• About the Alliance

    Alliance Boiard and Staff La Plata Economic Alliance

Our Vision

The Alliance will enable La Plata County to be one of the most vital, vibrant communities in the country to live, work, learn, and play.

Our Mission

To create a vibrant and resilient economy through the recruitment, retainment, and growth of business to preserve our quality of life. This mission is achieved by workforce development, enabling business capacity, supporting affordable housing for the community workforce that is essential for long-term economic sustainability, and fostering public and private partnerships.

Our Strategic Plan

In recent years, our community has navigated through unpredictable challenges, reshaping traditional approaches to economic development. Recognizing this evolving landscape, the Alliance has embraced an Agile Strategic Plan, allowing us to swiftly adjust our strategies to new opportunities and unforeseen obstacles.

This strategic plan outlines our vision, mission, and key pillars – Business Capacity and Growth, Housing Solutions, and Workforce Expansion – that form the foundation of our commitment to the community’s economic vitality.

Our Strategic Plan

Meet Our Staff

The team at the La Plata Economic Development Alliance is vital to fulfilling our mission and vision.

Sarah Tober

Executive Director

Sarah Tober has built a career in entrepreneurship, communications, and advocacy in a wide array of industries including small business, sustainable building, community development, and environmental stewardship. Achieving an MBA at the University of Texas accelerated Tober’s growth as a leader and solidified her prowess to make systemic changes in equity, equality, and resource access.

Sarah Tober has built a career in entrepreneurship, communications, and advocacy in a wide array of industries including small business, sustainable building, community development, and environmental stewardship. Achieving an MBA at the University of Texas accelerated Tober’s growth as a leader and solidified her prowess to make systemic changes in equity, equality, and resource access.

Tober’s work has centered around building community resilience, and she is currently addressing the housing crisis in La Plata County and SW Colorado. Additionally, Tober helped the Durango Dark Sky effort as a mentor through DarkSky Colorado and the Colorado Tourism Office, working with Visit Durango and the City of Durango to achieve International Dark Sky Place (IDSP) certification.

In her previous role as president of a 40 year-old-statewide nonprofit, Tober focused on educating the public, strengthening partnerships, and city, county, and statewide advocacy. By passing two bills in the 87th Regular Legislative Session, Tober helped establish the State Scenic Byways Program through Senate Bill 941 and further protecting the Dark Skies with Senate Bill 1090. She recruited 14 board members, fundraised more than $500,000, and created the 1 Million Trees Across Texas initiative.

Always community-minded she has served on various boards and commissions and currently serves on the Durango Creative Economy Commission.

Coming from a long line of farmers, ranchers, and gardeners accounts for her passion in horticulture and led her to become a Master Gardener. Living life outdoors has created a deep appreciation for adventuring and whenever Tober has a free weekend she can be found mountain biking, hiking, skiing, sailing, camping, or homesteading on nearly four acres near the Florida River.

She resides in Durango with husband Bobby, son Wyland, pug Fiona Apple, cat Calisto, and their micro-farm of chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

blank

Jessie Christiansen

Business and Finance Director

Jessie Christiansen is a seasoned finance professional and lifelong resident of Durango who is dedicated to enhancing the economic prosperity of her community. She earned dual degrees in Accounting and Art from Fort Lewis College while participating in the women’s soccer program. Over the past decade, she has cultivated expertise in payroll compliance, human resources, and operational management while establishing strong relationships with Durango’s business leaders.

Jessie Christiansen is a seasoned finance professional and lifelong resident of Durango who is dedicated to enhancing the economic prosperity of her community. She earned dual degrees in Accounting and Art from Fort Lewis College while participating in the women’s soccer program. Over the past decade, she has cultivated expertise in payroll compliance, human resources, and operational management while establishing strong relationships with Durango’s business leaders.

With roots in La Plata County since 1891, Jessie is committed to LPEDA’s mission of helping make Durango the most vibrant community in which to live, work, learn, and play. Her dedication is further exemplified through her public service on the Durango Early Learning Center Board of Directors, where she served on the Finance Committee and concluded a four-year term as Board Chair.

Outside of the office, Jessie embraces all four seasons with her family. She loves cross country skiing, camping, and mountain biking the most, but she’s up for any adventure! She hopes to get back in her clay studio and introduce her passion of pottery to her young children in the coming year. With a foundation in creativity, teamwork, and community connections, Jessie is eager to leverage her skills and expertise in her role at The Alliance.

blank

Rosalinda Linares-Gray

Project RUN Director

Rosalinda Linares-Gray is a justice-oriented advocate for equitable economic and educational outcomes in our region. Rosalinda manages Project RUN, a regional workforce development program led by the Alliance in collaboration with Fort Lewis College. Prior to this role, they were an academic librarian for 10 years, including 5 years overseeing Reed Library’s collections, research, and instructional services at Fort Lewis College.

Rosalinda Linares-Gray is a justice-oriented advocate for equitable economic and educational outcomes in our region. Rosalinda manages Project RUN, a regional workforce development program led by the Alliance in collaboration with Fort Lewis College. Prior to this role, they were an academic librarian for 10 years, including 5 years overseeing Reed Library’s collections, research, and instructional services at Fort Lewis College.

Rosalinda centers community engagement in all aspects of their work—they are the head organizer of the Fort Lewis College Faculty/Staff of Color group; they have conducted collaborative qualitative research with FLC students on issues impacting students of color on college campuses; and they are an FLC NASNTI (Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution) Fellow focusing on supporting Native students through faculty development. Rosalinda has published evidence-based practices for program design and development, critical and open pedagogy, and equitable educational partnerships centering on learner experiences. They also have vast experience mentoring early career BIPOC workers, organizing outdoor trips for BIPOC students as a co-lead of the FLC Outdoor Equity group, and working in solidarity across communities of color.

Through their work in academia, Rosalinda understands the value that an educated, diverse workforce brings to local communities, while also acknowledging systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to educational pathways for all. Rosalinda is excited to work towards innovative solutions to upskill our diverse regional workforce for the betterment of our local communities.

blank

Louise Snodgrass

Communications Manager

With over a decade of experience, Louise Snodgrass leverages their background in communications and graphic design to drive impactful campaigns and strategic initiatives. They are committed to elevating the Alliance’s mission and community presence through their broad range of skills—including photography, copywriting, and content analysis.

With over a decade of experience, Louise Snodgrass leverages their background in communications and graphic design to drive impactful campaigns and strategic initiatives. They are committed to elevating the Alliance’s mission and community presence through their broad range of skills—including photography, copywriting, and content analysis. Moving to Durango in 2021, Louise has shown their dedication to building resilient community extends beyond their professional role, volunteering with grassroots organizations such as The Southwest Fiber Alliance, SOIL Learning Lab, KDUR College Radio, and more.

When Louise is not working or volunteering, they can be found cozying up in a local coffee shop with their latest knitting project, tossing frisbee at their favorite local green space—Oxbow Park and Preserve, or spending time with friends in the great outdoors.

Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists of public and private sector representatives who guide the work of our organizations.

Steve Alias board member at La Plata Economic Alliance

Dr. Steven Elias

Chair

Fort Lewis: Katz School of Business

Dr. Steven Elias is the Dean of the Business School at Fort Lewis College and the founder and Director of the Fort Lewis Center for Innovation.

Dr. Steven Elias is the Dean of the Business School at Fort Lewis College and the founder and Director of the Fort Lewis Center for Innovation. Steven holds a doctorate in applied social psychology from Colorado State University, along with a master’s degree in applied psychology from Auburn University Montgomery and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida. Previously, he was the Robert O. Anderson Distinguished Professor in the College of Business at New Mexico State University, where he was also a 2010 Bill Daniels Fellow in Ethics. While at NMSU, he held several administrative positions, including NMSU Director of the Woodrow Wilson MBA Fellowship in Education Leadership program, Interim Associate Dean for Research, Head of the Management Department, and PhD Program Director.

Steven is very active in both the local business community and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Although Steven is interested in several areas of organizational behavior, his primary interests revolve around leadership, managerial influence, social power, self-efficacy, job attitudes, and deviant workplace behavior.

blank

Elizabeth Howe

Vice-Chair

La Plata Electric Association

Elizabeth Howe serves as the Vice President of Business Services at La Plata Electric Association, overseeing operations, safety, compliance, people and culture, member services, and facilities.

Elizabeth Howe serves as the Vice President of Business Services at La Plata Electric Association, overseeing operations, safety, compliance, people and culture, member services, and facilities. Elizabeth joined the LPEA leadership team in 2022 after a 30-year career in ski area operations, where she most recently served as the Chief Operations Officer for Mountain Capital Partners, based in Durango. Elizabeth has extensive experience in purpose-driven leadership, organizational efficiency, project management, and customer service, which she honed through leadership positions at Vail Resorts and Telluride Ski & Golf Resort. Elizabeth is currently an MBA candidate at the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business. She serves on the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County board of directors and is a member of the Business Advisory Council for the Fort Lewis College Katz School of Business. Elizabeth enjoys all that southwest Colorado has to offer, and you can find her on the slopes or high up on a peak if she isn’t cheering her son on in a hockey rink or at another of his many activities.

Jason Portz board member at La Plata Economic Alliance

Jason Portz

Treasurer

Bank of Colorado

Jason Portz joined Bank of Colorado in 2003 and is currently the Market President in Durango.

Jason Portz joined Bank of Colorado in 2003 and is currently the Market President in Durango. He is a Business Management graduate from St. John’s University and graduated from Pacific Coast Graduate School of Banking at the University of Washington in September 2012.

Jason grew up in a small farm community in NW Iowa. After graduating from St. John’s, he moved to Durango to pursue a banking career working with a wide variety of businesses and industries in the Durango community. He is committed to the La Plata County community and has served on boards for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Durango Daybreak Rotary. He currently serves on boards for the Durango Education Foundation, Fort Lewis College Foundation, Durango Industrial Development Foundation (DIDF) and was appointed by Governor Polis to the state board of Colorado Health Facilities Authority (COHFA). He is also a graduate of the 2010 Leadership La Plata program.

blank

Clark Craig

Secretary

Town of Ignacio

Clark Craig was elected Mayor of the Town of Ignacio in 2022. Before this, he served as chair of the Town of Ignacio Planning Commission.

Clark Craig was elected Mayor of the Town of Ignacio in 2022. Before this, he served as chair of the Town of Ignacio Planning Commission. He is the Vice Chair of the La Plata County Planning Commission, President of the Ignacio Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Ignacio Community Library.

Clark graduated from Durango High School and completed his BS in Mathematics from Northeastern State University—Tahlequah, OK. He held various leadership positions in Oil and gas Information Technology and Production Automation for nearly 25 years. These roles took him, his wife, and three children to several states, including NM, TX, and OK, and a short five-year assignment in Alberta, Canada.

Clark and Sharon returned to SW Colorado in 2016 and are co-owners of Meadow Brook Mobile Home Park in Ignacio, CO.

Jessica Buell board member at La Plata Economic Alliance

Jessika Buell

Public Sector Board Member

Durango City Council

Jessika Buell is an entrepreneur, coach, trainer, and currently serves as Mayor of Durango.

Jessika Buell is an entrepreneur, coach, trainer, Mayor Pro-Tem, and, most importantly, a mom. She moved to Durango in 2001 to attend Fort Lewis College, where she obtained degrees in English Literature and English Education with endorsements in Spanish and Math. Jessika is a dedicated mother raising her two boys in Durango. Her interests include working out, supporting and cheering on her boys in their various sports activities, coaching their hockey teams, reading, spending time with friends, and engaging in business-related endeavors.

With over 22 years of experience living and working in Durango, Jessika started her professional career as an English and Math teacher in the Durango Schools. She later transitioned into marketing, business development, and project executive roles for one of the largest construction firms in the country. In 2016, Jessika established her first business in Durango, Lucky Services, which has grown to employ over 50 individuals and operates in multiple locations across different states. Lucky Services provides services that are utilized by both locals and visitors in the community. Recognizing the need for digital marketing services for small businesses, Jessika founded Marketing Concepts Squared (MC2) in 2018. Through MC2, she collaborates with and supports numerous exceptional businesses in the region by managing their social media presence. In 2019, Jessika had the opportunity to become a co-owner of The Vault, a gym she has cherished for years. As a co-owner, she not only participates in training and working out but also finds inspiration from the remarkable individuals within the community.

Matt Salka board member at La Plata Economic Alliance

Matt Salka

Public Sector Board Member

La Plata County, CO

As County Commissioner, Matt serves as the Board Liaison for the Sherriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.

Matt Salka was born in Portsmouth, VA. A son of a military family, he moved to La Plata County in 2000. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII, and his father served in the Navy for 25 years. Matt attended Fort Lewis College for his Information Systems degree; he started a small IT business and a second business in Pest Control.

As County Commissioner, Matt will serve as the Board Liaison for the Sherriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, as well as the County representative on the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, Housing Solutions for the Southwest and the Durango-La Plata County Airport Commission.

blank

Brenna Morlan

Public Sector Board Member

Town of Bayfield

Brenna Morlan was elected to the Bayfield Town Board in 2017 and is currently serving her second term on the board as Mayor Pro Tem.

Kent Curtis is President and CEO of First Southwest Bank, a $500 million certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). He is also President of First Southwest Community Fund, a 501c3, and he is Co-founder of HelloBello.biz. In a unique way, these three entities fulfill the bank’s mission in serving the underserved and unbanked.

Kent began his banking career upon graduation from Fort Lewis College in 1982 and he has spent his entire banking career, spanning over 35 years, as a community banker on the Western Slope, including the last twelve years in Durango. He is a former board member of the Durango Chamber of Commerce and FastTrack Communications, and currently sits on several local boards and committees, including the Homes Fund loan committee. Kent met his wife April while they were both working at the Durango Herald during his college years and they have one son (Ben) that is also a Durango area resident.

Kent Curtis board member at La Plata Economic Alliance

Kent Curtis

Private Sector Board Member

First Southwest Bank

Kent Curtis is President and CEO of First Southwest Bank, a $500 million certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Kent Curtis is President and CEO of First Southwest Bank, a $500 million certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). He is also President of First Southwest Community Fund, a 501c3, and he is Co-founder of HelloBello.biz. In a unique way, these three entities fulfill the bank’s mission in serving the underserved and unbanked.

Kent began his banking career upon graduation from Fort Lewis College in 1982 and he has spent his entire banking career, spanning over 35 years, as a community banker on the Western Slope, including the last twelve years in Durango. He is a former board member of the Durango Chamber of Commerce and FastTrack Communications, and currently sits on several local boards and committees, including the Homes Fund loan committee. Kent met his wife April while they were both working at the Durango Herald during his college years and they have one son (Ben) that is also a Durango area resident.

blank

Alex Conrad

Private Sector Board Member

Axis Health Systems

Alex Conrad has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Axis Health Systems.

With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Alex Conrad is a seasoned executive who combines financial and operational leadership with a passion for improving delivery and outcomes. As the Chief Administrative Officer at Axis Health System, he oversees the strategic financial planning, technology, human capital and performance management of a network of complex integrated health services across multiple locations and settings.

Alex Conrad’s background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Lean Six Sigma training enables him to optimize the financial and operational efficiency of the organization, while ensuring quality and compliance with regulatory standards and best practices. He has successfully led and participated in new practice start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, process improvement, and innovation initiatives, resulting in increased revenue, patient satisfaction, and staff engagement. Alex Conrad is committed to advancing the integration of behavioral health within the primary care setting, as well as expanding access and affordability of healthcare services to diverse and underserved populations.

blank

Shirley Gonzales

Private Sector Board Member

Pedal the Peaks Durango

Shirley Gonzales served as Coucilwoman for San Antonio City Council District 5 before moving to Durango with her family in 2022. She is now co-owner of Pedal the Peaks Durango with her husband, Kevin Barton.

Shirley Gonzales is a dynamic leader with a passion for community development, equity, and sustainability. After serving an eight years as a San Antonio City Councilwoman for District 5, Shirley relocated to Durango, Colorado, in 2022. She now channels her love for cycling and community into her role as the owner of Pedals the Peak Durango, a local bike retailer dedicated to promoting active lifestyles and sustainable transportation.

During her time on the San Antonio City Council, Shirley championed policies that prioritized equity, mobility, and urban planning. She chaired the Planning and Land Development Committee and the Transportation and Mobility Committee, leading initiatives like the San Antonio Tomorrow Plan and the Vision Zero policy to enhance safety and infrastructure for all road users. Her work on the City’s Equity Budget policy set a precedent for directing resources to historically underserved neighborhoods.

A lifelong advocate for cycling, Shirley’s leadership extended to chairing the Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee and serving on the board of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, where she influenced regional transportation funding. Her dedication to public service also encompassed addressing domestic violence, improving senior and youth facilities, and fostering community engagement.

Originally from San Antonio, Shirley grew up immersed in her family’s business, Bill’s Pawn Shop and Jewelry Store, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor’s and MBA from St. Mary’s University and has completed four Iron Man competitions, reflecting her commitment to discipline and perseverance.

Now rooted in Durango, Shirley continues to contribute to her community as a business owner, championing local economic growth and an active, connected lifestyle. She enjoys life in the mountains with her husband, Kevin Barton and their three children, Ian, Zachry, and Celina.

blank

Sam Krier

Private Sector Board Member

Nuun Construction

Sam brings over 17 years of experience in the construction industry to lead Nuun Construction’s Southwest Division in Durango as Vice President of Southwest Operations.

Sam brings over 17 years of experience in the construction industry to lead our Southwest Division office in Durango. His experience ranges from oversight of field staff and personnel, to creating and managing budgets, drafting contracts, scheduling, planning and maintaining excellent architect and owner relations. He recently managed all aspects of a $155M Performing Arts Center, and has worked in the Healthcare, Commercial, Higher Ed, and Hospitality market sectors.

Sam will coordinate the project management and field staff teams in our Durango office and continue to build our presence and work program focused in southwest Colorado.

Stay Connected!

Connect with the Alliance and our partners. Join us for our monthly Investor Member Meeting every 2nd Tuesday at 8:00am located at the Center for Innovation in the Main Mall. Sign up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date with the opportunities, events, and our work at the Alliance.

Join Our Mailing List
blank