Candidates for CML Executive Board
In This Section
The draft slate of candidates for the CML Executive Board is listed below.
Please click on the name of each candidate below to learn more about each of them. You can also view a sample ballot.
Candidate statements, photos, and videos will be added to this page, as they are received.
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name in each category list.
Candidate election will take place at CML's Annual Business Meeting, held during the Annual Conference at 1:45-3 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at the Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Attendees: If you are the voting delegate for your municipality, you must check in
and pick-up your ballot between 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. Each municipality's
voting delegate will elect CML Executive Board members,
adopt the Leagues 2025/2026 Policy Statement, and consider
other League Business. Delegates must be present to vote. Per the voting
rules, late voting and proxy voting are not permitted.
Candidates for the Small Category
- Municipalities with a population of less than 8,000
- Electing three positions; each position is for a two-year term
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name; click on the arrow to the right of the candidate's name learn more about them.
Kim Boyd, Town of Kiowa town administrator
Boyd, a 28-year resident of Colorado, has been the Town Administrator for the Kiowa community since 2021. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in
Sociology from Colorado State University-Pueblo (with honors) and her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. With 20 years of previous professional experience in public safety, Kim understands
the various challenges that small municipalities face, which can hinder community growth and development. She is passionate about empowering and enhancing all local governments and believes that her role on the CML Executive Board enables
her to make a significant impact on the progress of all municipalities.
Video coming soon.
Michelle Eddy, Town of Blue River town manager/clerk
I have served as Town Manager/Clerk for the Town of Blue River for the last 11 years. Small towns face lack of funding, access to education and as
a statutory community often have little say in changes being made at the State level. It has been my goal to provide a voice and expand opportunities for small communities.
I am once again seeking your vote to serve on the Colorado Municipal
League’s Executive Board to continue this valuable work on behalf of all communities small and large throughout Colorado. Thank you for your consideration of my nomination.
Video coming soon.
Duane Gurulé, City of Rocky Ford mayor
As Mayor of Rocky Ford, I bring a unique blend of lived experience, professional expertise, and civic leadership to the
Colorado Municipal League. I hold a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Metropolitan State University of Denver and have over a decade of experience in IT systems and network administration. I’ve also served as an elected official
in municipal government for more than four years and currently lead a nonprofit organization focused on empowering underserved communities.
My civic work spans youth mentorship, economic development, and regional collaboration, all rooted in a deep commitment to rural Colorado—especially the often-overlooked communities of southeast Colorado. I am passionate about helping municipalities like mine navigate complex challenges with innovative, community-first solutions.
If elected to the CML Executive Board, I will advocate fiercely for rural representation, defend local control, and ensure that the rights of our cities and towns are respected and protected. My mission is to ensure that every community, regardless of size or geography, has a strong voice in shaping Colorado’s municipal future - and, more importantly, our own.
Video coming soon.
Michael Hart, City of La Junta city manager
Rick Ihnken, Town of Frisco mayor
Hello, my name is Rick Ihnken, and I am running for the CML Executive Board. I currently serve as the mayor of Frisco, and I plan to bring my
experiences from a small municipality to the CML board, highlighting the perspective of smaller communities regarding the challenges facing our state.
In addition to representing a small municipality, I am committed to bringing the perspective of a resort community to the CML board, ensuring our unique challenges are voiced in statewide discussions. I look forward to collaborating with other members of the CML board and engaging with municipalities across the state.
I would appreciate your vote. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I can be contacted at ricki@townoffrisco.com. I appreciate your support.
Video coming soon.
Gillian Laycock, Town of Akron town manager
As the Town Manager of Akron, I am honored to offer my candidacy for the CML Board to represent Colorado’s small communities with populations under 8,000. With a deep commitment to rural local government, I bring experience, energy, and a collaborative mindset to the table.
I was born and raised in South Africa and have proudly called Colorado home for over 22 years. My professional background includes serving as the Assistant Town Manager in Limon, an elected official, and now as Town Manager in Akron, where we are actively pursuing economic revitalization, infrastructure investment, and housing, technology and practical policy solutions that reflect the resilience of rural Colorado.
I understand firsthand the challenges that small towns face—limited resources, aging infrastructure, and workforce pressures—and I believe CML plays a crucial role in helping us navigate those challenges with shared knowledge, advocacy, and innovation. I also serve in regional rural philanthropy and work to bridge the urban-rural divide, ensuring small voices remain at the center of statewide policy conversations.
I would be grateful for your support and would work hard to represent the unique perspectives and strengths of our smaller communities on the CML Board.
Video coming soon.
Dara MacDonald, Town of Crested Butte town manager
Dara MacDonald has been serving as Town Manager for the Town of Crested Butte, CO since 2016. Prior to that she
worked as the City Administrator for Salida, CO. Before town management, she had been working as a municipal planner in mountain communities since 2002. In her capacity with various municipalities MacDonald has headed up a wide
range of projects from downtown revitalization to highway corridor improvements, historic preservation and entitlement review of large commercial and mixed-use development projects. MacDonald has a B.A. in Western Philosophy from St.
John’s College and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Since 2019 Dara has served as a board member for the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST), including a 2-year term as President of the board. During this time, under board leadership, CAST has taken a more active posture on policy engagement at both the state and federal levels. Dara has also been an active member of the CML Policy Committee for several years as the voting representative for Crested Butte. She looks forward to representing small communities on the CML Executive Board.
Video coming soon.
Matthew Mendisco, Town of Hayden town manager

I am running for the CML Executive Board to represent a few key prospectives: Hayden is a coal transition community with all the economic challenges that come with that transition; I bring a unique prospective having worked in both the public and private sectors; finally, Hayden is a small municipality that has been able to overcome many of the rural challenges small town’s face through innovation and leadership at many levels which I have been blessed to spearhead. I represent the Town’s interest on all legislation (both State and Federal) and often work with our state legislative reps on complex issues they may be bring forward.
My experience of both public and private sector and coal transition will lend a unique voice to the CML executive board.
Video coming soon.
Carol Saade, Town of Breckenridge council member

During this term, in addition to serving on CML’s Budget, Audit, and Management Committee, I’ve helped guide decisions that reflect our diverse membership, which has different priorities and issues. (Being in Breckenridge for the conference,
I’m sure you’ll notice many of our differences.) One main reason CML is effective is our ability to unite around a shared goal: protecting local control and interests! I’ve fought hard to defend this against
aggressive preemption attempts in recent legislative sessions.
I have access to leadership at the Capitol through close relationships with Speaker McCluskie and Majority Caucus Chair Roberts. This has been crucial, particularly in efforts like defeating YIBGY this year.
Breckenridge’s leadership in housing and other initiatives gives us a compelling voice in statewide discussions. We’re highly impacted by the Front Range, making us uniquely situated to bridge some interests of urban and rural communities.
I strive to bring good governance values to my public service on several town and nonprofit boards.
If you’d like to connect, please reach me at Carol@TownofBreckenridge.com. I hope to earn your support and look forward to seeing you at the Annual Conference!
Video coming soon.
Candidates for the Medium Category
- Municipalities with a population of at least 8,000 but less than 50,000
- Electing three positions; each position is for a two-year term
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name; click on the arrow to the right of the candidate's name learn more about them.
Dave Frank, City of Montrose mayor
Bio/statement and video coming soon.
Liz Hensley, City of Alamosa mayor pro tem
Hello! I’m Liz Hensley, and I’m honored to be running for
re-election to the CML Executive Board.
Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles on the Board, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President. During that time, I’ve worked through pivotal moments—supporting the transition to our new Executive Director, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, and helping shape key legislative responses.
I’ve proudly championed good governance as both a member and subcommittee leader for the Sam Mamet Good Governance Award, and I’ve been actively engaged in addressing critical issues like housing as part of the Executive Board Housing Committee.
As a representative from Alamosa, I bring the voice of the San Luis Valley and rural Southern Colorado to the table. I remain committed to advocating for municipalities of all sizes and regions, ensuring that we continue building a bright and inclusive future for all.
I would be honored to continue serving and representing you on the CML Executive Board. Thank you for your support!
Video coming soon.Roger Hudson, City of Castle Pines council member
As a dedicated public servant with a passion for municipal government,
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Colorado Municipal League’s Executive Board. I believe that local control empowers citizens to make decisions that shape their communities, and I am committed to championing this principle.
With over 30 years of experience in journalism and public policy, I bring valuable knowledge to the table:
- 25 years as a national news anchor and reporter
- Served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Colorado House Minority
- Led policy and communication for the Colorado Attorney General’s office
- Headed government policy and communications for the Colorado Department of Corrections
Currently, I am in my second term as a City Councilman for Castle Pines, co-chairing the Douglas County Opioid Abatement Commission and the Douglas County Water Commission. I also actively participate in various boards, commissions, and non-profits
focused on positively impacting our community.
I am passionate about fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation within local governments. It would be an honor to serve on the Executive Board and advocate for our municipalities.
Thank you for your support!
Video coming soon.
Shannon Lukeman-Hiromasa, City of Northglenn mayor pro tem
William Tedrow, City of Delta mayor pro tem
Scott Trainor, City of Fountain city manager
Scott Trainor has been the City Manager of Fountain since 2007 and has nearly three decades of city management experience, including previous service
in Oregon and Utah. Throughout his career, Scott has been passionate about building strong communities, supporting local leadership, and advancing practical solutions for municipalities.
He holds an MPA from the Romney Institute at BYU, along with a bachelor’s in Urban Planning & Resource Management. Scott has served as President of the Colorado City/County Management Association and is actively involved with CML, representing Fountain on its Legislative Policy Committee and serving as CML’s representative on the State Fire Commission.
Scott lives in Fountain with his very patient wife, Jennifer. Their four adult children are scattered across three states, and thanks to six grandsons, Scott is now more experienced in Nerf gun diplomacy and LEGO infrastructure than any accredited MPA program or 29 years of public service could have prepared him for.
Video coming soon.
Candidates for the Large Category
- Municipalities with a population of at least 50,000 but less than 250,000
- Electing three positions; each position is for a two-year term
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name; click on the arrow to the right of the candidate's name learn more about them.
Sharon Davis, City of Arvada council member
Bio/statement and photo coming soon.
Jason Gray, City of Castle Rock mayor
Bio/statement and photo coming soon.
Anna Stout, City of Grand Junction councilmember
Bio/statement and photo coming soon.
Candidates for the Largest Category
- Municipalities with a population of 250,000 or more
- Electing two positions; one position is for a two-year term and one position is for a one-year term.
The top candidate will receive the two-year term and the next highest candidate will receive the one-year term pursuant to CML Bylaws.
Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name; click on the arrow to the right of the candidate's name learn more about them.
Sarah Johnson, City of Colorado Springs city clerk
With over 30 years of experience in federal, state, and local government, including the past 13 years as City Clerk for Colorado Springs, I bring
a broad understanding of public service, and the critical role municipal clerks play in transparent, effective governance.
I actively engage with CML, regularly attending the CML district meetings and annual conferences. Through my role on the Colorado Municipal Clerks Association Legislative Committee, I collaborate with CML staff on legislative issues. I also presented at two CML conferences on the evolving role of municipal clerks and on redistricting city council boundaries.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Transylvania University and a master’s degree in public administration, with a focus on state and local government, from the University of Kentucky.
I am a certified Master Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. I served for many years on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors and the Department of Homeland Security’s Election Infrastructure Subsector Government Coordinating Council.
I am deeply committed to CML’s mission and to their role in supporting and advocating for all Colorado municipalities. I would appreciate your vote to serve on the CML Executive Board.
Video coming soon.
Angela Lawson, City of Aurora council member
I have served on the Aurora City Council since 2015, representing one of Colorado’s largest and most diverse cities. With more than a decade of experience in public service, I am committed to transparent, inclusive, and community-focused leadership. My work has centered on building partnerships, increasing civic engagement, and advancing policies that reflect the needs of local communities.
Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience navigating legislative and policy issues at the local, regional, and national levels. I’ve worked on challenges such as infrastructure, housing, and economic development, always with a focus on practical, locally driven solutions. My background in both state and local government gives me a balanced perspective on how broader policies impact the daily work of local government and the communities they serve.
I am seeking your support to serve on the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board so I can bring my experience and dedication to a statewide platform. I am passionate about strengthening municipalities through effective advocacy, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to local leadership.
Thank you for your consideration.
Video coming soon.
Adam Paul, City and County of Denver director of government affairs
Adam Paul is a recognized leader in local government, bringing over 20 years of public service experience. He began his career on a local water board, where he developed a strong understanding of Colorado’s water issues.
He served two terms on the Lakewood City Council and was later elected Mayor, completing his second term in November 2023. As Mayor, he prioritized collaborative efforts to address affordable housing, homelessness, fiscal responsibility, transportation, and environmental sustainability. He also chaired the Metro Mayors Caucus twice, helping lead regional dialogue and coordination among Denver metro-area cities.
Adam currently serves as Director of Government Affairs for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. In this role, he works closely with partner agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, the General Assembly, and the federal delegation to promote communication, coordination, and joint initiatives that strengthen regional and statewide partnerships.
Adam has been engaged with CML for years and is a strong advocate for local control. He brings experience, passion, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Colorado’s municipalities. He looks forward to advancing CML’s priorities at the General Assembly and beyond, while continuing to build partnerships that benefit communities across the state.
Video coming soon.