Team

Alex Hodgkin has spent his career in the shoes of the entrepreneur, strategist, and capital markets specialist, having developed his finance acumen as an investment banker serving companies large and small, and his entrepreneurial skills as the cofounder and CEO of a multi-service financial advisory firm. During the first part of his career as an investment banker with Salomon Brothers and later Headwaters MB, he completed engagements involving strategic alternative reviews for multinational corporations, liquidity strategies for middle market entrepreneurs, sell side advisory assignments, equity and subordinated debt offerings in the public and private capital markets, and fairness opinions. As an entrepreneur, Hodgkin was the co-founder and CEO of Intrinsic. Over a ten year period, the business grew to be the largest boutique financial services firm providing valuation and transaction advisory services in the Rocky Mountain region. The firm counts several of most well-known and well-respected institutional investment firms and privately-held companies in the region as clients. As a steadfast supporter of entrepreneurship through acquisition, he has been instrumental in the creation of Chicago Booth’s ETA ecosystem, where he currently serves as entrepreneur-in-residence, senior advisor, and adjunct assistant professor. Hodgkin earned undergraduate degrees in economics and electrical and computer engineering from Claremont McKenna College and the University of Colorado, respectively, and an MBA from Chicago Booth. He is also a CFA charterholder.

Dr. Amanda Kelly is a values-based leader with a proven history of driving innovation and excellence in both business and nonprofit sectors. Originally from Ireland, she relocated to Colorado, USA, in 2013. She is the President & CEO of Firefly Autism and Co-Founder and Officer of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC), organizations that champion education, inclusivity and equitable opportunities. Amanda serves on the board of the International Women’s Forum, the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, and CiviCO’s Board of Advisors. She also sits on the Colorado Statewide School Mental Health Advisory Committee. With a Doctorate in Psychological Science from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, she brings deep expertise in Executive Leadership, Organizational Behavior Management, and Training Delivery. Amanda is committed to transparent, values-driven leadership that fosters meaningful societal change. She is passionate about advancing opportunities for underserved communities, championing neurodiversity, and creating innovative solutions that empower individuals and organizations alike.

I am a catalyst for growth, both personally and professionally. I focus on leadership development, business consulting, team building and sales. I help clients solve problems, generate breakthroughs and create measurable results. My approach is fresh, practical and based in experience not theory. My programs are tailored to each clients’ unique needs. Typical outcomes include: significantly increased revenue, improved culture and greater organizational health, increased work life balance and harmony, deeper and more authentic connection to self and others, deeper connection to purpose, mission and values, decluttering life, increased personal confidence, clarity and focus on what matters most…and more.

Adventure is one of my tools, so I create and lead challenging experiences in the Rocky Mountains and beyond. From rustic to luxurious. For individuals and teams. I’ll meet you where you are while helping you to step beyond your current boundaries. You’ll have space to reflect, rejuvenate and ultimately to connect more powerfully to whatever matters most in your life and career. You’ll move forward with greater clarity and purpose and newly discovered capacity in all areas of life.

My roots stem from over 30 years as a business owner and sales leader creating office environments for thriving companies on the East Coast and in Colorado. During my career I’ve overseen every aspect of the business and played key roles in strategic business directions that fortified culture and led to game changing growth and revenue.

Giving is more gratifying than receiving so in 2009 I co-founded The Colorado Thought Leaders Forum (CTLF.org). CTLF’s mission is elevate business leaders. Our highest priority is building relationships and helping other business leaders succeed. CTLF serves through impactful events where world class speakers and resources share inspiring, timely, practical and actionable information.

Cathy Lucas is an award-winning communication strategist, brand storyteller, and trusted advisor who helps organizations strengthen their reputations, position themselves as leaders, and craft compelling narratives.

With deep expertise in brand audits, strategic communication plans, thought leadership, and brand storytelling, Cathy has guided numerous organizations in shaping their strategic narratives to drive influence and impact. She founded Lucas Narratives after transforming a regional college into a nationally recognized urban university, cultivating senior leaders into respected thought leaders, and establishing her own reputation as a trusted community partner who delivers results.

Her leadership and vision have been recognized by CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), Denver Business Journal, and the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

A proud University of Northern Colorado Bear, Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and is an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional. Before founding Lucas Narratives, she served as Vice President of Strategy and External Affairs at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Charles is a proud Colorado native and advocate for change and innovation. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Inner City Health a Christ-centered based non-profit in Denver that provides healthcare to the underserved with consistent, high quality treatment in an atmosphere of genuine respect. He has a vision for Inner City Health to be a beacon of service, access, education, and empowerment for the community; a health center that is a large collaborative partner with grassroots connections and a family practice feel. Prior to his current role, he worked for Fortune 2 ranked company Amazon and Fortune 26 ranked COMCAST in the private sector. His professional experience spans into government as well where he served as an appointee for Mayor Michael B. Hancock in the City and County of Denver. His scope included being a bridge between governmental branches and Denver metro regional partners. He drove projects that impacted $3.65B of capital expenditures, was the co-site Director for the COVID19 unhoused shelter operations, and many other duties. Charles serves on several boards, is a gubernatorial/mayoral appointed commissioner, and is an Associate Pastor for ONE a Potter’s House Church. Charles’ beloved alma mater is the University of Colorado at Boulder where he studied Business Administration and Leadership. Most importantly, Charles is a proud husband to Rikki and loving father to Liliana and his son Charles IV. His hobbies include listening to Presidential Primaries, reading, learning foreign languages, and volunteering on ranches working with horses.

Christopher K. M. Leach is the CEO of Contract Furnishings, Inc., a commercial furnishings company, located in Denver CO. Contract Furnishings focus is providing programming and product/furniture specification services for offices, medical facilities, government facilities, and public spaces across the United States. Christopher founded Contract Furnishings, Inc. in 2002 after serving active duty in the US Air Force and a career in Government contracting.

Christopher serves on the Board of Trustees of Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum, respectively. He also serves on the Boards of CiviCO/Colorado Thought Leaders Forum, Mad About Art! and The Center on Colfax, an LGBTQ community center. Various committee involvement includes Advisory Board, Executive Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Development Committee, Conservation Committee, Art Committee, Global & Regional Outreach Committee, Learning and Engagement Committee, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee for the above organizations. Christopher also serves on the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards Committee.

Christopher is married to Chad Skrbina. He’s an avid traveler, gardener and art collector. When not at his desk, you can find him volunteering on various Boards/committees, on an adventure, or working in the yard under the watchful eye of George – the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

David straddles the two worlds of technical expertise and enlightened leadership as President and Managing Principal of BCER Engineering.

During David’s 26 years at BCER, he has been part of their most notable projects. He continues to engage in some of the more complex projects, offering technical know-how that only comes with 37 years of experience; but more recently, he has spent his time fostering relationships that continually solidify his belief that engineering is an impactful way to improve communities. In all of David’s interactions, it’s easy to see that he is open-minded, persistent, and sincere. He is always striving to grow personally and professionally and is actively involved in community leadership and initiatives that give value and meaning to his work.

David lives and breathes a work-life balance. You will find him working hard and playing hard with a bit of relaxation in between. Growing up in New England and living in Washington DC for a decade, David is a city boy; but today you can find David enjoying his summers with his wife and his two boys in the mountains, typically running the trails around Grand Lake.

David is an entrepreneur who practices law focusing on business transactions and general corporate and business law. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, securities and credit finance and has worked with clients ranging from early-stage start-ups to multi-national Fortune 100 companies.

David has worked on public and private merger and acquisition transactions and represents both buyers and sellers on a regular basis. He represents borrowers, financial institutions and other lenders in connection with a wide array of credit finance transactions, including syndicated credit facilities, asset-based credit facilities, venture credit deals and convertible debt financings. David has assisted issuers, underwriters and investors in the issuance, sale or purchase of securities in public and private transactions, including venture capital financings. Many clients seek David’s general counsel in connection with the operation of their businesses, including with respect to relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and others. David regularly advises directors and officers regarding their fiduciary duties and provides counsel in connection with strategic business decisions.

David began his legal career working in New York for Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, an international law firm based in New York. David moved to Colorado in 2000 and worked in the Colorado office of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison prior to founding Kendall, Dickinson & Koenig (subsequently named Kendall, Koenig & Oelsner) in 2002. David left KKO to found Bold Legal LLC in 2016.

David graduated from Duke Law School in 1994 and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond in 1991.

David is boldly committed to racing bikes on the road and in the mud, rooting for Spiders and Blue Devils on the hardwood, applauding music and theater, knowing interesting people, visiting special places and having memorable experiences.

Doug Sparks is the owner of BridgePoint, LLC which provides fractional executive management and consulting services to companies to help them achieve their next performance level. He uses his professional experience and strong educational background to help owners transform their companies from entrepreneurially run businesses to professionally managed companies. Doug has a passion for helping clients achieve their business and personal goals. Becoming an integral part of many management teams has been a key to his success.

Doug was also an owner and Manager of Colorado Thought Leaders Forum, LLC and is currently one of the owners and Chief Operating Officer of Grit Digital Health LLC. Prior to BridgePoint, LLC, Doug was President of Drive Technologies, LLC, Director in a variety of functional areas with Storagetek and was a management consultant at Touche Ross & Company.

Doug’s service background includes volunteer work with CollegeInvest, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation, Crestmoor Community Association, St. Anne’s Episcopal School and Social Venture Partners.

Doug received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with highest honors, from Williams College, his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, and is a graduate of the Manufacturing Executive Program from Cornell University.

Esther Lee Leach is the Senior Advisor – Community Partnerships, Boards & Commissions in the Office of Mayor Mike Johnston. Formerly Vice President, Development & Fundraising at Downtown Denver Partnership, Esther led the Corporate Sponsor Program, Membership and fundraising across the organization. She also led the DEIA Committee. Her other previous role was Director of Membership Development, Events & Partnerships at Clayton Members Club & Hotel, where she led the growth of the membership base, curated 50+ events per month and created partnerships with businesses and community organizations. Her role also included DEIA and ensuring that all activities at Clayton and the membership demographics were inclusive. She was also the Publisher & Editor in Chief of Cherry Creek Fashion Magazine, a digital style publication focused on building an inclusive community.

Esther is a board member of Biennial of the Americas which creates connections and builds community across the Americas. She is also on the board of Cherry Arts; its nonprofit mission provides access to art experiences and supports arts education via the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Esther’s third board appointment is the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce, and was awarded the Gervasini Community Leader of the Year Award for Cherry Creek in 2022.

Esther was also appointed by Governor Jared Polis as a Commissioner for the Economic Development Commission for the state of Colorado.

Esther grew up on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia and has now settled in Denver after living in San Francisco, New York and London. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Fashion Journalism from the University of the Arts London, and has experience as a journalist, fashion editor, photographer, television host, film/television producer, and event producer.

During her teen years, Esther formed Lee Productions Inc., a television production company. She produced and hosted two television series, music videos and a documentary. Esther was also a producer and publicist on the short movie ‘The Coming of Org’. The movie was accepted into the SFC at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012.

She is an excellent communicator and public speaker, and has extensive experience in strategic partnerships, communications, media relations, content strategy, outreach and community building.

Gloria Neal has over 35 years of experience as a journalist, consultant, moderator, emcee, board member, political advisor and business owner. She is an entertaining, passionate and resourceful professional who prepares for the unexpected challenges that go hand-in-hand with being a public speaker. A much sought after community influencer. Gloria is well known by many influencers—from politics, business, education, social justice, DEI&B and ESG.

Her success stems from her determination, unapologetic confidence and her ability to turn data into actionable intel. An inclusive leader who makes space to have uncomfortable conversations with other sincere leaders across sectors. Her reputation is made stronger by her positive “can-do” attitude and irresistible humor. She is also very generous with her time, treasure and talents.

When GloKnows is leading your team, you quickly learn that you have a strong advocate.
Currently, she serves on the Huntington Bank Advisory Board; the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative Council; the Rose Andom Advisory Council, as well an Honorary Trustee of Warren Village. She has also given time to the Downtown Denver Partnership Sustainability Committee, and the BCivic Committee, in partnership with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Gloria is a proud graduate of the Corporate Boardbound Program for the Women’s Leadership Class of, as well as a graduate of the CU Boulder College of Business ESG Certification Program.
She is a political and business advisor—having served past and current mayors, congressmen and state legislators. Recently, she co-chaired the Social Equity and Innovation Committee for Denver’s newest Mayor, Mike Johnston. Currently, she serves as a community advisor to the mayor. Before that she was the Director of Public Affairs under the Hancock administration.

Gloria is also an award winning journalist in Denver and in Atlanta. Gloria was also a radio talk show host on Newsradio 850KOA, 630 KHOW, and 760 KTLK, as well as on several other FM Radio stations. She rounded out her journalistic chops as a writer and guest columnist for Denver Magazine, the Denver Post, and several other periodicals.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, and family. She also enjoys delving into the creative process of podcasting, live theatre, music, sporting events and the gym.

Jaclyn Gruber, a seasoned marketing professional, is the founder and CEO of Ivy, a creative studio & marketing agency known for creating conversion systems, bespoke customer experiences, and iconic branding. Jaclyn is also the CMO of Prometheus Materials, a producer of reduced carbon cement. This company is serving the environment and the build industry by accelerating the world’s future carbon negative. With a deep love for the majesty of Colorado, she serves CiviCO with the intention of making our great state an even better place to live and thrive.

Mike Treiser is the CEO of TeamLogic IT, a managed IT and cybersecurity provider for Colorado’s small- and medium-sized businesses. A former management consultant and corporate strategist, Mike has held leadership roles at Google, Qualtrics, and Deloitte Consulting, where he worked with organizations of all sizes to drive scalable growth while balancing the needs of customers and employees.

Mike holds a BS in Economics from the University of Florida and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where he served as Student Body Co-President. He is deeply committed to his Colorado community, serving on the Board of Directors for Adaptive Adventures, a national nonprofit promoting outdoor access for veterans and civilians and in advisory positions with Denver-area Chambers of Commerce.

Mike’s connection to CiviCO began through the Colorado Governor’s Fellowship in 2023, and he appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with leaders across sectors to help make Colorado an even healthier place to live and work. Outside of the office, Mike enjoys running, reading, snow skiing, volunteering with animals, and adventuring with his family and rescue dog, Aspen.

Robert Doore is distinguished sports executive and business strategist who has recently joined the CTLF Board. As the former highest-ranking Native American executive in NFL history since Jim Thorpe, Doore brings invaluable insights and a transformative leadership style rooted in resilience, cultural awareness, and a dedication to equity.

Doore’s career spans over 15 years in the sports, business, healthcare, and energy sectors, where he has redefined DEI and leadership practices to foster a more inclusive, strengths-based workplace culture. Known for his creed, “Drive, Determination, and Desire,” Doore inspires high performers to embody perseverance and vision. His motto, “Dream Big, Never Quit,” resonates deeply with many and his mission is to develop life-ready leaders across sports, business, and entertainment. Doore is extremely proud of his Indigenous roots (Blackfeet and Hispanic) and feels he is a great connector between the Indigenous world and mainstream society.”

Shivam Malhotra is an entrepreneur in Colorado and operates different businesses including an Airport Restaurant Development Company. Shivam has worked with the communities in which he operates and works with a number of local and national organizations. Shivam completed the CIVICO Governors Fellowship in 2021-2022 and has since also completed the FBI Citizens Academy as well as the Denver Airport Business Development Training Academy. Shivam was appointed to the 17th Judicial District Nominating Commission by Governor Polis and is also a part of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Program.