Community Builder.
Strategist.
Connector.
Unique ability to marshal diverse talent toward creative and sustainable solutions.
Photo Credit: Bryan Grossman,
COS Business Journal
Photo Credit: Molly Moore
A Civic-Minded Change Agent
With 30 years experience as a civic-minded change agent, I have successfully traversed dynamic, executive roles in tourism, public service and city-building.
My current clients include Weidner Apartment Homes, Citygate Development and the City of Manitou Springs. Prior clients include the Garden of the Gods Collection and Colorado Springs "City for Champions". Before I served as Chief of Staff for the City of Colorado Springs and Benchmark Hospitality International for 24 years prior.
Creative Problem Solving
Strategic Resolution
· Successfully achieved State of Colorado’s milestones for “City for Champions” COS Downtown Event Center which secured $27.7M in State Sales Tax Increment Financing for two projects in 2019.
· Secured unanimous vote by COS City Council on Downtown Stadium Development Plan in 2019 and Manitou Springs City Council on adoption of Transportation and Mobility Master Plan in 2020.
Transformative
· While Vice President/Officer with Benchmark Hospitality International, successfully opened and transitioned over 20 domestic and international hotel, conference, and resort properties while strategically improving owner’s asset value.
· While Managing Director, Garden of the Gods Collection, grew business programming with the addition of nine new venues in 2017 and doubled profit in three years.
· While Vice President and General Manager for Cheyenne Mountain Resort, led transformation of once financially distressed property to become one of the Best Companies to Work for in Colorado ( Colorado Biz Magazine) for four consecutive years while securing the AAA Four-diamond Award for the first time in property’s 25-year history.
Civic Administration
· As the City of Colorado Springs Chief Of Staff, led oversight of $400M budget with 2000 employees and ended 2013 with highest fund balance in city history.
· Led all City operations and public policy-making in Emergency Operations Center during the Waldo Canyon Fire.
· Successfully appointed all nine direct report executives that were vacant or interim at time of hire, most remaining seven years later.
Testimonial
With little force, a light touch, but also with expediency, Laura is able to align a team and achieve material success amongst even the most challenging of environments – both public service and private business. Without fail, in the 15 years I’ve known Laura, when people look back on their time with her as a leader or friend, it is always fondly and with a desire to connect and remain in her circle. That is genuine, strategic, selfless and impactful leadership
Alex Cabañas
Chief Executive Officer, Benchmark Global Hospitality
Laura served as Chief of Staff during my tenure as Colorado Springs Mayor, She was instrumental in our reinvention of City government and our response to the historic Waldo Canyon Fire. A strong, inspirational leader and exceptional innovator who strives for excellence in everything she does.
Steve Bach
Mayor Emeritus, Colorado Springs
I have had the pleasure of working with Laura on a number of projects while serving as Mayor of Manitou Springs. She did a wonderful job of bringing diverse groups of stakeholders together to create important long range transportation plans for our community. Her thoughtful, personal, and organized approach to project management really made a difference in both the process and outcomes.
Ken Jaray
Mayor Emeritus, Manitou Springs
After 20 years at the top, Laura Neumann is leadership personified. She leads her teams to achieve their full potential, using the rarest of talent combinations - smarts, energy, focus, quickness and grace. She creates exceptional loyalty and enthusiasm wherever she goes. Just stand back and catch the excitement of your joint success.
David Sunderland
Community Developer
Laura is a determined, well-versed leader who deftly spurs action and results. Majestic buildings and high impact programming are sprouting up across the city because of Laura's work on City for Champions. If you are looking for successful outcomes and need someone to either help lead the way or walk along side of you, you will want Laura on your project.