Adam is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with more than 12 years of experience in the City of Thornton’s Economic Development department. Before becoming the Economic Development Director, Adam served as our Deputy Director, where he focused on primary development, fostering business expansion, job creation, and community advancement. Prior to coming to Thornton in March 2011, he was the Business Development Manager for a non-profit economic development organization serving northern Colorado. Adam is active in the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He also serves on the Adams County Economic Developments (ACED) board of directors and the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP) programs committee.

Adam is a graduate of Colorado State University (Go Rams!) with a degree in Communications. He lives in Thornton with his wife, Kate, and daughters, Ava and Zoe.

Contact Adam:
Direct: (303) 538-7398
Cell: (970) 222-7216
Email: adam.krueger@thorntonco.gov

A Thornton resident since 2001, Julie was pleased to join the City of Thornton’s Economic Development team in 2014. In her previous role as Retail Administrator, Julie oversaw the retail business attraction process. As Deputy Director, she continues to contribute her extensive experience and knowledge in the field.

Prior to joining the City, Julie’s extensive managerial and marketing career spanned a variety of industries, including retail, development, broadcasting, hospitality, and education. Most notably, Jacoby spent eight (8) years with General Growth Properties, Inc., one of the nation’s largest retail development companies, and served as the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Commerce City. Julie is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and of the ICSC Rocky Mountain Alliance.

Julie holds degrees in Communications and Political Science from Valparaiso University. She has lived in Thornton since 2001 with her husband, Jeremy, and has two daughters, Jessica and Johanna.

Contact Julie:
Direct: (303) 538-7698
Email: julie.jacoby@thorntonco.gov

Kate Bentley joins the City of Thornton’s Economic Development Department as the Real Estate & Marketing Administrator. She brings a decade of experience in nonprofit development and marketing communications, most recently working in the affordable housing sector. After graduating from Texas State University with a business degree in Marketing, Kate relocated to Colorado and currently resides in the city of Thornton.

In her free time, Kate is passionate about giving back to the community by volunteering at her favorite nonprofits. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her two dogs.

Contact Kate:
Direct: (303) 538-7358
Email: kate.bentley@thorntonco.gov

Carla brings over 10 years of experience with the City of Thornton, having worked in the City Manager’s office prior to joining Economic Development.

Carla enjoys spending time with her children and her two lovable dogs.

Contact Carla:
Direct: (303) 538-7605
Email: carla.courter@thorntonco.gov

Joining us in February of 2017, Chad manages, administers, and coordinates urban renewal projects for the City of Thornton and the Thornton Development Authority (TDA).  He is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, with more than 27 years of experience managing assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of properties in several states.

Chad was most recently the Economic Development Director for the City of Greeley, Colorado and was formerly the Director of Major Projects for St. Louis Development Corporation (the economic development arm of the City of St. Louis, Missouri). He also worked for nine years for the City of Kalamazoo, Michigan’s Economic Development Office, where he managed the city’s Brownfield Redevelopment Initiative, and he has seven years of environmental consulting experience.

Chad is a native of Central New York, a graduate of Western Michigan University with a BS in Environmental Studies, and currently lives in Greeley with his wife, Shayna.

Contact Chad:
Direct: (303) 538-7390
Cell: (970) 324-0250
Email: Chad.Howell@thorntonco.gov

Brenda, joining the Alliance Business Assistance Center from the city of Thornton’s Recreation & Community Programs team, brings her community-focused heart to her new role. She is passionate about helping the community with essential resources and making lifelong relationships. Habla Español.

Contact Brenda:
Alliance Business Assistance Center: 720.674.3547
Email: brenda.gomez@thorntonco.gov

Janet, part of the Alliance Business Assistance Center since 2020, excels at connecting business owners with the best counselors and services for their needs. Her advocacy and entrepreneurial background as a bakery owner fuel her dedication to supporting the local community. Habla Español.

Contact Janet:
Alliance Business Assistance Center: 720.674.3547
Email: janet.gonzalez@thorntonco.gov

Jenny joined the Economic Development team in 2014 as the Marketing and Events Administrator. In 2023, she transitioned to the Small Business Manager position where she oversees activities and services at the Alliance Business Assistance Center. She brings almost 20 years of marketing and management experience to the City of Thornton. Jenny earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and is also a licensed cosmetologist after graduating from the Paul Mitchell School of Denver.

Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and her sassy little dog, Peanut.

Contact Jenny:
Direct: (720) 674-3543
Email: jenny.leon@thorntonco.gov

Wendi Nafziger, a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), serves as the Economic Development Administrator for the City of Thornton. With over 40 years of experience in economic development, Wendi joined the City of Thornton in January 2024, following 3 years with the City of Commerce City and over 35 years with the Longmont Economic Development Partnership. Over the years, Wendi has received many awards and accolades for her service to the industry and community. Most notably she recently was honored with the “Economic Development Achievement Award” from the Economic Development Council of Colorado.

Contact Wendi:
Direct: (303) 538-7448
Email: Wendi.Nafziger@thorntonco.gov