Speakers:
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Lesley’s professional career has focused on what she loves most – helping people, solving complex problems, and giving back to our community. She offers more than 30 years of experience in public policy, strategic communications, nonprofit leadership, and journalism. As a senior-level executive in the private and nonprofit sectors at the state and national levels, Lesley served on leadership teams responsible for budgets ranging from $14 million to nearly $1 billion.
As the former owner of a national award-winning communications firm, Lesley worked with clients to enhance student and teacher success. Her career began as a journalist for Colorado Public Radio where she contributed stories to NPR, The Osgood File, and the BBC.
Prior to her election as County Commissioner, Lesley served as the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the Colorado Education Initiative, providing vision and strategy across the organization’s five initiatives. Earlier positions included leading a multi-million grant at the Education Commission of the States for school improvement nationwide as well as working with large urban school districts and national education leaders as a senior director with a premier communications firm in Arlington, VA. Committed to enhancing her profession, Lesley also served as a vice president on the national board of the Education Writers Association and is the past president of the Colorado School Public Relations Association.
An engaged community leader, Lesley was elected county-wide to the Jefferson County school board in 2011 and served as board president for two years. Colorado Counties Inc. awarded Lesley its 2025 Distinguished Service Award for dedicated service and leadership. In 2023, the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center recognized Jeffco commissioners as Elected Officials of the Year. Readers of the Canyon Courier awarded Lesley with 2023 Best Government Official. The West Metro Chamber earlier named Lesley as one of Jefferson County’s most distinguished women leaders.
Run of Show:
5:30 - Meet and Greet
Light snacks will be provided - arrive early to connect with new neighbors
6:00 - Opening
Introduction, house-keeping, goals for the meeting
Introduction of LE Class of ‘24
Brief intro to the purpose of a Town Hall and the mission/vision
Evergreen history
Announcements
6:20 - Presentation
Pre-planned topics for each meeting will guide who may speak at these events. Speakers may include local representatives, experts from local agencies, organizations, businesses or nonprofits, or informed and engaged community members. We welcome feedback on topics through our feedback form under "Get Involved"
10 mins: ELF - how advocating for local infrastructure works, and summary of current Local projects/advocacy efforts
10 mins: County Commissioner presentation on how Evergreen can advocate for community needs/impacts of new funding
10 mins: 73 developments, from Jeffco
5 mins: Evergreen Downtown Business Association - what they are doing, hopes/plans for the future
6:55 - Question and Answer/Discussion
Questions will be provided to speakers in advance
30 mins: Panel discussion related to infrastructure, development, and community advocacy
7:25 - Wrap up and Closing