New leadership group forms in Montezuma County

A new community group hopes to revive a version of the Leadership Montezuma education course that featured panels and tours of government, business and county operations. Pictured is the 2012 graduating class: William Hendrickson, Isaac Murphy, Cheryl Mays, Rocky Moss, Jo Whaley, Robin Bragg, Bob Bragg and Marietta Eaton.
Revival of education program about local issues and government is one goal

A new group has formed to foster leadership training and development in Montezuma County.

The Montezuma Leadership Network will host a public meeting and listening session on July 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Business Center, 20 W. Main St. A light dinner will be served.

The organization hopes to restart past leadership programs and training, bring together community advocates and create networking and education opportunities, said founder Nancy Schaufele.

“Our leadership programs are gone from this county, and it is time to bring them back,” she said. “Anyone who has an interest should come to this meeting.”

One priority is to revive in some fashion the defunct Leadership Montezuma program.

The semester program was a series of courses on county operations and issues. Tours and presentations were provided on a breadth of topics including county departments, agriculture, McPhee Reservoir operations, archaeology, economics, oil and gas, tourism, business, health, environment and education.

The idea is that creating more local leadership training programs will encourage newcomers and a younger generation to step up and help create progress, Schaufele said.

“We have a lot of new talent here and a lot of opportunity. I just think it will require more networking and education to give it a push,” she said.

“We need both those who hold the history, insight and passion, as well as, those new to the arena who can bring a fresh lens to this effort,” MLN states in its meeting announcement.

The Montezuma Leadership Network board includes Schaufele, Rebecca Fraley, Matt Keefauver, Corin Wolf, Derek Streeter, Rebecca Samulski and Nicci Crowley.

RSVP at the event online, or just show up.

For more information or questions, contact Arlina Yazzie at yazziea@grizzies.adams.edu.