Barbara Conrad Leadership Award ​

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Barbara Conrad Leadership Award
​Those who never had the privilege to know Barbara Conrad missed an exceptional experience. A member of the Class of ’91-’92, Barbara truly epitomized the commitment to community that Leadership La Plata, at its very core, embraces. She is remembered widely in the community as the former director of the Durango Arts Center, the main gallery of which bears her name, but she was so much more.
To honor Barbara, Leadership La Plata established the Barbara Conrad Leadership Award, given annually in conjunction with the Durango Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration.

Each year, the recipient is selected by a committee made up of the former recipients, including Bill Mashaw, David Eppich, Char Day, Pam Patton, Ed Morlan, Sidny Zink, Lon Erwin, Nora Tracy, Dennis Lum, Marsha Porter-Norton, Indiana Reed, Kip Koso, Wanda Ellingson, Diane Becket, Christi Zeller, John and Cissy Anderson. The committee does not nominate, so members of the community are strongly encouraged to suggest individuals who meets the criteria.
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The successful recipient must be a LLP graduate who is consistently involved and active in leadership roles throughout the community, as was Barbara. The recipient must also be one who demonstrates collaborative leadership skills and creative, independent thinking – or thinking “outside the box.” Of prime importance is dedication to the Leadership La Plata program.

Deadline is traditionally late October. The award is presented annually in February.

Nominate an LLP Grad

​Previous Recipients of the Barbara Conrad Leadership Award

2023 - Natambu Obleton
2022 - Tracy Cornutt
2021 – Janae Hunderman
2020 – Karen Thompson
2019 – Kelsea Ferrato
2018 – Molly Martin
2017 – Jenn Bartlett
2016 – Tara Kiene
2015 – Stan Crapo
2014 – Laura Lewis Marchino
2013 – Kris Oyler
2012 – John and Cissy Anderson
2011 – Christi Zeller
2010 – Diane Becket
​2009 – Wanda Ellingson

2008 – Kip Koso
2007 – Indiana Reed
2006 – Marsha Porter-Norton
2005 – Dennis Lum
2004 – Nora Tracy
2003 – Lon Erwin
2002 – Sidny Zink
2001 – Ed Morlan
2000 – Pam Patton
1999 – David Eppich
1998 – Char Day
1997 – Linda Geer
1996 – Bill Mashaw