and the board of his state’s chamber professional’s association.
He is a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executive’s Academy program. He has a degree in finance and an MBA.
Frank serves on the faculty of the Institute for Organization Management. He is the author of three books and founder of the Chamber Focus Show and the 11,500 member Chamber Professionals Community
Frank and Norma travel in their RV going from chamber to chamber, state to state. They have been on the road full-time for the past 10 years
Jonathan Liebert
Wednesday, October 2nd 3:30 p.m.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade
Thursday, October 3rd at 8:00 am
Blessing ‘Yemi’ Mobolade is the Mayor of Colorado Springs. He is the first Black man and immigrant to be elected mayor of Colorado Springs and one of the youngest.
Monique Thierry
Thursday, October 3rd at 2:15 pm
Monique Thierry is vice president of the Congressional and Public Affairs Southwest-South Central Regional office, which represents eight states. She leads the region’s efforts in developing and implementing a strategic agenda to strengthen operational initiatives and relationships with elected officials, chambers of commerce, member businesses, and associations.
Thierry collaborates with diverse communities within the region to cultivate long-term solutions. Accordingly, she works with entities, member organizations, and elected officials on pivotal policies and programs that are relevant to local and national solutions. This requires her to develop and maintain legislative, political, and grassroots resources that advance the U.S. Chamber’s public policy goals.
Read full bio, click here.
Loren Furman
Thursday, October 3rd at 2:15 pm
Loren is the President & CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Prior to becoming President, she served as the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of State & Federal Relations since 2008 and led the Chamber’s engagement on all State and Federal governmental issues that affect businesses statewide.
Loren moved to Colorado in 2005 from Florida where she worked in Florida politics for many years. In 2005, Loren served as the Legislative Director for the CO Department of Personnel & Administration and worked with the Governor’s Office and Legislature on state workforce issues. Prior to that time, Loren worked for the lobbying firm of Floridian Partners and lobbied many business and local government legislative and regulatory interests ranging from insurance, public safety, telecommunications, IT, business regulation and tort reform. Prior to that role, Loren worked as a Policy Analyst in the Majority Office of the Florida House of Representatives and worked closely with legislators to achieve House leadership priorities.
Brigadier General Kristin E. Goodwin
Thursday, October 3rd at 3:30pm
Kristin Goodwin never set out to be a trailblazer – she was simply following her passion for flying and leadership. Yet as she soared through the ranks of the United States Air Force, she found herself breaking barriers and redefining the art of possible. Now a retired Brigadier General, Kristin brings the same determination and heart to her role as an author, executive coach, and transformational leadership strategist.
Kristin's leadership philosophy was forged in the cockpit of the B-2 Stealth Bomber and the corridors of the Pentagon. She believes that great leaders are made, not born, and that the key to success lies in authenticity, resilience, and a willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks.
In “R.I.Z.E.: Breakthrough Isolation to Excellence” Kristin draws from her vast experience to unveil four keys for life and leadership. With warmth, humor, and hard-won wisdom, she invites you to join her on a journey of self-discovery and growth, both professionally and personally.
John Register
Friday, October 4th at 8:00 am
John Register failed to clear a hurdle as he trained for the Olympic Games—a move that led to a tragic accident and altered his life forever. He shifted his focus and embraced a “new normal mindset.” The decorated Persian Gulf War combat U.S. Army veteran world champion became a two-time Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, professional speaker, and global influencer. Register “amputated his fears” and founded the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Sports Program. He authored 10 Stories to Impact Any Leader: Journal Your Way to Leadership Success in Spring 2020 and works with business leaders to hurdle adversity, amputate fear, and embrace a new normal mindset to win life's medals. The artificial leg he used to win the silver medal is displayed in the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jim Johnson
Thursday, October 4th at 9:15 am
Jim Johnson, CCE, IOM, a proud native Texan, has over 14 years of experience in chamber leadership, both as a staff member and volunteer for state and national associations. He currently serves as President/CEO of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, leading it to earn the 2023 National Chamber of the Year award. Jim has held key roles in various chambers across Texas and speaks to organizations on creating ethical boards and strategic planning. Jim geeks out of using data to create a data-driven approach to decision-making. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son.
Dale Wilsher
Friday, October 4th at 10:30am
Dale Wilsher is an executive leadership coach, personal development expert, and faculty member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, known for her deep understanding of personality dynamics, authenticity, and mental resilience. As a certified
DISC trainer and the author of an acclaimed book on personality, Dale's expertise empowers individuals and organizations to use their purpose to reach their full potential. She has a robust background in sales and science, holds accreditations by the International Coach Federation and National Career Development Association. Dale is a member of both the National Speakers Association and the Forbes Coaches Council. From her hometown of Boulder, Colorado, she is committed to helping others make the most of their time and talent.s
Breakout Sessions & Announcements
Ed Sealover
Scott Laband
Ed Sealover
Thursday, October 3rd 10:45 pm Building Colorado’s Workforce: Chambers as a Resource & Resources for Chambers
Ed Sealover, the Colorado Chamber's VP Strategic Initiatives and Editor, The Sum & Substance will give a preview of initiatives coming out of a coalition of business groups and NGOs led by the state chamber.
Kami Welch
Scott Laband
Ed Sealover
Thursday, October 3rd 10:45 pm Building Colorado’s Workforce: Chambers as a Resource & Resources for Chambers
Kami is the President & CEO of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce
Scott Laband
Scott Laband
Candace Carnahan
Thursday, October 3rd 10:45 pm Building Colorado’s Workforce: Chambers as a Resource & Resources for Chambers
Scott Laband is an experienced leader on a mission to make Colorado the best place in America to raise a child and grow a business. As the President of Colorado Succeeds, Scott works to unite business leaders committed to enhancing the state’s education system.
Candace Carnahan
Candace Carnahan
Candace Carnahan
Thursday, October 3rd 10:45 pm Building Colorado’s Workforce: Chambers as a Resource & Resources for Chambers
Candace Carnahan is President & CEO of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
Glenn Hard
Candace Carnahan
T.J. Sullivan
Thursday, October 3rd 10:45 pm Building Colorado’s Workforce: Chambers as a Resource & Resources for Chambers
Glenn directs Careers in Construction and provides staff support to the Workforce Development Council and its subcommittees and works directly with educators (CTE Directors, teachers) to ensure their program needs are met and appropriate industry support is provided.
T.J. Sullivan
Candace Carnahan
T.J. Sullivan
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session: Nurturing and Retaining Sponsor Relationships
T.J. Sullivan has been the President & CEO of the Parker Chamber of Commerce and Foundation since 2021. He is a past CCA board member and annual conference chair, and he received the organization’s “CEO of the Year” recognition in 2020.
Joe Aldaz
Molly Kostka
Rene Simard
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session for Leadership Programs: Engaging & Advancing The Next Generation of Business Leaders
Joe Aldaz is a seasoned nonprofit executive with an impressive track record spanning over two decades. Notably, his leadership has been pivotal in transforming the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber from a st
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session for Leadership Programs: Engaging & Advancing The Next Generation of Business Leaders
Joe Aldaz is a seasoned nonprofit executive with an impressive track record spanning over two decades. Notably, his leadership has been pivotal in transforming the Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber from a struggling entity into a highly influential and nationally recognized organization.
Rene Simard
Molly Kostka
Rene Simard
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session for Leadership Programs: Engaging & Advancing The Next Generation of Business Leaders
Rene is the Chief Operating Officer for the Aurora Colorado Chamber of Commerce. He assists the President & Chief Executive Officer in managing and overseeing personnel and programs to ensure the execution o
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session for Leadership Programs: Engaging & Advancing The Next Generation of Business Leaders
Rene is the Chief Operating Officer for the Aurora Colorado Chamber of Commerce. He assists the President & Chief Executive Officer in managing and overseeing personnel and programs to ensure the execution of day-to-day operations and implements strategies to meet the goals and objectives of The Chamber.
Molly Kostka
Molly Kostka
Molly Kostka
Thursday, October 3rd 1:00 pm Break Out Session forLeadership Programs: Engaging & Advancing The Next Generation of Business Leaders
Molly is the Program Manger for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Leadership Colorado Program. Participants learn about policy issues impacting their business and community while developing a working understanding of business advocacy.