The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2026 board leadership, naming Sheri Ridgeway of Ridgeway Group Innovations as chair of the board of directors and Ben Van Hoose of Alpine Bank–Fort Collins as chair-elect.

Ridgeway brings more than two decades of experience aligning business strategy, technology and customer experience across organizations ranging from small businesses to large federal agencies and financial institutions. As founder of Ridgeway Group Innovations, she provides daily oversight of strategic initiatives, project delivery and communications for clients across multiple sectors.

Ridgeway previously served as chair-elect of the Chamber board and as immediate past chair of the Chamber’s Local Legislative Affairs Committee, where she played a key role in advancing pro-business policy and advocacy efforts.

“Sheri’s leadership experience, policy expertise and deep understanding of how business and government intersect make her well suited to lead the Chamber at this moment,” said Ann Hutchison, President and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. “She has been deeply engaged in our advocacy work and brings a disciplined, strategic approach that will serve our members and the region well.”

Van Hoose has served as regional president of Alpine Bank’s Fort Collins market since 2005, leading the bank’s growth and community engagement efforts for more than two decades. His long-standing commitment to Northern Colorado’s business community and economic vitality positions him to support the Chamber’s strategic priorities as chair-elect.

The Chamber also welcomed four new members to its board of directors: Jake Hallauer of NAI Affinity, Nicole Walusis of First Interstate Bank, Jason Sherrill of Landmark Homes and Chris Elder of Elder Construction.

“The Fort Collins Area Chamber is fortunate to be guided by such an accomplished and engaged group of leaders,” said Ann Hutchison, president and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our board members bring diverse perspectives, deep community roots, and a shared commitment to strengthening Northern Colorado’s business climate. Their leadership is critical as we continue advancing regional economic prosperity.”

Board Chair (2026)
Sheri Ridgeway, Ridgeway Group Innovations

Chair-Elect (2027)
Ben Van Hoose, Alpine Bank

Treasurer
Lauren Storeby, Snack Attack

Immediate Past Chair (2025)
Josh Guernsey, Waypoint Real Estate

President and CEO
Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce

• Darin Atteberry, Strategic Government Resources
• Carrie Baumgart, Markley Motors Inc.
• Clay Bartlett, Coan, Payton & Payne, LLC
• Kristin Candella, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity
• Chris Elder, Elder Construction
• Carrie Gillis, Somerset & New Colony Apartments
• Jake Hallauer, NAI Affinity
• Kyle Henley, Colorado State University
• Brent Keele, Keele & Parke
• Brett Kemp, Flood & Peterson
• Pete Meyer, CSU Strata
• Amy Pezzani, Food Bank for Larimer County
• Dan Provaznik, Woodward
• Jason Sherrill, Landmark Homes
• Dan Soukup, Soukup, Bush & Associates, P.C.
• Ashley Stiles, Tr!be Development
• Kevin Unger, UCHealth Northern Colorado
• Nicole Walusis, First Interstate Bank
• Brandon Wells, The Group, Inc.

The chamber also extends its sincere appreciation to the board members concluding their service in 2026: