More About Us
About the Pagosa Community Development Corporation
Pagosa Springs is a great place to live, work, create, move or expand your business, raise a family and/or retire. Individuals and business owners have fled the urban markets to enjoy our "Refreshingly Authentic" community. View Our Community Profile.
The mission of the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County by creating jobs; encouraging new capital investment; and creating a business friendly community. In addition, the CDC will work closely with existing businesses in order to maximize their profitability and sustainability.
Our Goals
Members of the business community volunteer their time outside of work to help change the economic future of Pagosa Springs. The Pagosa Springs CDC board members work to:
- Provide strategic direction to the PSCDC organization
- Build economic development networks among constituents including Archuleta County businesses, Region 9 Economic Development District, Southwest Colorado Small Business Development Center at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and Colorado Department of Local Affairs
- Help administer Enterprise Zone Tax credits that provide tax incentives to encourage businesses to locate and expand in designated economically distressed areas of the state–those having a high unemployment rate, low per capita income, or a low population growth rate
- Gather, interpret and present data about the economic health of Archuleta County
- Advise businesses as they begin, grow and mature
Corporation Bylaws, Budgets and Policies
CDC Board of Directors
The CDC Board of Directors has nine members who work in diverse segments of the local Archuleta County economy.
Sherry Waner,
Board President
Chief Development Officer,
1st Southwest Bank
Brooks Lindner
Board Director
Town Council Representative/
Co-Founder, Sonrisas Spanish
Chelle Keplinger,
Board Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer,
Pagosa Springs Medical Center
Todd Mees,
Board Director
Hotel Manager,
The Springs Resort & Spa
Mont McAllister,
Board Director
Entrepreneur
Warren Brown,
Board Director
Archuleta County Commissioner
Rosanna Dufour,
Board Director
Co-Owner,
PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods
Jenelle Syverson,
Board Director
Owner & Operator,
The Choke Cherry Tree
Mario Garcia,
Board Director
Loan Officer,
RG Bank
Gina Backer,
Board Director
Realtor-Broker Associate,
Sherpa Real Estate
CDC Staff Members
Emily Lashbrooke,
PSCDC Executive Director
Emily Lashbrooke serves as Executive Director of the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, where she leads strategic efforts to strengthen the local economy, support business growth, and advance projects that benefit the broader community. She is known for connecting business leaders, local governments, and community organizations and for creating the public-private partnerships that move ambitious ideas from concept to execution. With a proven combination of business insight, regional perspective, and strong execution, Emily transforms vision into visible results.
Emily has been recognized for her contributions to economic development across Colorado. She was named Rookie of the Year by the Economic Development Council of Colorado in 2021 and Economic Development Leader of the Year for Western Slope Region 9 in 2009. In 2022, she earned her Economic Development Institute certification through the University of Oklahoma, further strengthening her expertise in strategic economic and community development.
Before joining PSCDC, Emily served as Program Manager for the La Plata County Economic Development Alliance, where she helped create a public-private partnership to develop infrastructure for commercial properties bordering the city of Durango. She also established the Bond to Business Program, which retained nearly $63 million in the region for upcoming construction projects, and helped launch the Business Education Connection and Community Career Development Coalition programs to strengthen the local workforce pipeline.
Emily also brings extensive small business experience to her role. She owned and operated three locations of The Patio, a successful local restaurant, for 19 years, giving her firsthand insight into the realities of entrepreneurship and business operations. She also played a leadership role in regional event development, helping organize and coordinate motorcycle rally activities in Ignacio for six years after successfully stepping in with a volunteer team to launch an event on short notice in 2006.
In her free time, Emily enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family. She is the proud mother of three grown children and grandmother of five.
Kathleen McFadden,
PSCDC Administrative Manager & Main Street Coordinator
Kathleen McFadden serves as Administrative Manager for the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation and Coordinator for the Pagosa Springs Main Street Program, where she supports strategic initiatives that strengthen downtown vitality, bolster local businesses, and advance the long-term economic health of the community. In her dual role, she works closely with local leaders, business owners, and community partners to help move important projects forward and foster a vibrant, welcoming Main Street district that reflects the character of Pagosa Springs.
With more than 30 years of professional experience, Kathleen brings a seasoned, results-driven perspective to her work. She holds a degree in Technical Writing from Texas A&M University and has a multidisciplinary background that spans strategic communications and marketing, business analysis, program management, and technology leadership. Her experience gives her a strong foundation for coordinating complex initiatives, supporting cross-functional collaboration, and driving meaningful progress.
Kathleen is especially passionate about Main Street revitalization and the work of supporting a healthy downtown core. Her efforts focus on strengthening small businesses, enhancing the district experience, encouraging investment, and helping ensure that downtown Pagosa Springs remains vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. She also supports broader community development efforts that contribute to long-term opportunity and quality of life.
Through her work, Kathleen is committed to helping preserve the unique sense of place that defines Pagosa Springs while advancing initiatives that support growth, vitality, and long-term success. She believes strong communities are built through collaboration, purpose, and steady progress, and she is proud to contribute to work that makes a visible difference.
In her free time, Kathleen enjoys hiking and skiing, four-wheeling in the high country, spotting wildlife, and appreciating the natural beauty of Colorado.
Have questions? We're here to help...
How can we help make Pagosa home?
If you are interested in opening or relocating a business to Pagosa, the PSCDC has a wealth of resources at their fingertips with a Rapid Response team to assist you. The close ties to the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Small Business Development Center, Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County, and Region 9 Economic Development District give all businesses a leg up on consultation, educational opportunities, and financial assistance.