Awards

This year’s Proud Partner Award honors Liz Qualman and the team at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) for their leadership in launching an innovative teaching apprenticeship program that bridges higher education and workforce development.

As Department Chair, Liz led a multi-agency collaboration with CareerWise Colorado and the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (NCAD), dedicating over 18 months to design, pilot, and implement the program. Funded through Colorado’s first Opportunity Now grant, the pilot launched in

fall 2024 and enrolled 64 students, over half from underserved rural communities.

Under Liz’s guidance, CMC participated in NCAD’s national Apprenticeship Degree Network and completed a capstone experience at Oxford University, enhancing their program through global best practices. CMC is now on track to launch the first teaching apprenticeship approved under Colorado’s

new model and is preparing to expand the program in 2025 to help address statewide teacher shortages.

Andrew Bercich is the recipient of this year’s Workforce Ambassador Award for his outstanding commitment to advancing workforce development in Colorado over the past 15 years.

Andrew began his involvement with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Board and has since served on multiple boards and councils, including the Tri-County Workforce Development Board, the Colorado Workforce Development Council, the National Association of Workforce Boards, and

Pikes Peak Workforce Board leadership. His consistent focus has been on aligning business needs with workforce strategy and policy.

A respected thought leader and mentor, Andrew has guided emerging board leaders and worked to strengthen partnerships across systems. His efforts have elevated Colorado’s workforce development approach, fostered collaboration, and driven meaningful connections between the workforce system and the business community.

The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center is honored with this year’s System Excellence Award for its launch of the Summer Internships for Rising Seniors program, an innovative initiative that bridges the gap between education and career readiness.

Launched in May 2024, the program began with a High School Internship Matching Event, connecting 18 employers with 47 high school students, all of whom secured paid summer internships. Over nine weeks, students gained hands-on experience while also participating in four weeks of leadership training focused on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

What makes this program stand out is its emphasis on long-term support. After the internship period, students received continued guidance from school Hub Coordinators and Workforce Center staff to help them transition into college, vocational training, or employment.

By aligning education, business, and workforce systems, this initiative created meaningful career pathways for youth while meeting the needs of employers, setting a new standard for system collaboration and excellence.

Terrin Goodoien is recognized with this year’s Excellence in Customer Service Award for her outstanding commitment to people-first service that uplifts job seekers, strengthens partnerships, and inspires her peers.

Terrin brings professionalism, compassion, and determination to every interaction. When a customer faced losing her teaching position due to ineligibility for traditional funding, Terrin advocated successfully for alternative support, helping retain a bilingual educator and meeting a critical community need.

Her work also includes reconnecting with the Youth Offender System in Pueblo to reintroduce WIOA services and launch cohort-based training for justice-involved youth. She serves on advisory committees with Pueblo Community College, ensuring rural training options remain accessible and relevant.

With more than 50 active participants under her care, Terrin continues to mentor staff, step in where needed, and model what excellence in customer service looks like. Her efforts directly support the mission of equitable opportunity and prosperity for all Coloradans.

Elaine Lint-Scott is the recipient of this year’s Exemplary Performer Award for her 24 years of dedication to workforce development and her instrumental role in the success of the Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership (TECP).

As Senior Management Analyst, Elaine has supported nearly every aspect of TECP, from recruitment and case management to compliance and technical oversight. Her leadership has guided the program through significant milestones, including service to nearly 900 participants and a 2024 federal audit with

zero findings and three best practice acknowledgments from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Elaine also supports staff across seven local workforce areas, onboarding new case managers, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring program excellence. Her contributions helped TECP earn recognition as one of the Colorado Technology Association’s Projects of the Year.

Quietly leading from behind the scenes, Elaine’s humility, expertise, and commitment to quality have elevated the workforce system across the state, making her truly exemplary.

Bret Walker receives this year’s Workforce Champion Award for his outstanding leadership and innovative approach to strengthening workforce development in Denver and beyond.

As Director at Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, Bret consistently translates strategic vision into practical solutions that meet the needs of both job seekers and employers. Under his leadership, the team has expanded customer service delivery, launched new initiatives, and streamlined employer engagement, ensuring responsive, efficient, and business-aligned services.

Bret is recognized for fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and intentional service. His work has enhanced training programs, increased access to opportunity, and inspired those around him to center community impact.

Described as customer-centric, workforce-dedicated, and industry-aligned, Bret embodies the core values of the workforce system, making him a true champion for Colorado’s

future.

Michelle Foley is the recipient of this year’s Workforce Trailblazer Award for her bold leadership and transformative contributions to workforce development in the Tri-County

region and across Colorado.

Michelle’s work is rooted in systems change, strong partnerships, and sustainable impact. Her coordination of the Summer Internship Program brought together Jefferson County Public Schools, local employers, and the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center to place 47 high school students in internships with 18 employers, providing valuable hands-on experience.

She also led the Behavioral Health Sector Partnership to address workforce shortages, and developed an Early Childhood Education pathway that enabled 23 parents to earn their CDA Credential, creating long-term career opportunities.

At the state level, Michelle initiated a partnership between the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and SHRM, expanding employer engagement and strategic alignment

statewide.

Whether leading local programs or shaping statewide strategy, Michelle’s collaborative approach and passion for building lasting systems have transformed the way workforce services are delivered and aligned in Colorado.

Kat Douglas is recognized as the 2025 Workforce Director of theYear for her outstanding leadership, innovative practices, and unwavering dedication to advancing workforce development

across Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties, and throughout the state.

Under Kat’s leadership, the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center has launched several impactful programs, including the Summer Internship Program, which placed 47 high school students in internships with 18 local employers, and the Employer Talent Development Program, which equips businesses and nonprofits with training resources to build skills and prevent layoffs.

Kat revitalized her local Workforce Development Board, expanding its membership and aligning its strategic direction with regional priorities, turning it into an active partner in shaping workforce outcomes. Her efforts have strengthened employer engagement, increased access to services, and enhanced data-informed decision-making.

At the state level, Kat serves as co-chair of the Workforce Directors’ Alignment Group, helping unify Colorado’s 10 workforce regions. Her leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the Connecting Colorado system, establishing statewide branding efforts, and improving ROI reporting to better communicate the value of workforce development.

Kat’s work on the RESEA program reform led to more streamlined processes and improved outcomes for both job seekers and employers. Known for her collaborative approach, mentorship, and visionary thinking, Kat is not just managing programs, she is transforming systems. Her ability to execute local solutions while influencing statewide progress makes her a true workforce leader.

Tami Grant is the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative

leadership and decades of dedicated service to Colorado’s workforce and human services systems.

As Deputy Director of the Weld County Department of Human Services, Tami oversees a wide range of programs including Employment Services, the Workforce Center, the Area Agency on Aging, fiscal operations, and the Organization Integrity Team. She leads with vision, compassion, and a systems-

thinking mindset that has elevated service delivery and built stronger community outcomes.

With over 20 years in workforce development, Tami brings

deep experience across WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, TANF, SNAP,

AmeriCorps, and youth services. Her ability to integrate these

systems and focus on person-centered service delivery has

helped countless individuals and families find pathways to

stability and opportunity.

Tami’s influence extends beyond Weld County. As President of the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association and Board Member for NAWDP, where she also chairs the Events Committee, she champions professional development, collaboration, and innovation at a national level.

Known for her empathy, mentorship, and strategic leadership, Tami inspires her team and peers alike. She builds partnerships, lifts up others, and always keeps community needs at the heart of her work. Her leadership has shaped both people and programs, making a lasting impact on Colorado’s workforce system.

The Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association proudly presents the 2025 Workforce System Impact Award to Joe Barela, whose career is defined by visionary leadership, systems innovation, and a relentless commitment to inclusive economic growth.

Joe brings over 25 years of experience in workforce and economic development, with a focus on connecting people to opportunity and aligning systems for long-term impact. Since 2019, he has served as Executive Director of CDLE, overseeing more than 2,000 employees across seven divisions and five offices. Under his leadership, CDLE has expanded access to training, modernized services, and strengthened Colorado’s

talent pipeline.

His journey includes leading the Arapahoe/DouglasWorkforce Center, supporting WIOA implementation at the U.S. Department of Labor, and advancing skills-based hiring through Skillful, an initiative of the Markle Foundation. At every level, Joe has worked to align policy with practice and ensurethat workforce systems remain responsive to community and

business needs.

Joe’s leadership has shaped policy, reimagined public-private partnerships, and built more resilient systems that center equity and outcomes. He is also a mentor, championing the next generation of workforce leaders and modeling authentic, people-first public service.

Joe’s work has left a profound and lasting impact on Colorado’s workforce development landscape, and his influence continues to shape the future of talent development across the country.

Kelly Folks is honored with the 2025 Workforce Legend Award for her more than 25 years of visionary leadership, dedication, and service to Colorado’s public workforce system.

With a career spanning nonprofit community development to statewide workforce leadership, Kelly has shaped the way Colorado connects people to opportunity. As Director of the Division of Employment and Training at CDLE, she leads with empathy, integrity, and strategic vision, empowering teams, building partnerships, and delivering results.

Kelly’s leadership was instrumental in the modernization of the Connecting Colorado system, transforming it into a more equitable and intuitive platform for job seekers, businesses, and workforce professionals. She has also restructured the division to better align staff talent with evolving needs, creating a culture of innovation, trust, and empowerment.

Her influence goes far beyond program outcomes. Kelly is known for her deeply personal approach, mentoring staff, writing handwritten holiday notes to her entire team, and always making people feel heard, seen, and valued. Her leadership has strengthened both systems and relationships across rural and urban communities.

Kelly also serves on the Executive Team of RMWDA, as Region 4 Liaison for NAWB, and as Vice-Chair of NASWA’s Employment and Training Committee, where she continues to elevate Colorado’s voice on the national stage.

What defines Kelly’s legacy is not just her impressive accomplishments, but how she leads: with authenticity,

humility, and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. She has transformed programs, inspired people, and built a workforce system rooted in opportunity for all.

Awards

2025 Awards Ceremony

PROUD PARTNER

WORKFORCE AMBASSADOR

SYSTEM EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

EXEMPLARY PERFORMER

WORKFORCE CHAMPION

WORKFORCE TRAILBLAZER

2025 legend awards

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP

WORKFORCE SYSTEM IMPACT

WORKFORCE LEGEND