2025 General Session Speakers

Wednesday, October 1st, 2:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremony & Welcome

Scott Cook is the CEO of the Longmont Chamber of Commerce, a position he’s held for 8 years of 18 years with the organization. Under his leadership, the Chamber has focused on business development, expanded events and advocacy, and a full building renovation in 2023. 

Before his time at the Chamber, Scott worked as a Senate staffer in Washington, D.C., and ran a family-owned recycling business in Chicago. Originally from California, Scott grew up in Longmont after his family relocated to Colorado when his father’s job with United Airlines brought them here.

Scott is in involved in the community in a variety of ways such as a Board member for the Longmont Symphony Orchestra and participating in the St. Vrain Valley School District’s bond campaign committee. He enjoys spending time with his family, being an uncle and volunteering with his church. He loves to travel and his favorite place is the place he hasn’t discovered yet. An early morning gym rat, he also competes in physique competitions.

Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 a.m.

Turning New Members into Intentional Investors Breakout Session

Lauren "Lo" Leeman is the Director of Investor Relations at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, bringing over fifteen years of experience in membership growth, member engagement, and strategic fundraising. She leads efforts to ensure businesses gain maximum value from their Chamber investment, fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen Colorado’s business climate. Before joining the Chamber, Lo advanced member engagement nationally with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where she focused on strengthening policy engagement and expanding Board participation. Her expertise in building relationships and driving organizational impact positions her as a trusted advocate for Colorado businesses and a leader in investor relations.

Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 a.m.

From Sundance to Peaches: Tourism’s Role in Shaping Colorado Communities 

Breakout Session

T.J. Sullivan is the President & CEO of the Parker Chamber of Commerce & Foundation since 2021. Previously, he served in the same capacity for the Superior Chamber. He received the CCA’s 2020 Chamber Executive of the Year award, and he frequently assists chambers throughout the state on board development and goal setting. He is a graduate of the WACE Academy program and now serves on the Academy faculty. He lives in Denver.

Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 a.m. and Friday, October 3rd, 8:00 a.m.

From Sundance to Peaches: Tourism’s Role in Shaping Colorado Communities 

Breakout Session

As President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, John is honored to lead the organization that serves as Boulder’s unified voice for business interests, advances the community’s economic vitality, and provides valuable business support services. Prior to joining the Boulder Chamber in 2012, John was Public Affairs and Communications Director for the pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Roche Colorado Corporation, and Policy Development Director in the Boulder City Manager’s Office. John also spent six years as the Boulder area’s elected representative to the Regional Transportation District. A native of Brookline, Massachusetts, John earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, spent a couple of years working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and moved to Boulder 35 years ago to earn a law degree from the University of Colorado. He now resides in South Boulder with his wife, Molly, and enjoys playing in the outdoors, accessing local cultural attractions and generally loves his community.  

Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 a.m.

From Sundance to Peaches: Tourism’s Role in Shaping Colorado Communities 

Breakout Session

Jessica Burford is the President & CEO of the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, where she leads with a focus on growing the local economy through innovative programs, events, and strategic partnerships. Passionate about preserving Palisade’s agricultural heritage, she is committed to helping growers protect land and water resources while planning for long-term succession and sustainability. Her diverse background in advocacy, hospitality, and 13 years in B2B sales gives her a practical, creative approach to building thriving communities.

When she’s not championing peaches, wine, and local business vitality, Jessica enjoys hiking, camping, SXS adventures, cooking, and exploring craft brews and wineries with friends. She’s also a mom of two boys—who ensure her negotiation skills are tested daily and remind her that leadership lessons often come at the dinner table.

Thursday, October 2nd, 10:30 a.m.

From Sundance to Peaches: Tourism’s Role in Shaping Colorado Communities 

Breakout Session

Rich Millard is the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance (RGCA) President & CEO and RGCA Foundation Executive Director.  He spent the 30+ years working in the tourism and event industry, mainly in the Southwest Colorado area around Durango. He relocated to Cañon City, Colorado in 2017, and Rich began to realize the important role that a highly functioning chamber of commerce can play, especially in a smaller community.

He started with the Cañon City Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director in September 2021, although brand new to the chamber world, he quickly found that his broad swath of life and career-related skills would serve him well. With the board’s enthusiastic support, a complete top-to-bottom organizational refresh was commenced, and over the next year the regionally focused Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance (RGCA) sprung to life.

He is very passionate about supporting and growing the business community across the Royal Gorge Region.

Thursday, October 2nd, 2:15 p.m. 

Breakout Session - Large Chamber Roundtable

Chris Romer is the President & CEO of the Vail Valley Partnership (VVP), where he oversees general administration of their daily operations and works with local & regional stakeholders to advocate on behalf of the Vail Valley as a tourism destination and community. He is also responsible for the annual strategic plan for the organization and represents the Vail Valley on a variety of local and regional volunteer boards.

Chris can often be found at special events & concerts or enjoying the many recreational opportunities in the Vail Valley.

Thursday, October 2nd, 2:15 p.m. 

Breakout Session - Mid-sized Chamber Roundtable

Terri Hayes is the President & CEO of the Tri-Lakes   Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, and Visitor Center,   serving Northern El Paso County and Larkspur. She has held this position for   14 years and is deeply committed to her community. Terri lives in downtown   Monument with her rescue dog, Sebastian, and enjoys walking to local shops/restaurants,   seeing business owners at the grocery store, and getting friendly honks when   she walks her dog. 

Besides being active supporting local businesses in the   Tri-Lake area, Terri works very closely with the Towns of Monument and Palmer   Lake, El Paso County, the school district, and non-profits. Under her   leadership, the Chamber has grown from 200 to 500+ members, moved to a 3,500   sq. ft. downtown location, and expanded its Visitor Center. Terri also   oversees the Tri-Lakes Economic Development Corporation and the Downtown   Monument Merchants Association. 

Before joining the Chamber, Terri owned 10 'til 2   Part-Time Staffing and held management and leadership roles in the financial   services and healthcare fields. A couple of her past lives have also included   being a volunteer firefighter/paramedic and a hotel interior designer.   Originally from Seattle, Terri lived in several western states and in England   before choosing Colorado as her home in 2007. She values community   connections and supports local businesses through her work.

Thursday, October 2nd, 2:15 p.m. 

Breakout Session - Small Chamber Roundtable

Over the past 18 years, Mary Jo has served as Executive Director at the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. Her journey to this role is marked by a diverse background, blending corporate experience with small business ownership.

Upon moving to Pagosa Springs, Mary Jo deepened her community connection through her engagement with organizations such as the Humane Society, Seeds of Learning, and United Way. She was a natural fit for the Chamber position, where she saw an opportunity to utilize her corporate and small business expertise to support Pagosa’s businesses and foster a sense of community connection.

Thursday, October 2nd, 3:30 p.m. 

Partner Remarks - Clearing a Path for All Students to Own Their Future

Danny McCormick is the Director, Project Manager, Strategic Reach & Workforce Partnerships at the College Board.  In his current role, Danny plays a critical role in the advancement of AP Career Kickstart partnerships across government, education, employer, and workforce development partners. Previously, Danny worked as the Director of Career Programs & Partnerships at Carmen Schools in Milwaukee, WI, leading the implementation of Career Readiness programs serving 2,300+ students. At Colorado Succeeds, Danny led the roll-out of the Colorado Roadmap to Work-Based Learning, collaborating with 200+ business, education, and government leaders to elevate employer, K12, and higher ed partnerships that enhance career readiness and pathways for students.

Friday, October 3rd, 8:00 a.m. 

Coffee & Conversation: All About Foundations with the Boulder Chamber

As a Colorado native, Jacqueline was thrilled to serve as the Chief Operations Officer at the Boulder Chamber.  While her business endeavors served businesses across the US and abroad, her goal is to dedicate her time to the community that has provided so much for her.

Jacqueline holds a board seat with the Society for Human Resources Management Mile High chapter, now serving as the Board Treasurer, and has earned the SHRM-SCP certification. Jacqueline also is an advocate for the professional and personal development of female executives. One way she advances goals in this area is through her seat on the board of the Exceptional Women Awardees Foundation and serving for over five years as a Mentor Liaison and Mentoring Supervisor.

Jacqueline has both a BS in Business and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Friday, October 3rd, 9:00 a.m. 

Partner Remarks - What You Need to Know about the Sundance Film Festival

Jeff Levine is a member of the leadership team of Sundance Institute where he serves as Head of Audience Development & Experience for the Sundance Film Festival’s relocation to Boulder, Colorado, in January 2027. Jeff’s focus is on developing new audiences, engaging local communities, overseeing ticketing operations, and collaborating on Festival experience design. Jeff has held senior roles in marketing, communications, and visitor experience during transformative periods at innovative arts organizations including The Shed, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.