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 locally with the United Way of Southwest Colorado.
Brian joined Region 9 in 2018, after spending fifteen years as a commercial lender in community banks in rural Colorado. As Deputy Director he’s responsible for the management and growth of the loan portfolio which helps create jobs and economic vitality. Brian currently serves locally on the Wood-By-Products Committee for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, at the State level on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Council of Colorado, and nationally on the Community of Practice Advisory Committee for the National Development Council (NDC).
Heather Otter joined Region 9 in January of 2018 following a role as program manager for the La Plata Economic Alliance. She 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.
Shalako “Shak” Powers joined Region 9 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.
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 14 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 serves 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 in 2014. She has a BA and Master’s in Business Management and has integrated marketing and accounting into her position. She is the Coordinator for the San Juan Resource Conservation and Development Council and sits on the Colorado Workforce Board, is the Secretary for the Durango Film Institute, and the Treasurer for the Ignacio Creative District.
Lizzie joined Region 9 as the Office Manager in September of 2023. She obtained her Bachelors of English Literature from Colorado State University in 2014 and has since worked in many office settings. As the Office Manager, she will support Region 9 in many capacities.
Elizabeth Marsh is a Fort Lewis College Business Administration graduate. She has an extensive understanding of the region’s resources for economic growth and the experience necessary to leverage these resources for new business development. She has overseen the creation of 31 new businesses in Southwest Colorado and has built the SCAPE accelerator program into an award-winning, results-oriented engine for innovation and growth.
Brittany Cupp is a Fort Lewis College Fine Arts graduate. She has worked in design, marketing and sales for regional startups, large media, and boutique agencies across the Southwest. Her experience has led her to create her own small businesses in addition to helping launch large media outlets. With a passion for business growth, she brings her creativity and strategic thinking to SCAPE and its accelerator companies.
