Bighorn Leadership: Building Colorado’s Future

Pragmatic – Solution Oriented – Respectful

PUBLIC POLICY IS ONLY AS GOOD AS
THE LEADERS THAT IMPLEMENT IT.

The Bighorn Leadership Program is a public policy leadership program for Coloradans interested in governing, solving hard problems, and public service.

We recruit and train high-quality candidates across Colorado who want to run for state and local offices today or in the future.

This cohort of leaders who reflect the diversity of our communities, understand that there are many perspectives, respect democratic institutions, and are willing to explore public policy development, governance, and ethics. 

What is the Bighorn Leadership Program

Founded in 2001 as part of the Bighorn Center for Public Policy, the Bighorn Leadership Program aims to ensure that strong, practical leadership is available to Colorado over the short and long term. The program identifies potential and current leaders and provides them with the training to become actively engaged in public policy and the political process.

Since its inception, the Bighorn Leadership Program has tackled some of the state’s most pressing policy issues including health care, economic development, and natural resource sustainability while at the same time giving motivated individuals the leadership and public policy skills to pursue and succeed in public office and advocacy.

Join us in shaping the future of Colorado.

OUR VALUES

Coloradans deserve a civil and rational discussion of issues, thoughtful solutions and not just binary, reflexive debate.

  • Public policy should reflect the values and priorities of citizens.

  • Issues that have a practical impact on all Coloradoans' lives should be explored thoroughly.

  • Meaningful and respectful relationships with constituents, colleagues, and the public is a crtical aspect of being a public servant.

  • Coloradans have the right to make choices about their families and bodies.

Elected leaders play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact residents at every level. Candidates need to be well-informed about the state's pressing issues. This knowledge ensures that our elected officials can effectively address the needs and concerns of their communities, implement sustainable policies, and contribute to the well-being and progress of the state.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING

  • The Bighorn Leadership Program is committed to fostering an environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integrated into our program.

  • Our commitment to DEIB motivates us to recruit prospective candidates purposefully, integrating race, gender, disability, and age.

  • We believe in fair and equal opportunities for all, treating one another fairly and respectfully.

Colorado is a state with many positive attributes. The decisions made today impact future generations. We need capable leaders who want to serve their local communities and the state by serving in elected office. In Colorado, there are:

  • 273 municipalities

  • 64 counties

  • 178 school districts

  • 100 state legislators

These elected leaders play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact residents at every level. Candidates need to be well-informed about the state's pressing issues. This knowledge ensures that our elected officials can effectively address the needs and concerns of their communities, implement sustainable policies, and contribute to the well-being and progress of the state.

THE TEAM

  • Brenda Morrison

    Co-Founder

    Brenda Morrison has dedicated her career to bridging public policy, leadership development, and civic engagement. A Colorado native, she began her journey in the non-profit sector before transitioning to the Bighorn Center for Public Policy, where she served as Associate Director. At Bighorn, she played a central role in advancing initiatives such as Colorado’s Telemarketing No-Call List, Vote-by-Mail, and the Colorado 100—a pioneering public engagement event focused on fiscal reform.

    Following Bighorn’s closure, Brenda spent over a decade at Engaged Public, where she co-founded Balancing Act, a tech company designed to engage and educate citizens about government budgets. In 2021, she launched Civic Innovators, LLC, a consulting firm for civic projects and public policy initiatives. Brenda also oversees the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC), empowering youth voices in policymaking, and collaborates with international NGOs to support civic engagement in countries like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Moldova, and Jordan.

  • Sheila McDonald

    Co-Founder

    Sheila MacDonald is the founder and CEO of The MIDG Group, a political strategy firm founded in 2008. MIDG Group, LLC is primarily focused on high-profile issue and candidate campaigns, public policy and government affairs.

    Along with campaign consulting, McDonald also works with businesses, non-profits and individuals who need government affairs support in navigating local, state and federal government agencies. 

    In 2007, The Colorado Politics (formerly The Colorado Statesman) named McDonald to its inaugural class of “Fifty for the Future.” Selection for this honor was based on career accomplishments to date and ability to serve as role models for the future.

    Since then, she has run or consulted on more than 100 campaigns across Colorado and the region including school mill and bond, water districts, recreation districts and statewide ballot measures. 

The Board: Mark Cavanaugh, Patrice Hauptman, Alicia Haywood, Greg Kolomitz, Mark Martinez Luna

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The Board: Mark Cavanaugh, Patrice Hauptman, Alicia Haywood, Greg Kolomitz, Mark Martinez Luna |

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Public policy is only as good as the leaders that implement it. 

  • The Bighorn Leadership Program’s unique core curriculum was designed in part by former and current elected leaders, who assisted with identifying key elements that are necessary for public leadership and the development of effective public policy.  The curriculum consists of three primary elements:  

    • Public Policy Development  

    • Campaigns and Elections 

    • Governance and Ethics 

  • The curriculum is practical, focusing on skill development through a variety of learning activities. These include lectures, panel discussions, group exercises and discussions, policy development, readings, and interaction with state and regional political leaders. Consultations with Colorado policymakers allow participants to build strong networks, develop campaign roadmaps, and advance potential policy priorities. 

  • Yes. We welcome former or current elected officials who want to take a deeper or different dive into public policy.  

  • Optimal class size ranges from 20 - 25.