The 5 Best Community Leaders

Strong communities depend on people who bring residents together, address local challenges and dedicate their time to making a difference. Throughout the Yampa Valley, leadership takes many forms, from public service and business development to charitable giving and nonprofit work. The Best of the Boat 2026 acknowledges community leaders whose professional responsibilities and civic involvement contribute to the future of Steamboat Springs and Routt County.

Angelica Salinas || Routt County government

Angelica Salinas brings experience in community engagement, economic development and public service to her role as Routt County commissioner for District 1, a position she assumed in January 2025. Previously, she served as director of community engagement and membership for the Steamboat Springs Chamber, working on initiatives involving workforce housing, childcare and economic opportunity. Her community involvement has included chairing the Young Professionals Network, serving on the United Way of the Yampa Valley board and coaching youth volleyball. As commissioner, Salinas serves on several boards addressing housing, early childhood education and climate action, while working with local and regional partners on issues affecting Routt County residents.

Jon Wade || The Steamboat Group

Jon Wade combines business ownership with charitable involvement as co-founder of The Steamboat Group, a locally owned Steamboat Springs real estate brokerage. Alongside his wife, Wendy, Wade has incorporated community giving into the company's operations through The Steamboat Group Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. The fund supports nonprofit organizations working in areas including youth development, human services, environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. Among the organizations supported by the company are LiftUp of Routt County, Partners Mentoring Youth, the Boys & Girls Club, Routt County United Way and the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council. Wade's business approach connects real estate transactions with contributions to community organizations throughout the Yampa Valley.

Meghan Lukens || Colorado House of Representatives

Raised in Steamboat Springs, Meghan Lukens represents Colorado House District 26 in the Colorado General Assembly. A graduate of Steamboat Springs High School and the University of Colorado Boulder, she worked as a social studies teacher before entering public office in January 2023. Her legislative work has addressed public education, rural economic development, affordable housing and other issues affecting Northwest Colorado communities. Lukens maintains connections with constituents through public meetings, legislative updates and outreach throughout her district. Her background in education and experience growing up in the Yampa Valley inform her work representing communities across Colorado's Western Slope.

Adonna Allen || Alpine Bank

Adonna Allen serves as market president for Alpine Bank in Steamboat Springs, where she holds a leadership position within the bank's local operations. Alpine Bank provides personal and business banking, lending and other financial services while maintaining a longstanding emphasis on community involvement. The bank supports nonprofit organizations and local initiatives through charitable contributions, sponsorships and community outreach programs. Allen's position connects her with the financial needs of local residents and businesses, while Alpine Bank's broader community programs contribute to organizations and activities throughout the Yampa Valley.

Traci Hiatt || Yampa Valley Community Foundation

Supporting local nonprofits and connecting donors with community needs are central to Traci Hiatt's work as vice president of philanthropy at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. Since joining the organization in 2019, Hiatt has worked to strengthen relationships with donors and nonprofit organizations while encouraging charitable giving throughout the region. Her community involvement extends beyond her professional responsibilities, including previous service as president of the Steamboat Dance Theatre board and membership on the REPS board. Before joining the foundation, she established the Steamboat Sotheby's Community Charitable Fund while working as the firm's marketing director. Hiatt also serves on the STAND Advisory Committee and the Routt County Crisis Support Community Response Team.

Created or enhanced with ChatGPT.