Circular Colorado is proud to celebrate Laurie Johnson, our CEO, for being named in Work Design Magazine’s “Meet Three Women Shaping Colorado’s Sustainable Future” article. This recognition highlights what we already know: Laurie is a powerhouse leader whose vision and dedication are transforming how our state thinks about waste, materials, and economic opportunity.
Laurie’s leadership is rooted in Circular Colorado’s mission to establish circular economies by growing companies across the circular value chain and supporting communities in overcoming barriers to participation. She’s been instrumental in moving this mission forward in bold and practical ways.
A key example of her leadership is the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC), which provides hands-on technical assistance to companies working to implement or expand circular strategies. Funded by the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise, the CEDC facilitates connections between manufacturers, processors, and recyclers — guiding businesses throughout their lifecycle to build lasting, local solutions.
An innovative CEDC project that removes barriers to circularity is the Circular Transportation Network (CTN), which launched in early 2025. A partnership between the CEDC, Front Range Transload, and B. Kirkland Trucking, CTN is filling a major gap in Colorado’s recycling system. It enables the transport of recyclable materials from rural and mountain communities that couldn’t recycle materials otherwise to a central facility in Pueblo, where materials are prepared and sent to manufacturers that turn them into new products.
This work would not be possible without the talent and dedication of the entire ecosystem of sustainability professionals working hard in Colorado. Emily Freeman and Liz Chapman, fellow collaborators, have also demonstrated strategic insight and operational leadership that is shaping real systems change in the region and expanding access to even more circular opportunities.
Laurie’s inclusion on this list of impactful women is a meaningful affirmation of the work we’re doing — and a reminder that building a more resilient, regenerative economy takes visionary leadership and strong collaboration. We’re honored to have Laurie leading the way.