Each fall, as the aspen trees glow in brilliant shades of gold across the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) brings together public service professionals from across the country for the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program (RMLP), an immersive, retreat-style experience designed to strengthen leadership in today’s complex and evolving landscape.

Set in the mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado, the program offers mid- to senior-level leaders from nonprofits, government agencies, special districts, and elected offices the opportunity to step away from daily demands and focus on their growth as leaders. With a cohort capped at just 35 participants, RMLP creates a highly interactive and collaborative environment where meaningful connections and deep learning can take place.

Building Stronger Leaders for Public Service

The Rocky Mountain Leadership Program is designed specifically for experienced professionals who are seeking to evolve and reenergize their approach to their work. Through a blend of workshops, experiential learning, self-assessments, and structured reflection, participants are challenged to think differently about leadership.

“Rocky is about creating the space leaders rarely get, time to step back, reflect, and engage deeply with both the challenges they face and the values that guide their work,” said Lisa VanRaemdonck, Executive Director of Outreach, Partnerships & Professional Learning at the School of Public Affairs and Director of RMLP. “We bring together leaders from across public serve to learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and develop the skills to lead with intention, equity, and a systems perspective in a rapidly changing world.”

Real-World Learning, Expertly Delivered

A defining feature of RMLP is its practical, real-world approach to leadership development. Sessions are led by a mix of academic faculty and seasoned practitioners, ensuring that concepts are grounded in the realities of public and nonprofit work.

Participants engage with case studies, historical perspectives, and emerging ideas shaping public service. They also gain hands-on tools and strategies that can be applied immediately in their organizations.

Each year, program themes evolve to reflect current challenges, keeping the curriculum relevant to the changing landscape of public service leadership.

Leading Through Change, Conflict, and Complexity

At its core, the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program focuses on preparing leaders to navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful change. Participants explore a range of critical leadership topics, including:

• Leadership approaches and styles
• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Coaching and communication
• Leading through conflict and change

The program places a strong emphasis on inclusive leadership and helping participants develop the skills needed to lead authentically and effectively in diverse environments. Through guided exercises and peer learning, participants build confidence in addressing difficult conversations, managing conflict, and fostering more resilient teams.

A Unique Retreat Experience

The setting in Breckenridge is more than just a backdrop; it is an intentional part of the learning experience. Surrounded by nature, participants have space for focused learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue with peers.

This retreat-style format encourages leaders to pause, think critically about their leadership approach, and plan for how they will apply new insights when they return to their organizations.

Lasting Connections and Impact

Beyond the curriculum, participants consistently point to the relationships built during the program as one of its greatest strengths. The cohort model fosters a strong sense of community, enabling leaders from different sectors and regions to learn from one another and build lasting professional networks.

Past participants describe the experience as both immediately practical and deeply transformational.

“Overall, a truly exceptional program,” said 2023 participant Dolores Garay. “I learned so much, even with a 25-year career in the nonprofit sector. Useful, relevant information I was able to apply to my work immediately.”

2023 participant Nico Punkar described the program as “an excellent way to network and learn from public sector leaders from all walks of life,”

A Signature Program of the School of Public Affairs

As a flagship offering of the School of Public Affairs, the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program reflects a broader commitment to developing leaders who can address society’s most pressing challenges and help build stronger communities.

The program includes a pre-program online orientation followed by a weeklong, in-person experience each fall in Breckenridge. Applications open annually in April, with dates announced at that time.

For public service professionals looking to deepen their leadership practice while connecting with a dynamic network of peers, the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program offers a distinctive and impactful opportunity.

Join the Next Cohort and Meet Rocky Alumni

Interested applicants can fill out this interest form to learn about future Rocky Mountain Leadership Program cohorts. Public service professionals are invited to apply for this transformative fall experience in Breckenridge.

With limited cohort space to ensure a highly interactive and personalized learning environment, interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Scholarships are available to support participation and expand access to this unique leadership opportunity.

For additional insight into the impact of Rocky, explore stories from program alumni:

• Six Questions for Executive MPA '23 Alum Jeremiah Unger, Environmental Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Transportation
• Six Questions for MPA '91 and Rocky .00 Alum Chuck Reid, Founder of The Choice Is Yours

[Photo by Ellen Patterson, External Engagement and Professional Learning Program Manager at The School of Public Affairs]