Course Name: NEXT Vail Valley 

Facilitator(s): A different community leader each session

Format: In-Person Only (locations determined by group); Limited to 12 participants

Dates:

• Introductory Session:
  • Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 (3pm – 4pm)
  • VVP Offices, Edwards
• Six (2)-hour Sessions, Monthly (April – September 2025)
• Sessions are tentatively scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 3pm – 5pm. The group will determine final dates, times & locations for each monthly session.
• Click here to register for NEXT 2025

Pricing: $500* (VVP Members)/ $750 (Public Price)

• *Scholarship funds may be available to VVP members in good standing – click here to view requirements and complete the scholarship application. 

Intended For: 

• Professionals with a ‘mentee’ mindset who seek to learn from and be inspired by established community leaders in Eagle County while connecting with other emerging leaders.
• Professionals who consider themselves as part of the NEXT generation of leaders in Eagle County.

Course Description: NEXT Vail Valley is back by popular demand! With 10 previous cohorts spanning 2016 – 2022, this program is proven to inspire, connect, and strengthen our local workforce. As our community continues to grow, it is vital to mentor with and learn from those who have gotten us here, so we can prepare for what’s NEXT. We are thrilled to bring back this sought-after program in 2025!

The NEXT Vail Valley program is designed to support and advance emerging leaders in our community. It provides an opportunity for 12 professionals to meet and engage with a community leader in a group setting. The group will meet with a different community leader each month. During these sessions, NEXT participants will have 2 hours to interact and converse with the leader about the topics of their choosing.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the challenges and lessons learned from established community leaders
• Gain more knowledge around each community issue and the leadership strategies necessary to navigate
• Strengthen relationships with peers from different backgrounds and industries
• Establish or enhance your network of fellow emerging leaders

NEXT 2025 Community Leader Schedule*: 

*Schedule is subject to change – final dates, times & locations will be determined by the group. 

• • April 9th: Jeff Kennedy – Owner & Co-founder, Moe’s Original BBQ Franchise System
  • May 14th: Gerry Lopez – Scholarship Manager, My Future Pathways
  • June 11th: Michelle Dibos – Deputy Director of Economic Services, Eagle County Government and Principal/Founder, Transcultural
  • July 9th: Mike Earl – Owner & Partner, Old Growth Tree Service and Specialized Land Management
  • August 13th: Rep. Meghan Lukens – Colorado House of Representatives, 26^th District
  • September 10th: Colleen Weiss-Hanen – President & CEO, East West Hospitality

Click Here To View Previous NEXT Community Leaders