Leslie is a proud Colorado native—born in Boulder, raised in Longmont, and rooted in Denver for the past 25 years. She is married and a proud mom to her son, Carter, who is the light of her life. Leslie graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Biology and a lifelong passion for animals, which led her to begin her career at Denver Zoo. Although she started with a focus on animal care through an internship, she soon discovered her strengths aligned with guest services and business operations—areas where she could make a broader impact.
Over the next 25 years, Leslie played a key role in shaping the Denver Zoo, helping to grow various business divisions and contributing significantly to its evolution. Inspired by her brother’s involvement with The Gala Team, Leslie felt an immediate connection to its mission. With her deep passion for nonprofits and her experience in operational leadership, she knew it was the perfect place to continue doing what she loves: helping organizations succeed and thrive.
