PPORA Hires Nick Ragain as Director of Strategic Advancement

Colorado Springs, CO – January 13, 2026 – The Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) is pleased to announce the appointment of accomplished community leader Nick Ragain as its new Director of Strategic Advancement. In this initial 12 month role, Ragain will focus on advancing PPORA’s strategic initiatives, fostering key partnerships, and driving growth for the outdoor recreation industry across the Pikes Peak region. His expertise in community building, economic development, and regional leadership will support PPORA’s mission to strengthen the outdoor recreation sector through collaboration, stewardship, and innovation.

“Nick brings a proven track record of leadership and a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the Pikes Peak region,” said Becky Leinweber, Executive Director of PPORA. “His experience in economic impact, community engagement, and recreation-related governance will be invaluable as we continue to implement the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative, promote responsible recreation, and position our region as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Ragain has spent much of his career building community in Colorado Springs. He previously served as Owner and President of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, where he led significant projects that contributed to downtown revitalization and local economic growth. Recognized as the 2022 USL Championship President of the Year, Ragain has also held board positions with organizations including the Colorado Tourism Office, Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, and previously the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District. His passion for recreation and community development aligns closely with PPORA’s goals of growing participation in outdoor activities while preserving the region’s natural assets.

“I am thrilled to join PPORA and contribute to the incredible work already underway,” said Ragain. “The Pikes Peak region offers world-class opportunities for outdoor adventure but there is great opportunity for strategic growth.”

PPORA is a collaborative alliance of outdoor businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and individuals dedicated to strengthening the outdoor recreation industry in El Paso, Teller, and Fremont counties. Through programs like the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative, trail stewardship efforts, and community events, PPORA works to inspire greater participation, support industry growth, and advocate for responsible use of public lands and waterways.

For more information about PPORA, visit ppora.org.
Media Contact:
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
kristen@ppora.org
ppora.org

 

PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT TRANSCRIPT

DAVID LEINWEBER REMARKS:

I want to begin by thanking Governor Polis for his leadership and advocacy for the Pikes Peak region. His commitment to outdoor recreation, conservation, and collaborative land management has made a real difference here, particularly his work to strengthen partnerships with the Forest Service and other agencies at the federal level.

I’m not sure we would be talking today without some of that leadership. This is really going to expand access and opportunities around America’s mountain, Pike’s Peak, and that leadership truly matters.

Today’s announcement is incredibly exciting. I can’t tell you. I started the organization 12 years ago and to see where it’s come from is just great. This is really exciting for our whole region.

It reflects not only the extraordinary outdoor assets that we steward, but also the collaboration we built and the growing national recognition of the Pike’s Peak region as a premier outdoor designation. And with that recognition comes responsibility. That responsibility to manage this opportunity well and to fulfill or fully leverage this moment to advance our shared priorities.

As a founder of PPORA, I have the privilege of watching the organization grow alongside this region, bringing partners together, and helping move outdoor priorities forward in a meaningful way. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter where years of planning are becoming action. And our local leadership and community partners have truly stepped up.

In particular, I want to recognize Colorado Springs City Council members Lynette Crow-Iverson and Brian Risley for their leadership and enthusiasm. This past year, Lynette came back from a trip to Bentonville, Arkansas, with nothing less than a revival experience. Now, Bentonville is where Walmart is located, and you need to look into it.

Bentonville, she witnessed that by making intentional investments in outdoor recreation, Bentonville transformed itself into a powerful engine for business growth, workforce recruitment, attracting entrepreneurs, remote workers, and major employers. That same strategy elevated Bentonville onto the global stage as an internationally recognized destination for world-class trail systems and outdoor innovation. That trip sparked a unique fundraising challenge between her and Brian Risley.

And in a few weeks, they ended up raising more than $250,000 for PPRA. I also want to thank the many community partners who answered that call. This is our opportunity to tell the governor, locally, we’re in.

Your belief and investment are helping create the moment we need to move confidently into the next phase. Because of that leadership and support, PPRA is now positioned to strengthen our executive team and prepare for the next decade of impasse. With that, I’d like to invite Becky back up for a very important announcement.

BECKY LEINWEBER REMARKS:

As David mentioned, we’re excited to expand our leadership team. I’m pleased to introduce Nick Reagan as PPRA’s new Director of Strategic Advancement. Nick, come on up here.

I’m excited to welcome Nick to the team. Joining myself, Kristen, and Connor to really help us take this next step. It’s going to take a lot.

David mentioned responsibility. It’s something we don’t take lightly. So we want to make sure that we do this right.

Nick brings strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and he’s just a proven leader in this area, in this region, and loves our outdoors. So we’re excited to have him join the team. You’ll probably be hearing more from him as days continue.

He is the former owner of the championship-winning Switchbacks FC. So he’s familiar, but you’re like, I don’t know where. That’s it.

And now we are well positioned to lead confidently and step boldly into this next chapter. So before we close, I want to take a moment to thank the many people who made today possible. Thank you, Governor Polis, for your continued support and advocacy for our shared vision and for helping elevate the Pikes Peak region as a model for thoughtful outdoor recreation and conservation.

Thank you to GOCO and Colorado Department of Natural Resources, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for your continued partnership and investment in PPRA as a regional leader. Thank you to our planning and implementation partners, many of whom are here today, for staying at the table, working through challenges, and aligning around shared values and priorities. And folks, that took a lot.

That’s a lot of hours they spent. So it’s very much appreciated that they stuck with us. As we wrap up, thank you for our community leaders, supporters, and philanthropic partners for believing in this work and trusting PPRA to help lead the region forward.

As we wrap up, I want to note that project partners and regional leaders are gathered just to my left. Before we open that up for you to come up and interview them, Governor Polis would like to open it up, I think, to some questions. But if we could have our individual representatives of the project come up and be ready.