Leveraging Local Leaders (L3), a program dedicated to recruiting and training a diverse group of pragmatic leaders for civic involvement is proud to announce its inaugural Central Rockies cohort beginning January 10, 2025. Fifteen civically minded local leaders were selected to take part in the cohort which will run through June 2025. The L3 program teaches participants about the fundamentals of campaigning, civic and governmental processes, community and policy issues, and the essentials of good governance. This is L3’s first chapter outside its founding chapter Northern Colorado in 2021 through a collaboration with The Vail Valley Partnership, the Summit County, and the Glenwood Springs Chambers of Commerce.

The Inaugural Central Rockies Leveraging Local Leaders Class of 2025:

• Mark Bergman
• Katie Coakley
• Katherine Coe
• Sofia Fecchino
• Estefania Godoy
• Ian Grask
• Tony Martinez
• Cameron Morgan
• Andie Noakes
• Liz Qualman
• Rick Sudekum
• Melina Valsecia-Monreal
• Thomas Walsh
• Sarah Windholz

“Local governments are the foundation of our communities and the bench for higher office. We’re excited to collaborate with L3 as it provides a nonpartisan platform for leaders who want to make a positive impact in Eagle County and the Central Mountain Region,” said Chris Romer, President/CEO of the Vail Valley Partnership.

“We are grateful to Chris for his leadership and seeing the vision for L3. The 15 students who will comprise the inaugural class are as diverse as we have ever had. We are excited to start on January 10 and looking forward to working with future leaders in the Central Rockies,” said Tom Lucero, L3 co-founder.

About Leveraging Local Leaders (L3)

Founded in 2021, Leveraging Local Leaders (L3) seeks to identify and recruit a diverse and promising group of leaders to run for office or otherwise engage meaningfully in civics. We provide expert training and mentorship on campaigning, public policy issues, the processes of government, and the fundamentals of good governance to ensure prepare the next generation of leaders to run and govern well.

The six-month program meets one day monthly. L3 is open to candidates of any political affiliation who are committed to collaborative pragmatic solutions through the pursuit of understanding, adhesion to civil discourse, and dedication to shared goals in service to their communities. To date, L3 has trained 38 people in four cohorts between 2021 and 2024. Numerous graduates are in the pipeline to run for office, with five having been elected and four having led successful citizen initiatives. Visit leveraginglocalleaders.com for more information.

About Vail Valley Partnership

Vail Valley Partnership, a 501c(6) nonprofit organization, has been engaged in the community from the early days of Vail, starting in 1964 as the Vail Resort Association.

Vail Valley Partnership is the regional community development organization, dedicated to the economic vitality of the Vail Valley. We support local businesses. We unite key stakeholders. We lead collaborative efforts throughout the community.