Boulder County Business Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees

BOULDER, Colo. — The Boulder County Business Hall of Fame has announced seven inductees for its 2026 class, recognizing business and community leaders whose work has shaped Boulder County’s economy.

The 2026 class includes Sandy and Sally Bracken, Gerry Agnes, Rich Lopez, Rene and Maria Cervantes, Denis Nock and Becky Callan-Gamble and Dean Callan.

“From immigrant entrepreneurs to decades-long pillars of the real estate and financial sectors, this class reflects the full breadth of what makes Boulder County exceptional,” said Doyle Albee, chair of the organization’s board of directors.

Sandy and Sally Bracken are being recognized for their contributions to higher education, business and philanthropy. Sandy Bracken served as the 19th president of the University of Colorado and later held the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership at the University of Colorado Boulder. The couple has supported organizations, including the Community Foundation Boulder County, Boulder Community Health, Imagine! Foundation, Impact on Education and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. In 2012, they donated $1 million to Boulder Community Foothills Hospital for an inpatient cancer and urology unit.

Gerry Agnes is being honored for his leadership of Elevations Credit Union, where he served as president and CEO for 17 years. During his tenure, the credit union grew to more than $3.5 billion in assets and received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice. Agnes retired in February 2026.

Rich Lopez is recognized for his work in city planning, public service and nonprofit leadership. His career included work on Boulder’s Community Energy Management Program, planning for Denver International Airport and local transportation and land use initiatives. Lopez also served on Boulder’s Planning Board, City Council and as deputy mayor while leading several nonprofit organizations and disaster recovery efforts.

Rene and Maria Cervantes are being recognized for founding La Mariposa, a restaurant chain that grew from a single burrito shop into multiple locations across Boulder County. The couple has operated the business for more than 37 years.

Denis Nock is being honored for his leadership in business and economic development. He served as president of Valleylab Inc., president of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and the first director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado. He has also served on the boards of 22 nonprofit organizations.

Becky Callan-Gamble and Dean Callan are recognized for their contributions to Boulder County’s commercial real estate industry. Dean Callan founded Dean Callan & Company in 1963, and Becky Callan-Gamble joined the firm in 1992 before becoming CEO. Both have served on numerous community and university boards.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 30 at the Boulder JCC. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

“This class reflects the full breadth of what makes Boulder County exceptional,” Albee said. “These honorees embody the spirit of bold ideas and an unwavering commitment to community.”