Staff
Meet Our Staff
Raymond Gonzales, President/CEO
303-655-2155, rgonzales@brightonedc.org
Raymond H. Gonzales is the President and CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation. Working together with the city's Redevelopment, Economic Development and Community Resources Office (REDCo), he is charged with a unique role as the liaison between the public and private sectors. In his role with the BEDC, he is responsible for attracting new industry, business and investments to the City of Brighton.
With eleven years of federal experience, Raymond is considered an expert on workforce programs. He served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Labor under New Mexico’s Governor, Bill Richardson, and as a Federal Representative for the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. He was a Federal Partner in the Denver Workforce Innovation Regional Economic Development Initiative. Raymond began his civil service career with the Educational Opportunity Center where he worked to create post-secondary educational and training opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Adams County, Colorado.
Raymond was born and raised in Brighton, and received his B.S. in Accounting from Regis University.
Vision for Brighton: “My vision is to enhance the quality of life in Brighton by creating and sustaining high-wage jobs.”
Paula Mehle, Senior Vice President
303-655-2020, pmehle@brightonedc.org
Paula is our primary contact working with businesses seeking site identification, development process, and incentives. Paula also manages a variety of special projects and provides organizational support.
Paula has a public administration degree with a local government concentration from University of Colorado, Denver and an bachelor of science degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with over fifteen years experience in planning, housing, code enforcement, and economic development.
Vision for Brighton: Paula envisions Brighton as a balanced community of housing, education, and commerce, providing the community the ability to serve itself and the surrounding communities in all types of economies.
Shane Oliphant, Vice President of Operations and Retail Development
303-655-2165, soliphant@brightonedc.org
Shane's title says it all. As the VP of Operations and Retail Development here at BEDC, he is the "Jack of all trades” for our office.
Shane has a diversified background that includes restaurants, security software, retail, and construction. His wealth of knowledge provides an excellent basis for his position.
Vision for Brighton: “My vision is to help develop a community where I can raise my own family and be proud of my accomplishments. Brighton should be the Star of the North Metro Region.”
What I love most about Brighton: Brighton is a diverse city with many options and opportunities for sustainable growth.
Teri Sanchez, Economic Development Program Coordinator
303-655-2150, tsanchez@brightonedc.org
Teri coordinates the North Metro Small Business Development Center's (NMSBC) Brighton office, providing advising services and educational programs to business owners looking to start or grow their business. She helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, helps small firms grow, and provides the resources that businesses need to make critical decisions. Teri coordinates strategic partnerships with local education programs and higher education and the Adams County Workforce Center to promote lifelong learning opportunities.
Teri's background is in training and curriculum development, which she has conducted throghout the western United States. She has owned several successful small businesses, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Metropolitan State College of Denver, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Denver and several certificates in counseling.
Vision for Brighton: As a native Brightonian, I am glad to see Brighton emerge at the forefront of expansion and development. I would like to see a community where not only I, but my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can live, work, shop, get an outstanding education and play, without ever having to leave the city limits.
What I love most about Brighton: For me, this is HOME! It is also home for my parents, children and their children. Our roots run deep in this community; of course we want the best for Brighton.
Terra Lenihan, Public Relations
303-709-4774, terra@terralenihan.com
Terra provides public relations for the Brighton EDC. A professional communicator, Terra's background is diverse, and includes public relations, social media and grant writing for the public sector, nonprofits, architecture and education. She spends her extra time hiking, doing yoga and volunteering at the school where her two young boys attend.
Vision for Brighton: Brighton is culturally a place to be! The city has a rich history, deep roots and strong leadership. I love to see how Brighton is creating a strong and sustainable future by planning wisely for its future. The city has made smart investments in economic development, recreation, cultural arts and its downtown. It really is a model Colorado city.
What I love most about Brighton: The Armory and the Anythink Library are truly amazing, and I love the stories about how these cultural icons evolved. The people of Brighton are warm and friendly. I also love the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, especially at sunset.
