Our Mission
Our Vision
Program + Network
Since its first class in 1997, CSLI has brought leaders together, representing every segment of our community. CSLI is a network of more than 400 members who are key influencers and decision makers in our community. Each spring, 16 leaders from a variety of industries and experiences across the community participate in an immersive, week-long program where they network, share ideas, problem-solve and form collaborative relationships. Graduates share the common bond of the CSLI experience and a passion to make Colorado Springs a better community.
CSLI exists because of the vision of co-founders Brenda Smith and Thayer Tutt, and the support of El Pomar Foundation and the Center for Creative Leadership. We are thankful for their immense contributions to our community.
Our Board
Officers
Board Chair: Josh Waymire
Vice Chair: Matt Carpenter
Treasurer: Deb Walker
Secretary: Gina Sacripanti
Directors
Renee Behr
Kent Fortune
Jim Harris Beth Hall Roalstad
Bill Nelson
Krithika Prashant
Venkat Reddy Adrienne Tuck
Laurie Wilson
Our Staff
Elizabeth Hoffner
Executive Director
Elizabeth completed her master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Performance from Vanderbilt University in the spring of 2024. Her professional journey includes serving as an associate consultant with Thrivence, where she worked with organizations to strengthen strategy and talent, and as Deputy Director of the Fellowship at El Pomar Foundation. She also has an ICF Coaching Certification and supports clients with life and career development.
Originally from Center, Colorado, Elizabeth earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver, majoring in finance with minors in leadership studies and psychology. She is a longtime advocate for youth leadership and community service, volunteering with Colorado State 4-H and Boettcher Foundation.
Leadership in a community is so important, and leadership throughout my career is a running thread, from my first experience in high school as State President of 4-H, to the El Pomar Fellowship, to serving as a scholarship panelist for Boettcher, to studying it and writing my thesis on it. I truly believe that leadership is what allows communities to thrive and develop strategically. I am honored to help CSLI continue to support and nurture the wonderful leaders of Colorado Springs and help them reach their full potential.
OUR BRAND
The Sage archetype seeks truth and wants to find good and wisdom in all situations. These brands promise learning and teaching. They are most fulfilled by finding answers to the most challenging questions and demonstrate intelligence, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. A Sage brand develops significant expertise through gathering information so that it is useful to others. Sage brands believe that knowledge and information come from growth. They use intelligence and analysis to understand the world.
Sage brands promise wisdom.
The logo mark is representative of a stone cairn, a classic symbol of guidance and navigation. As the Sage archetype promises learning and teaching, this serves as an apt symbol for the brand.
Like a real cairn, which might accrue stones over time, the logo is indicative of the accumulation of knowledge and information that Sage brands promise.
The mark includes 16 unique stones, which mirrors the 16 participants in each CSLI class. Each of the colors has four facets associated with it, representing the four cadres in each class.
Each stone is different in size and shape, just as each member of the class possesses different strengths and attributes. If one of the stones were removed, the structure would not be the same. It is critical for each piece to remain part of the network of connectivity.
The typography of the logo is steady and sensible, just as Sage brands are thoughtful and deliberate, rather than erratic and unpredictable.
The heirarchy and variation of the letterforms echoes a teacher-student relationship, just as the leaders who emerge from the CSLI program serve in both of those roles throughout their lives.
The color palette represents the brand’s personality and diversity. The color palette of CSLI is reminiscent of a strong foundation, natural humility, depth and breadth of wisdom, and moments of clarity.
History
A Legacy of Leadership
Sponsors
