WESTMINSTER, Colo. — September 29, 2026 — The Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC- REP) is pleased to announce the LEAD Metro North Class of 2027, bringing together 21 community leaders representing businesses, local governments, education and non-profit organizations invested in the future of Adams County.

The new class reflects the diversity of industries and institutions driving the regional economy, with participants representing local government, healthcare, construction and engineering, energy, aerospace, financial services, education, media and community leadership.

“Adams County benefits when leaders understand not only their own organizations and industries, but how all the pieces of our regional economy connect,” said Lisa Hough, President & CEO of AC-REP. “LEAD Metro North creates opportunities for leaders to build relationships across sectors, gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping our communities and develop the skills to help move our region forward.”

LEAD Metro North is a nine-month business and community engagement program designed for individuals who want to better understand the industries, institutions and public-policy issues shaping the region. Through monthly sessions, participants engage with regional leaders, visit businesses and community assets, explore economic and civic challenges and strengthen the relationships and leadership skills needed to make an impact in their organizations and communities.

Leadership development is an essential part of the program. Kon Apostolopoulos, Founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions, serves as LEAD Metro North’s leadership consultant and coach. Known as “Coach Kon,” Apostolopoulos brings more than three decades of experience in leadership development, executive coaching and organizational change. His work focuses on helping leaders strengthen engagement, resilience, teamwork and performance. He helps translate leadership concepts into practical skills they can use within their organizations and communities.

LEAD Metro North Class of 2027

Jennifer Aitken – AC-REP

Jason Anaya-Ledeboer — Meritrust Credit Union

Jeremy Branting — City of Westminster

Gabrielle Cardwell — Rocky Mountain Public Media

Andy Casseday — U.S. Engineering

Bob Cone — Advanced Space

Keeley Essig — United Power

Kevin Esslinger — U.S. Engineering

Karla Estrada — Adams County Government

Anitra Galicia — Front Range Community College

Claudia Glascock – Westminster Public Schools

Brenda Gomez — City of Thornton

Kyle Harris — Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Rami Jordan — Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck

Monica Kennedy – AC-REP

Josh King — HCA HealthONE Mountain Ridge

Tara Mastracchio — Community Member

McCall Raftus — City of Northglenn

Ashley Roberts — CommonSpirit Health – St. Anthony North Cherish Salazar — City of Thornton

Mikhail Vafeades – Adams County Government

Over the coming months, the class will explore the people, places and issues shaping Adams County while building connections across industries and communities, and, more importantly, among themselves. The program is designed not simply to educate participants about the region, but to prepare them to take a more active role in its future.

AC-REP has continued the tradition of offering regional chamber leadership programs, started in 1986 by the Metro North Chamber, that have helped educate and connect more than 1,800 alumni who have gone on to serve businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, boards, commissions and community initiatives throughout Adams County. Several local elected officials have also completed the program before entering public service.

About AC-REP

The Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP) is the regional chamber of commerce and economic development partnership serving Greater Adams County. AC-REP brings together business, government, and community leaders to strengthen the region’s economic vitality through advocacy, education, leadership development, and regional collaboration.

For more information about LEAD Metro North, visit https://www.ac-rep.org/programs/leadmetronorth/


Media Contact: Lisa Hough | President/CEO, AC-REP | (303) 902-6920 | Lisa.Hough@ac-rep.org