The 5 Best Community Leaders Around Grand County

Community leadership often takes shape through everyday work: supporting local artists, keeping residents informed or helping guide public decisions. In Grand County, those efforts connect small businesses, cultural spaces, independent media and municipal government. The Best of Grand contest recognizes these community leaders as part of its broader celebration of the region. Their contributions offer different perspectives on preserving local character while addressing the needs of mountain communities.

Bob Scott | Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry

Bob Scott combines his work as a Grand Lake business owner with an interest in regional history and Native American art. At Bob Scott’s Authentic Indian Jewelry, he curates handmade jewelry, turquoise pieces, vintage pottery and regional crafts, working directly with collectors, visitors and residents. Over decades of operating the gallery, Scott has also shared knowledge about Southwestern Indigenous art and the history of the Colorado River headwaters, connecting retail commerce with cultural education.

Ed Reagner | R&J Liquors

As owner of R&J Liquors in Granby, Ed Reagner pairs daily retail responsibilities with civic involvement and small-business advocacy. His public service has included roles on municipal boards, school committees and economic development councils, with attention to infrastructure and local economic planning. Participation in community governance and charity drives extends his work beyond the storefront into issues affecting Granby and the wider Middle Park area.

Ryan Wilson | KFFR Community Radio

Local conversations reach the airwaves through Ryan Wilson’s broadcasting and audio engineering work at Fraser-based KFFR 88.3 FM. Working with station management and volunteer DJs, he contributes to programming, produces on-air segments and supports technical operations for public affairs, independent music and local news. Wilson also assists with fundraising and community media initiatives that sustain the nonprofit station and give residents a platform to discuss regional issues.

Autumn Bishop | The Bowerbird’s Den

Autumn Bishop creates opportunities for regional artists and craftspeople through The Bowerbird’s Den in Granby’s historic 1913 building. As owner and curator, she brings together fine art, home decor, handmade crafts and vintage goods while managing the shop’s operations. Bishop also leads Hatch Creative Space within the building, organizing ticketed art classes, craft nights and community gatherings. Those efforts combine retail opportunities for independent makers with creative education for residents of different skill levels.

Nick Kutrumbos | Town of Winter Park

Through his service on the Winter Park Town Council, Nick Kutrumbos participates in policy decisions, municipal budgeting, infrastructure oversight and long-term planning. He works with the mayor, fellow council members and town staff on priorities including workforce housing, transit expansion and environmental sustainability. His civic work addresses the relationship between resort tourism growth and quality of life for year-round residents.

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