Team Bios
John Tayer
As President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, John is honored to lead the organization that serves as Boulder’s unified voice for business interests, advances the community’s economic vitality, and provides valuable business support services. Prior to joining the Boulder Chamber in 2012, John was Public Affairs and Communications Director for the pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Roche Colorado Corporation, and Policy Development Director in the Boulder City Manager’s Office. John also spent six years as the Boulder area’s elected representative to the Regional Transportation District. A native of Brookline, Massachusetts, John earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, spent a couple of years working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and moved to Boulder 34 years ago to earn a law degree from the University of Colorado. He now resides in South Boulder with his wife, Molly, and enjoys playing in the outdoors, accessing local cultural attractions and generally loves his community.
Jacqueline McCauley
Coming soon.
Joseph E. Hovancak
Joseph Hovancak is driven by a simple but powerful belief: strong economies are built on collaboration, innovation, and opportunity for all. With experience spanning Fortune 100 corporations, startups, chambers, and economic development organizations, he has led multi-million-dollar initiatives that have helped businesses grow, created jobs, and strengthened communities.
As Vice President of Economic Vitality at the Boulder Chamber and Executive Director of the Boulder Economic Council, Joseph is deeply committed to helping businesses succeed and ensuring Boulder remains a thriving hub for innovation. He works alongside business and community leaders to attract and retain businesses, develop a strong workforce, and provide economic insights that drive smart decision-making. He also leads Boulder Together, the Chamber’s flagship community impact initiative, which unites businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders to tackle Boulder’s biggest challenges. Under his leadership, Boulder Together is creating real solutions that support entrepreneurs, advance economic resilience, and build a stronger future for everyone.
Previously, as Executive Director at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Joseph led the award-winning Prosperity Partnership, a community-driven plan that promoted economic mobility, global competitiveness, and local business success. As Senior VP at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, he spearheaded One Community One Goal, a strategic economic initiative that drove an 18% increase in industry job growth.
Earlier in his career, as Vice President of Sales at AT&T, Joseph managed a $150M sales territory, leading an 80-person team to consistently exceed growth targets.
A Pennsylvania native, Joseph holds a B.S. in Computer Science from East Stroudsburg University and serves on multiple business and community boards.
Amy Barz
Amy Barz is an accomplished professional with a strong background in operations, project management, and leadership. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Operations and Associate Executive Director for the Boulder Chamber Foundation, she has played a key role in the organization since 2019. She is also actively involved in her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Boulder County Fair. Amy holds a Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a certified Notary in Colorado. In her spare time, you can find Amy tending to her garden, creating extravagant meals at home, or on the dance floor at a concert.
Kathleen Baer
As the Office Manager at the Boulder Chamber, Kathleen plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission to promote local businesses and foster community growth. Kathleen is starting her second year at the Boulder Chamber; she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position.
Kathleen is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Chamber, ensuring that all administrative functions run smoothly and efficiently. She manages communications, coordinates events, and provides support to both the staff and members. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail contribute to the Chamber’s success in serving the local business community.
Outside of her professional life, Kathleen loves to spend quality time with her husband, 3 kids and 2 dogs. She loves to see live music, go hiking and spend time in the mountains.
Judi Zrimec
Judi has worked with the Boulder Chamber for three years. She and her husband relocated to Denver in 1984. Judi has a strong background as a C-Level executive assistant, working closely with management in aerospace, pharmaceutical, engineering, non-profit, and government positions.
Scott Firle
Scott Firle is the Associate Vice President of Investor Strategy at the Boulder Chamber, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering business growth and strategic partnerships. In addition to his professional endeavors, he serves as the Chair of the Niwot Local Improvement District, contributing to local development and community enhancement initiatives.
Outside of work, he is a devoted family man who loves spending quality time with the person he is husband to, their two kids, and their two Chiweenie dogs. His passions include camping, traveling, playing golf, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Whether working on innovative strategies or exploring nature, he brings enthusiasm and commitment to everything he does.
Cate Cook
Cate Cook is the Member Relations Manager at the Boulder Chamber, where she thrives in building connections, fostering engagement, and helping members maximize their involvement. With a background in community and public health, as well as nonprofit sales and fundraising, Cate brings a wealth of experience to her role in volunteer engagement and member outreach. She loves making new members feel welcome, working with our volunteers, and especially enjoys organizing the Chamber’s Orientation sessions, where she can connect directly with the community.
Cate is deeply committed to local causes, dedicating her time to voter turnout efforts and LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. Her ability to ideate, connect with diverse individuals, and adapt to evolving challenges makes her a valued asset at the Chamber and beyond.
Though Cate grew up in Boulder, she now calls downtown Longmont home, where she enjoys gardening and nurturing pollinator habitats in her backyard. In her free time, Cate loves singing and embraces being a forever beginner—a hobby that brings her joy, sanity and a little creative fun outside of work.
Lindsey Sharp
“What is a chamber?”
“What does the Boulder Chamber do?”
“Who is John Tayer?”
These are questions that Lindsey loves to answer. As the Member Development Partner, she learns about area businesses and connects them to ways the Boulder Chamber can support and elevate their business.
Lindsey has been in Boulder for over 20 years and has 10 years of business development experience in Boulder. She has over 2,000 hours of volunteer experience with area nonprofits and can sometimes be seen making her two teenagers help in their volunteer efforts.
Matt Wiggins
As the Senior Director of Economic Vitality, Matt doggedly pursues ways to create and connect opportunities between businesses, job seekers, and developers of Boulder and its surrounding communities. Matt has over 12 years of experience in marketing and communications related to business development and K-12 education.
Over the past three years, Matt has assumed leadership roles with several chambers, economic development, workforce, and sector partnership boards. He takes a hands-on approach with this work and looks for ways to simplify systems, share impactful stories, and build relationships that improve the economic vitality of our local community.
Louis Rosner
As the Economic Development Analyst at the BCC, Louis brings a strong background in economics and social policy to his role. He holds a BA/MS in Economics and Social Policy from the University of Denver, with proficiency in mathematics and statistics.
Louis previously worked with the Colorado Universities Innovation Council and RTD on the Go Centennial 2.0 project, working to develop the foundation for a last-mile solution for passengers alighting at the Dry Creek train station. His analytical background contributed to addressing transportation challenges and community needs.
In his current position at the Chamber, Louis works closely with local and regional businesses, providing valuable insights into data related to local demographics, real estate, transportation, workforce, foot-traffic, and other strategic values. He excels at translating complex data into actionable intelligence, empowering professionals to make informed decisions.
Maye Cordero
Maye is a seasoned Marketing and Communication Specialist with over a decade of experience spanning the entertainment industry and the nonprofit sector. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is also a skilled graphic designer and professional photographer. Maye holds a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design from Full Sail University in Florida. She has served on the Personal Investment Enterprise (PIE) program advisory board—a partnership between Mile High United Way and the City of Boulder—until 2020. In 2023, she was recognized as a BizWest 40 Under 40 honoree for her outstanding professional contributions. Transitioning from professional photography, Maye now collaborates with small businesses to help achieve their marketing and communication goals. She specializes in crafting strategic plans, building brand awareness, managing social media campaigns, and designing impactful marketing assets.
At the Boulder Chamber, Maye has curated diverse events ranging from networking gatherings and educational programs to conferences, award ceremonies, and sports tournaments. During the pandemic, she led her team in swiftly integrating virtual offerings, gaining valuable expertise in engaging attendees and securing sponsorships in dynamic environments. When not working, Maye enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, nurturing her plants, and taking care of her beloved dog, Lola.
Megan Sanders
Megan serves as the Events and Programs Specialist at the Boulder Chamber, where she applies her skills and experience to support an organization that plays a vital role in the community.
Originally from Nashville, TN, Megan holds a degree in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon graduating, she joined Village Voice Media as an Events and Marketing Consultant for the Nashville Scene, before transitioning into a career in event planning and management. Megan has successfully planned and coordinated a wide range of events, from corporate gatherings and weddings to celebrity photo shoots, videos, and television productions. She joined the Boulder Chamber in 2022, where she continues to make a positive impact on the local business community.
Outside of her professional life, Megan is a wife, mother of two teenagers, and proud owner of two beagles. She enjoys hiking, running, and connecting with Chamber members through networking opportunities.
Erika McNab
Coming soon.
Courtney Warford
Born and raised in Northwest Missouri, Courtney swore never to own a farm—though her rural upbringing instilled a deep work ethic and a love for the outdoors. She holds a BA in English from Central Methodist University, an MEd in Athletic Administration from William Woods University, and an MA in Communications, New Media, and Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. Before her move to Colorado, she resided in Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked in an agency setting, serving clients in the sports, outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing industries. In 2022, she dove head-first into all facets of marketing and communications at the Boulder Chamber.
An avid outdoorswoman, Courtney enjoys time on the water, in the woods, or even getting her hands dirty on the farm (despite her childhood vow). A dedicated dog mom, she adores her Red Heeler, Murphy, who moonlights as a live-action Bingo for Bluey-themed birthday parties. She’s also a proud aunt to three beautiful niblings.
When she’s not at work, you’ll find Courtney loudly cheering for Kansas City sports teams and the Missouri Tigers, providing her group chats with breaking Taylor Swift and pop culture news, or in Section 115 at Coors Field enjoying America’s pastime. As a Swiftie and die-hard Chiefs fan, 2023 was life-changing—and she’s still recovering.
Walker Cherry
Coming soon.
Murphy
Murphy is an almost eight-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) and currently serves as the Assistant to the Senior Marketing & Communications Manager. He has strong proficiencies in “sit,” “stay,” and “heel,” and advanced knowledge of “drop it,” “get off the counter,” and “go to bed”.
When he’s not working diligently as part of the Marketing and Communications Team (sleeping under Courtney's desk), he enjoys swimming, hiking, playing in the snow, long walks, belly scratches, and FaceTiming with his bonus human.
Jonathan Singer
Jonathan Singer comes to the Boulder Chamber after serving in the Colorado General Assembly for over 8 years, representing the 11th District (Northern Boulder County). He authored over 100 pieces of legislation, ranging from expanding housing opportunities to public safety and human rights.
Having gotten his start in Boulder as a freshman in High School, Jonathan is committed to our community's success. Under his tenure at the Boulder Chamber, they have received accolades from regional groups on policies ranging from homelessness solutions to property tax relief. He is constantly looking for ways to increase the impact of our members to improve public policy.
Devin Edgley
Devin Edgley is the Policy Programs Specialist at the Boulder Chamber, where she spends her time connecting with community, and advocating for businesses at the state and local level on policies that impact the Boulder economy. Prior to working at the Boulder Chamber, Devin was an Administrative/Legislative Aide for Representative Leslie Herod, as well as the Director for the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus for the Colorado General Assembly. Devin recently applied for the Longmont City Council Ward 2 vacancy to gain more policy experience, and she is now the Secretary of Judicial District 20 for the Democratic Party and is eager to learn more about policy in the Boulder County region.
Devin has an undergraduate degree in journalism, as well as a master's degree in organizational leadership. She lives in Longmont with her husband, dog, chickens, and turtle. Devin enjoys gardening with her husband, traveling, going to museums, and going to the movies.
Karen Worminghaus
Karen has been a part of the Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections' team since 2018, initially as a board member and since early 2023 as BCTC's Senior Manager of Transportation. She leads the BCTC team in implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) outreach strategies to bolster business and employee adoption of transportation choices that are efficient and sustainable. As a Transportation Management Organization (TMO), BCTC advocates for transportation improvements and policies that help employers address employee commute challenges, thereby improving employee recruitment and retention.
Prior to joining BCTC and the Chamber, Karen was the co-founder and Executive Director of Colorado CarShare for over 18 years. As a pioneer in the carshare movement, Colorado CarShare (formerly Boulder CarShare) is the longest running nonprofit carshare program in the country.
Darcy Kitching
Darcy brings nearly a decade of experience as an advocate for walk-friendly communities to her role as Associate Executive Director & Business Outreach Manager with Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections. She previously served as the Boulder Community Director for the Walk2Connect Cooperative, which entailed both building a grassroots walking community and collaborating with the City of Boulder to develop the Boulder Walks program. An avid lifelong hiker, long-distance walker, transit user, and bicycle rider, Darcy loves helping people of all ages and abilities discover the joys and benefits of getting places actively.
For the past 20 years, Darcy has been involved in the international Child-Friendly Cities movement as a researcher, urban planner, and consultant with university- and community-based organizations. She holds master’s degrees in Education and Urban and Regional Planning and is in the process of finishing her doctorate in Geography, Planning and Design at the University of Colorado Denver with a study of weekday family travel in Boulder County.
Elaine Erb
Elaine came to Colorado to pursue her degree in Geography from CU Boulder. Going on to receive her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from CU Denver, she is dedicated to encouraging sustainability in commuting and transportation as a Sustainable Transportation Planner for the Chamber. Elaine has worked with BCTC since 2017, assisting businesses and individuals with transportation and commuting options. An early advocate of the CO 119 Bikeway, Elaine is excited to see this coming to fruition. Elaine also serves as Board President of Boulder’s non-profit bike shop Community Cycles and is a volunteer programmer at radio station KGNU.
Will Shepherd
Will grew up in the Rockies and lives with a passion for life in the moment. He has studied topics ranging from astrophysics to city planning, and values Boulder as fertile ground for everyone to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
With a focus on Sustainable Transportation he administers EcoPass/BCycle/CarShare programs in Boulder Junction, supports numerous workforce mobility initiatives with City of Boulder staff, and works daily to cultivate a Clean Commute Community. Will firmly believes that improving roadway safety and local air quality are essential priorities for both businesses and individuals.
Drive less often, drive more safely, and enjoy the ride.