Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Strengthens Leadership Pathway with Colorado Springs Rising Professionals
By: Nicole Jomantas
Colorado Springs, CO – The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (CSCEDC) is proud to announce that Colorado Springs Rising Professionals (CSRP) will become an official Council of the Chamber & EDC, formalizing its role in developing the Pikes Peak region’s next generation of business and civic leaders.
As Colorado Springs continues to grow, the demand for emerging leaders prepared to take on greater responsibility has never been higher. Formalizing CSRP as a Council strengthens the Chamber & EDC’s talent strategy and reinforces its commitment to developing the next generation of business and civic leaders.
For more than a decade, CSRP has operated under the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC’s Foundation for Colorado Springs Future, cultivating meaningful connections among young professionals. Now, the Chamber & EDC is elevating the initiative with expanded, structured programming designed to provide tangible leadership and skill development opportunities that prepare rising professionals for sustained success.
Under the leadership of Gilberto Santiago, CSRP has built a strong foundation of engagement and momentum.
“By aligning with the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, CSRP will be strengthening the bridge between emerging leaders and established industry,” Santiago said. “This is a strategic move that ensures long-term growth, relevance, and impact for young professionals within Colorado Springs.”
Beau Kelly, a former board member of CSRP, who will play an active role in shaping programming and supporting the Council’s direction, added: “Developing young professionals is important to the strength of Colorado Springs, and I’m excited to help shape programming that supports their growth.”
Craig Carle, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Events at the CSCEDC, emphasized the broader impact of formalizing CSRP as a council.
“I’m grateful for the partnership Beau and Gilberto have shown and look forward to the impact this program will make. This has been something very much needed in our community — both skill development and leadership development that prepares future leaders for greater responsibility,” Carle said. “It also creates an opportunity for established leaders to identify and support employees who are seeking to grow. I’m excited to get this launched through the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and work with our leadership community to build strong programming that strengthens our regional talent pipeline.”
Structured Programming and Direct Access
CSRP membership is $125 annually and is open exclusively to members of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.
The enhanced program will include:
• Mentor Mixes led by established business leaders across the region on topics including:
○ Networking excellence
○ Personal brand development
○ Financial literacy education
○ Leading without the title
• Exposure to executive-level leadership conversations
• Exclusive networking opportunities amongst CSRP members
• Direct access to connect with influential business leaders across the region
The first quarterly Mentor Mix will be held March 25 from 5–7 p.m. at the Chamber & EDC conference room, launching the series with a focus on intentional networking and professional growth. Registration details will be released soon.
Building a Leadership Continuum
By integrating CSRP directly within the CSCEDC framework, the organization is creating a clear leadership continuum — from emerging professionals to advanced leadership programs — ensuring Colorado Springs continues to develop and retain top talent.
For more information about Colorado Springs Rising Professionals, or to join, contact Craig Carle at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC at CCarle@cscedc.com.