The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced on March 10 the recipients of the 2026 9NEWS Leaders of the Year awards at its annual Leading Colorado event. The awards recognized three individuals for their contributions to Colorado’s civic, economic, and community sectors.
The honorees were Carlos Fernández, State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado; Dr. Angie Paccione, former Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Higher Education; and Raju Patel, former Commercial Banking Executive for Bank of America. Each was recognized in a separate category: nonprofit, public sector, and for-profit leadership.
Kristen Blessman, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and president of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, said, “Each year, the 9NEWS Leaders of the Year remind us what leadership in Colorado truly looks like. Carlos Fernández, Raju Patel and Dr. Angie Paccione represent the best of Colorado — leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors solving tough challenges and creating economic empowerment for every Coloradan.”
Fernández leads a team focused on conservation efforts across Colorado. He said, “We believe that nature is truly common ground that unites us all. By working collaboratively with partners and communities, we can make a lasting difference for Colorado and beyond.”
Dr. Paccione has worked to expand educational opportunities through policy initiatives supporting students facing barriers such as foster care or homelessness. She said, “My passion and purpose is to activate potential in every interaction every day… that credo doesn’t have an expiration date. If you remember me, remember this. I didn’t change you. I awakened you, and you did all the rest.”
Patel was honored for his business leadership as well as his community involvement with organizations such as Food Bank of the Rockies and Downtown Denver Partnership. He said, “America is approaching its 250th birthday, Colorado its 150th. My family, its 50th birthday of US citizenship all on this upcoming 4th of July. This award is a reminder that when a nation welcomes those looking for opportunity… when a city like Denver chooses service over self, extraordinary things become possible. I’m living proof of that.”
Finalists included Elycia Cook (Big Brothers Big Sisters), Al Gardner (Department of Public Safety), and Yevgenya Muchnik (Launch Legal). The awards aim to highlight individuals whose work strengthens communities across Colorado.
The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation has provided leadership development programs in the region for more than four decades.
