Laura Lewis Marchino became Executive Director in 2016 and joined the organization in 2005. She has a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, a Master's in Business Administration, and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Laura has served on the board of directors of the National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) since 2009 and with Team Up.
Shalako “Shak” Powers joined Region 9 in 2022, after 15 years with Montezuma County, 3.5 years as County Administrator and 11.5 years in solid waste. His formal education is in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He is the project manager responsible for housing, broadband and transit.
A fourth-generation Coloradan raised in the Four Corners, Audrey joined Region 9 in July 2025 after working in international development, education, and public policy. She has a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University and is passionate about supporting rural resilience, business growth, and inclusive economic planning.
Jenny Stollar has worked for Region 9 since 2002, first as an Accountant to her current position as the Business Loan Officer. She has been involved in loan structuring for both business expansion and retention, as well as business start-ups oftentimes working with other lending partners. Stollar earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University.
Shirley Jones is Region 9’s Comptroller with over 20 years of nonprofit accounting experience. She’s been with Region 9 since 2008. A Montezuma County native, Shirley graduated with her BA in Accounting from Fort Lewis College. She has worked as Business Manager of the Mesa Verde Museum Association and currently sits on the Southwest Health Systems board where she is their Secretary / Treasurer.
Terry Blair-Burton joined Region 9 in 2010 is currently Program Administrator overseeing day-to-today operations of the Southwest Enterprise Zone and managing the organization’s business loan portfolio. She works closely with businesses, nonprofits and area accountants, in addition to loan clients. Her background is in Office Management, customer service, and building parent school partnerships.
Tiffany Brodersen has been a grant writer for over 15 years and has helped organizations raise over $7 million dollars in funding. She has a BS in Advertising and Sociology and a Master’s in Public Administration. Tiffany served as the co-chair of the Southwest Rural Philanthropy Days Steering Committee and sits on the board of the Colorado Healthcare Coalition.
Stephani Burditt joined Region 9 EDD in 2014. She has a BA and Master’s in Business Management and assists with accounting. She is the Coordinator for the San Juan Resource Conservation and Development Council, sits on the Colorado Workforce Board, and is the Secretary for the Durango Film Institute.
Irina works closely with Shirley in the Finance Department. She has an Accounting Degree from Fort Lewis College as well as a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Ukraine and a Master of Arts in teaching the English and German Languages from the Russian Federation.
Allyson joined Region 9 as Office Manager in 2025. She has a BSBA in Marketing and a BA in Visual Art from Waynesburg University and has over 4 years previous experience in franchise administration.
Heather Otter has a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Education with a concentration on technology. Heather has professional experience as an educator, small business owner, corporate training manager, school board governance consultant and economic development planning & project management.
