Good evening, everyone.
It is my great honor to introduce tonight’s Distinguished Citizen honoree — Ann Hutchison, a true champion of our community and an unwavering advocate for business.
Ann’s impact on our region is both significant and far-reaching. Over her 20 plus year career, as she rose to President & CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, she has been a dedicated advocate for a strong and vibrant business community. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Ann’s steady leadership helped guide many small businesses through difficult times—connecting them with essential funding, resources, and support to help them endure and adapt. Her efforts weren’t just practical — they were rooted in collaboration and a deep sense of responsibility to the business community she serves.
Ann’s influence goes far beyond crisis response. She is a builder—of ideas, of partnerships, and of progress. Her fingerprints are on countless initiatives that empower business leaders, strengthen community ties, and spark innovation. Whether she’s advancing workforce development, championing transportation solutions, or leading forward-thinking Chamber programs, Ann is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose.
Ann embodies the very spirit we celebrate tonight: service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to making the future brighter for the next generation.
As a proud father of an Eagle Scout, I encourage my son to look to strong, value-driven leaders as examples. Ann Hutchison is the kind of leader I hope he learns from—someone with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the community.
It is also a pleasure to say I have had the good fortune to be a teammate and work with Ann at the Chamber and have witnessed her dedication. I consider her a peer, a mentor and a friend.
Please join me in recognizing an exceptional leader, a devoted public servant, and my friend, this year’s Distinguished Citizen — Ann Hutchison.