Andrea Palm-Porter, Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Roaring Fork Leadership (RFL), Andrea Palm-Porter is instrumental in guiding the non-profit to expand beyond its core leadership educational program to provide meaningful opportunities to practice and apply what has been learned for the betterment of our communities.

“My experience guiding organizations into new markets and finding new opportunities is directly transferable to the challenges facing RFL as they broaden their mission,” says Palm-Porter.

“Leadership is a way of life, and a way to be fully engaged in everything you do.”

Palm-Porter’s career trajectory is impressive, with 30+ years’ experience driving strategic growth through strong leadership and relationships. She’s has worked in a multi-million dollar media organization, retail industry, and currently in the non-profit & leadership industry as the Executive Director of Roaring Fork Leadership. She attended the University of Eau Claire in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing – including a leadership curriculum. Andrea also has her Master’s in Organizational Leadership through CSU. She is known for being able to grow revenue, be innovative, develop relationships, facilitate, define and drive product development, create awareness and execute projects with ease. A graduate and former board member of the Vail Leadership Institute, alumnus of the American Leadership Forum, and an Alumnus of the RFL Academy, Andrea is passionate about leadership as her personal mission is building a community of leaders. As she puts it, “A community of skilled & thoughtful leaders is a thriving & innovative community.”

She’s lived in the Colorado mountains since 1997 and is a mother to four: Tucker (22), Tessa (20), Brody (19) and Ruby Belle (17). She is dedicated to raising them to be amazing human beings with profound lasting relationships that will serve them throughout their lifetime. Andrea stands for contributing to a world of workability, compassion, and discovery. During her free time she enjoys being outside on her bike or on a mountain — skiing down or skinning up.

Favorite quote ” Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” Les Brown

Lizz Bailey, Director of Development

Lizz Bailey is a seasoned non-profit professional with over a decade of experience in development, communications, and leadership. As Director of Development for Roaring Fork Leadership (RFL), she advances the organization’s mission by cultivating donor relationships, leading strategic fundraising initiatives, and driving community engagement. A 2020 RFL Academy graduate, Lizz brings a systems-thinking approach, ensuring that each initiative aligns with RFL’s goals and values.

Reflecting on her Academy experience, she shares: “Learning how to lead and live within my integrity has made me a better employee, friend, partner, and community member.”

Lizz’s career is marked by a commitment to positive change through collaboration and innovation. Her strengths in program development, grant acquisition, and stakeholder engagement—combined with her strategic mindset and expertise in marketing—allow her to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Outside her professional life, Lizz is committed to community building and known for her leadership driven by empathy, integrity, and a focus on sustainable impact. With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from Montclair State University, Lizz began her non-profit career as an intern at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County. Her impactful work with AmeriCorps NCCC after Hurricane Sandy inspired her to embark on a service year in California, which led to a position with the Catalina Island Conservancy. Moving to Colorado in 2016, Lizz has since served in leadership roles at organizations including Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley, and Mountain Family Health Centers. Currently pursuing her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation, Lizz earned a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) credential from the American Marketing Association and Digital Marketing Association in 2023.

Lizz lives in Rifle with her husband, Mike, their son, Liam, black cat, Boomer, and Labrador, Onyx. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, camping, rafting, and snowshoeing.