Power Up 2026: A Leadership Conference For Youth Services Managers & Staff

Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Lisa Roy

Dr. Lisa Roy is a distinguished leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Appointed by Governor Jared Polis in 2022, Dr. Roy oversaw the creation of the Department and continues to boldly lead the agency to provide comprehensive programs and services for young children, families, and early childhood professionals, including the launch of the Universal Preschool Program, which provides half-day preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Roy has previously held leadership positions at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and Denver Public Schools, focusing on supporting families with young children. She holds a Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity with an emphasis on Executive Leadership, as well as a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, from the University of Colorado Denver.

Dr. Roy has served on many boards, including the Denver Early Childhood Council and the Mental Health Center of Denver to name a few. She is also a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Colorado Women’s Forum and the Golden Key Society.

Dr. Roy’s transformative efforts in early childhood care and education have been recognized by broad audiences. She was honored by the University of Colorado Denver School of Education & Human Development 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award and the 2024 Graduate School of Education and Human Development Inaugural Outstanding Leadership . She also earned the 2022 Harmon Award for Early Childhood Mental Health from the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health. Dr. Roy leads with vision and purpose, and her work has led to a brighter future for all Colorado children and families.