2026 Session Speakers

Thursday, October 1st and Friday, October 2nd

Lauren Schwartz is Vice President of Partnerships and Community Engagement for the Colorado Chamber and Executive Director of the Colorado Chamber Alliance. Her role is to ensure that Chamber members and the community are fully engaged in the Chamber’s mission to build a healthy business climate for Colorado by sharing business perspectives, priorities and concerns, providing feedback on policies that will affect business in Colorado, having opportunities to engage with lawmakers and key influencers, and ensuring that the voice of the business community is heard at the state capitol and beyond. As executive director of the Colorado Chamber Alliance, she works with more than 80 local chambers of commerce throughout Colorado to provide professional development opportunities to chamber professionals and to build coalitions of business groups that augment and enhance the advocacy efforts of local chambers and the Colorado Chamber–giving a voice to businesses throughout the state. 

Outside of work, Lauren volunteers her time with organizations that have special meaning to her. She is past president of the board of directors for the Susan G. Komen Colorado breast cancer foundation, and past-president and current board member for the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation.

Lauren is happiest when spending time with family and friends and doing just about anything in the great outdoors. She is married with three grown step-kids and a Bernedoodle named Banks. She’s a 14er finisher, art and music lover, yoga and mountain sports enthusiast and an audiobooks aficionado.

Lauren is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (BA/BFA) and the University of Denver (MA).

Thursday, October 1st and Friday, October 2nd

Candace Carnahan is President and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and vice-chair of the Colorado Chamber Alliance. Candace has worked in the chamber world for more than 10 years—first as events and program manager, and now as president and CEO of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce. After spending fifteen years building her career elsewhere, Candace returned to her hometown of Grand Junction—the largest community between Salt Lake City and Denver. The region operates within a unique ecosystem, with one school district and a shared employer pool, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Under her leadership, the Grand Junction Area Chamber focuses on strengthening the local business community and advancing workforce development.  

Thursday, October 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Wendy J. Laros is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit member organization that exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. Prior to joining the chamber staff in 2016, Ms. Laros was an active volunteer in the organization and chaired the Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Thursday, October 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Abby Ault is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Innovate Work Consulting, a Northern Colorado firm specializing in workforce development, strategic facilitation, and talent pipeline program capacity building. She brings more than fifteen years of experience helping employers, educators, and workforce partners build systems that connect people to good jobs and connect businesses to the talent they need.

Abby's career spans national and Colorado-based workforce initiatives. She previously served as a Project Deputy Director and Senior Technical Assistance Consultant at the American Institutes for Research, leading work on a U.S. Department of Labor contract, and has held senior roles supporting Colorado's workforce ecosystem. She is an experienced facilitator of sector partnership and Talent Pipeline Management strategies and holds an Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner credential. In addition to workforce systems development, Abby helps organizations build stronger talent strategies and more effective teams.

Thursday, October 1st at 10:30 a.m.

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 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Ed Sealover spent 28 years reporting for newspapers including the Denver Business Journal and Rocky Mountain News. He received 140 state, regional and national awards, including being honored as 2020 Colorado Journalist of the Year by the state chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He is the editor of The Sum & Substance and also serves as vice president of strategic initiatives for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday, October 1st at 10:30 a.m.

Ann Hutchison, CAE, became President & CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce on January 1, 2021. She started with the Chamber in 2003 as Policy Committee Coordinator and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2005. Before moving into the CEO role, Hutchison directly managed the communications and event departments, assisted in the day-to-day operation of the Chamber and managed issues and political advocacy as well as the Chamber’s Leadership Fort Collins and Leadership Northern Colorado programs.  Ann is responsible for the future vision and strategic direction of the organization while managing the staff team and the day to day operations of the Fort Collins Area Chamber. She has been a key community leader in advancing a business friendly policy agenda while building community through business.

Thursday, October 1st at 11:45 a.m.

Terri Hayes is the CCA Board President and 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 1st at 12:00 p.m.

Morgan Vankat is the State Public Affairs Manager - Colorado at the American Petroleum Institute. She is a public policy professional and Master of Public Administration graduate,  passionate about supporting communities/local governments, advancing practical policy solutions, and building genuine, honest relationships. Morgan exploring and being involved in her community, playing volleyball, and traveling the world.

Thursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m.

As the President/CEO of Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP), Lisa oversees the operation and management of the organization that aims to create a prosperous and sustainable Greater Adams County region. She has more than 25 years of experience in directing strategic initiatives and programs that enhance and enrich the business climate in Colorado and beyond.

Lisa has a strong background in representing and advocating for highly regulated industries, such as investment services, resources, and energy, at various levels of government and with the community. She earned her JD from the University of Denver, with a focus on energy, environment, and natural resources law.  She recently was elected to the Board of Directors - Central District - for United Power, Inc.

Thursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m.

Jeff Thormodsgaard is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. Thormodsgaard has more than 15 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and strategic advocacy, making him a dynamic addition to the organization.

Throughout his career, Thormodsgaard has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the legislative process, working closely with local, state, and federal officials to drive meaningful policy changes.

Most recently, he served as a partner at Michael Best Strategies in Denver, where he advanced the business objectives of 35 clients through constructive government engagement. He coordinated and monitored government relations activity while tracking and implementing proactive strategies, ensuring success across a wide array of industries.

Thormodsgaard founded Precision Policy Group in 2015 where he successfully guided advocacy efforts and championed more than 200 policies, emphasizing collaboration and civic improvement.

A former partner at Mendez Consulting, Thormodsgaard worked with 60 clients over the course of nearly a decade, beginning in 2006, providing lobbying, strategy, political action and analysis services. He also worked with elected officials to enhance constituent services, managing inquiries and feedback to strengthen community engagement.

In recognition of his professional achievements, Thormodsgaard was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2018.

A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Thormodsgaard holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and constitutional law.

Thursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m.

With over two decades of professional experience in city planning, economic development, and chamber work, Josh is a recognized leader in the business and community development landscape of San Luis Obispo County. As a native of the region, Josh's roots run deep, and his dedication to its prosperity is evident.

Josh embarked on his career with a focus on urban design and city planning, leaving a lasting mark on projects across the state. For nearly 18 years, he played an integral role at RRM Design Group, shaping policies for general plan elements, community plans, specific plans, master plans, trail plans, design guidelines, and entitlement processing projects.

Later, Josh brought his wealth of expertise to the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, taking on the role of Director of Economic Development. Here, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at nurturing business growth, retention, and attraction within the community.

In 2020, Josh assumed the position of CEO at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, where he continues to be a driving force behind the region's economic success. Under his leadership, the Chamber has experienced remarkable growth, with membership doubling and the annual budget tripling during his first two years at the helm. Josh and his team also expanded a popular co-working space, launched impactful services for small businesses including the Get Your Business Online program, Workforce Development Services, and Family Friendly Workplaces. These outstanding achievements earned him the prestigious WACE Rusty Hammer award.

Beyond his role at the Chamber, Josh is an active contributor to various community-centric organizations. He serves on the SLO County Workforce Development Board, the Central Coast Zoo Foundation, WACE Board, and WACE Executive Committee, showcasing his deep-seated dedication to the betterment of the region and chamber profession.

ThThursday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m.

Patrick Ellis has been in the Chamber industry since 2007, starting as the President/CEO of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce in Ventura County. After producing many measurable improvements under the dynamic shifting conditions in a downturn market, Patrick moved on to the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce as the President/CEO in 2012. Patrick utilizes his boundless energy, great enthusiasm, strong leadership, and unmistakable trademark laugh to motivate his staff, where together they have revitalized the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce.

In 2017, Patrick led the merger of the Murrieta Chamber and the Wildomar Chamber into the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Patrick is extremely active with the Southwest California Legislative Council, a coalition of 5 chambers to address Federal, State and County legislative

issues.

Patrick has completed the Western Association of Chamber Executives Academy, a three-year training

program for the new era of Chamber Management and has served on the W.A.C.E. Conference Committee numerous times. Patrick was recognized with the designation of Accredited Chamber Executive in 2020 for his dedication to upgrade his organization management skills and continued commitment to professional development.

Patrick was born and raised in Alhambra, California, he is First Generation Irish/American. He and his wife Caryn, have two children, Liam and Brenna who love the fact they get to call Murrieta, home.

Thursday, October 1st at 2:15 p.m.

Zeb Welborn, IOM, CCE, ACE, is President & CEO of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce in Southern California, where he has helped transform the organization into one of the region’s leading business and community organizations.

Under his leadership, the Chamber has grown its budget from approximately $150,000 to more than $1 million, expanded its team, launched innovative workforce and leadership programs, and secured more than $2 million to support entrepreneurship and economic development.

Named W.A.C.E. Executive of the Year in 2023, Zeb is passionate about helping chamber professionals work smarter, build stronger organizations, and use technology and AI to dramatically expand what small teams can accomplish.

Thursday, October 1st at 2:15 p.m.

Dave Tabor is a Fundraising Consultant to Chamber & Association Leaders and former Executive Vice President, Business Partnerships at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. In Dave's role, his responsibilities included establishing and maintaining partnerships with key Colorado business leaders, board development, leading the membership team, the Chair’s Roundtable, and engaging Colorado businesses in advocating for Colorado’s economic prosperity.

Dave is a past Board member and President of the Board of the Association of State Chamber Professionals, and served 6 years on the Board of the Colorado Mountain Club.

As an avocation since 2017, Dave hosts the ProCO360 podcast featuring world-class entrepreneurs who could be successful anywhere, and choose Colorado. ProCO360 was named “Best Colorado Business Podcast” in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Many Colorado Chamber members have been featured including the leaders of Ball Corporation, Jake Jabs of American Furniture Warehouse, and several Colorado unicorn CEOs.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Dave started, grew and then sold, Tabor Interactive, which created internet and multimedia products for major corporations in the U.S. and abroad. Dave’s career began in the cable television industry working for industry pioneer Bill Daniels.

Dave earned a business degree from Drake University, and an MBA from the University of Colorado. He is a former college and Denver Broncos mascot. Dave lives in Littleton with his wife Cheryl. Their two sons are both CU Buffs!

Thursday, October 1st at 2:15 p.m.

Steffanie Clothier serves as Director of School Readiness on the Philanthropy team at Gary Community Ventures. She develops and manages investments and solutions strategies to promote school readiness in areas such as healthy births, children’s early skills and family support, and a portfolio around early learning focused on preschool and child care. 

Steff’s career spans a variety of social change strategies including philanthropy, innovation, state policy, national policy efforts, student and community organizing, and campaigns covering issues including early childhood, poverty and welfare reform, and environmental issues. She’s happiest thinking of new ideas with diverse thinkers and bringing them to life. 

Prior to joining Gary, she was Senior Policy Director for the Alliance for Early Success, providing strategic support to state and national organizations. For nearly a decade, Steff led early care and education initiatives with state legislatures as Program Director with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). She led legislative efforts on welfare reform in the late 90s and early 2000s and prior to that was part of the founding team of Green Corps, the field school for environmental organizing. Her hobbies include spending time with trees, hiking, paddleboarding, tennis and getting out into nature in her VW camper.

Thursday, October 1st at 2:15 p.m.

Kayla Klein is a communications strategist, partnership builder, and advocate with a passion for helping communities tackle complex challenges through collaboration and innovative solutions. As the founder and CEO of KVG Consulting, a public relations and branding firm, she has led strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and coalition-building efforts across multiple states, with a particular focus on early childhood education, workforce development, and community impact initiatives.

Throughout her career, Kayla has worked alongside nonprofits, businesses, chambers of commerce, foundations, and public-sector leaders to build partnerships, strengthen public engagement, and advance meaningful change. Her experience spans nonprofit leadership, public policy, communications, and economic development, giving her a unique ability to connect diverse stakeholders around shared goals.

Kayla also served 2-terms as a City Commissioner and has held leadership roles on numerous local and statewide boards and committees. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and Psychology and remains deeply committed to strengthening the communities she serves.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Matt, and their two sons, Desmond and Lincoln.

Wednesday, September 30th and Thursday, October 1st

Lauren Stellman serves as the Events Manager at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and State Program Director of the National Civics Bee in Colorado. In her role, Lauren is responsible for providing support for the Chamber's signature events, assisting with the Colorado Chamber Alliance,  and overseeing the Colorado Chamber Foundation's civics programming. 

With a strong passion for mission-driven work, Lauren brings experience in community engagement, event coordination, and project management with roles at the Craig Chamber of Commerce, Steamboat Institute, and Leadership Program of the Rockies. Her work helps fuel her commitment to the spirit of free enterprise and enthusiasm for civic education.

A graduate of Colorado Christian University, Lauren obtained her bachelor’s in marketing with University Honors in 2024. She previously studied economics at the Colorado School of Mines, where she was a recipient of the First-Year Innovation & Research Scholar Training Fellowship. 

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys playing pickleball, exploring the great outdoors, and chasing the stunning sunsets of the Centennial State. She makes her home in northwest Colorado with her daughter.