Laura Lewis Marchino serves as the Executive Director of the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado. She has a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, Masters in Business Administration and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Laura serves on numerous boards including the National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) Board of Directors since 2009. Other recognition includes: 2015, Barbara Conrad Leadership Award; 2008 Economic Development Leader of the Year; 2005, Marshall Memorial Fellow for the German Marshall Fund; and 2004 Extraordinary Woman Award. She has lived in Durango since 1990, where she has raised two sons.