Looking to Grow, Connect, and Give Back? Join Leadership Cloudcroft.
Applications are now open for Leadership Cloudcroft 2026—and we'd love for you to be part of it. Applications are due May 27.
If you’ve been curious about what makes Cloudcroft tick—its water supply, its seasonal economy, its long-term planning challenges—this is the program that takes you behind the scenes.
Leadership Cloudcroft (LC) brings together residents who want to better understand their community and take action.
What 2026 has in store
The 2026 cohort will visit Cloudcroft’s wells and springs, connect with local leaders, and take part in a responsible tourism forum organized by LC alumni and board members Amy Coor and Rick Donnelly, who are co-chairing this year’s program.
Meet your 2026 co-chairs and new LC Board Members:
Amy Coor came to Cloudcroft the way many people do: on a camping trip, and chasing snow. She loved it enough to keep coming back, and eventually to stay. In 2020, she and her family relocated from Artesia, and she’s been deep in the fabric of this community ever since: Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks and Rec, Lodger’s Tax Committee, volunteer firefighter, track coach, fitness instructor, and race director for the High Altitude Classic.
She’s also a 2025 LC alumna now stepping into a board role. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community I truly love being a part of.”
Rick Donnelly grabbed two bags in 1983 and headed Southwest, and he’s been exploring this part of the world ever since. He’s been coming to Cloudcroft and the southern Sacramentos since 1998, found his way to Twin Forks in 2021, and settled in the village in 2024. A commercial phone tech for Verizon, he currently chairs the Planning and Zoning Commission and brings a grounded, practical perspective to everything he does.
Also a 2025 LC alumnus, Rick is joining the board to help shape what 2026 becomes.
What 2025 looked like
Last year’s cohort didn’t just sit in a room and listen to lectures. They got out. A few highlights:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Field Trip: Read about the aging plant here.
Emergency Management Forum: Read our recap here.
Public Mayor Debate: Watch it here.
Follow Leadership Cloudcroft on Facebook: Click here.
Accepted participants will be invited to the LC 2026 Kickoff on Thursday, June 11, at The Distillery—an invite-only evening to meet local leaders, hear from Southwest Sports about their ice rink plans, and get a preview of the season ahead.
Alumni Review
“This program has been both a wonderful learning opportunity and a real eye-opener to the challenges Cloudcroft is facing. I’ve come away with a deeper understanding of how important it is for us to work together for a better future—bringing our individual strengths to the table, setting aside pride, and building a community that truly represents and serves its people. I’ve also learned that while we need to take these challenges seriously, we can’t lose sight of joy.”
“Leadership Cloudcroft is such a gift to this community—it not only equips leaders but enriches life for every resident.”
—Andrika Ruiz, local author, business owner, Village Library Advisory Board Chair, and 2025 LC cohort member
Applications are due May 27.
Questions? Reply to this email.
Sincerely,
The Leadership Cloudcroft Board
Amy Coor and Rick Donnelly, 2026 Co-Chairs
Hannah Dean, Executive Director
Special Thanks to Leadership Cloudcroft 2026 sponsors, Cloudcroft Brewing Company, and The Distillery:
Interested in sponsoring Leadership Cloudcroft 2026? Reach us at leadership@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like:
Cloudcroft Art Society
Located in Old Red Brick Schoolhouse: Holiday and Saturday art showsNoisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsCloudcroft Art Workshops
Enhance your artistry while enjoying the beauty and coolness of the mountains!Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
The Southernmost ski area in New Mexico.Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest + Mountain Provisions, Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video servicesDiscover Cloudcroft
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