Colorado Technology Association Begins Search for New CEO

Colorado native Andrea J. Young confirmed she is leaving her role as CEO of Colorado Technology Association after nearly two years to return to the private sector following the March 15 C-Level @ Mile High fundraiser. In the interim, a sub-committee of six CTA board members is leading an intensive search for Young's replacement.

"Colorado Technology Association is looking for a new President and CEO who is enthusiastic about empowering change within Colorado and beyond," according to the recruitment site for the executive search.

"We let the staff know a couple weeks ago," Young says. "I will be a part of the transition, even after I leave. I want things to go smoothly. I will stay engaged and remain active, even on a volunteer basis."

Young replaced former CTA CEO Erik Mitisek in June 2016.

Though she did not comment on specifics, Young says she will remain in Colorado where she will work for an entrepreneur who is "looking to scale up their organization." She intends to bring her experience from her most recent leadership role to the venture.

Young, a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience driving growth within the local tech economy began her career building state-of-the-art telecommunications platforms for commercial real estate. She then served as CIO and CTO for Janus Capital Group in Denver and later Boulder-based BI Incorporated.

She was hired to CTA's executive role after serving on the board of directors since 2010. She says she now has "an even greater appreciation for the work that gets done at CTA," noting, "it has such an amazing impact."

Young says the highlights of her position, "may sound cliche, but the amazing collaboration I've been able to witness and the tight-knit community … it really is the Colorado way." She also mentioned the Colorado Tech Tour. "Being able to drive around the state on a bus telling stories for the Tech Tour … tech really is the great economic equalizer and there are so many great things going on in tech outside of metro Denver. There are so many great stories."

CTA, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2019, is membership-based a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, advocating for a pro-business and technology friendly climate. ​The organization has a staff of 10 people and 350 member companies.