After nearly 15 years of transformative leadership, Lori Jarvis will retire as executive director of NAMI Colorado Springs at the end of May. Her decision, she says, reflects her belief that “part of being a leader is knowing when it’s time to let others lead.”
That next generation is ready: Emily Brady and Kirk Woundy, who have grown alongside Lori within the organization, will assume the roles of co-CEOs starting June 1. The move honors NAMI’s peer-based philosophy — walking side by side through challenges — and carries forward Lori’s collaborative spirit.
It also marks the end of an era. Since taking the reins of a small, volunteer-led nonprofit in 2011, Lori has steered NAMI from a $35,000 annual budget to one exceeding $1.1 million. Under her leadership, NAMI has expanded from a handful of family programs to 15 offerings that touch people across the Pikes Peak region — including students, law enforcement, and individuals with lived experience of mental illness.
“Lori’s leadership has transformed lived experience into lasting change: expanding behavioral health services, breaking down barriers to care, and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey."
Her connection to the cause is personal. In 2010, Lori completed NAMI’s Family-to-Family class, seeking support for a loved one’s mental health challenges. The experience was eye-opening, affirming — and frustrating. “Why don’t more people know about this organization?” she wondered.
Though she’d lived in Monument for 15 years, it took a phone call with a friend in California for Lori to learn about NAMI. The Colorado Springs affiliate had been around since 1983, and had long been powered by passionate volunteers juggling jobs and caregiving responsibilities. Lori, with 30 years of corporate communications experience, saw untapped potential.
She dove in as a volunteer fundraiser. Her efforts helped triple NAMI’s donations in the Indy Give! campaign and led to the organization holding its first community breakfast. It all convinced board president Kathy Brandt and donor Clay Taylor that NAMI was ready for growth. With Clay’s $20,000 investment and Kathy’s go-ahead, NAMI posted its first part-time executive director job — and Lori got it.
With Lori at the helm, NAMI grew in size, scope, and visibility. Her leadership inspired trust and loyalty among donors and partners, while her deep empathy helped break stigma and build community.
“Her visionary leadership not only expanded the organization’s reach and resources but also fostered a culture of empathy and support for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges,” says Dr. Leon Kelly, who served as NAMI’s board president from 2019 to 2024.
But it’s not goodbye. Though she’s stepping down from daily leadership, Lori isn’t stepping away just yet. She’ll continue to support fundraising part-time into October 2025, culminating with one more annual breakfast. Already, she’s planning coffee chats and donor meetups — the kind of personal engagement she’s always loved but never had time to fully pursue.
“I’m so happy to continue supporting fundraising and donor relations,” Lori says. “There’s a group of generous donors who have invested in NAMI, stood by us, and made our work possible. I’m grateful to stay on part-time to work with them, and to partner with Kirk, Emily and others on the team.”
She’s also earned a break. A six-week trip to Costa Rica is on the horizon. Still, no matter what the future holds, her legacy is secure.
“Lori’s compassion, education, and relentless advocacy will leave an indelible mark on countless lives in Colorado Springs,” Leon says.
New familiar faces
Lori passes the baton to two longtime colleagues who are shaped by NAMI’s peer-based model and committed to advancing our mission.
Emily Brady and Kirk Woundy joined NAMI Colorado Springs within months of each other in 2016. Emily began as an office volunteer, assisting walk-ins while completing her hours toward a clinical social work license. Kirk, a former editor at the Colorado Springs Independent, was initially brought in to support communications.
By 2018, both were part-time staff members. Emily led the growing family programs, while Kirk managed communications and expanded the grants portfolio. Together, they helped NAMI navigate the COVID pandemic and were instrumental in building the organization’s 2022–2024 strategic plan — which included key milestones like surpassing $1 million in revenue, expanding staff, and reaching underserved populations.
They formally teamed up in 2021 to co-lead program strategy, and it soon became clear that their shared leadership style and mutual trust could serve as a model for NAMI’s future.
“Lori has been intentional about bringing us into pivotal decisions and conversations for years,” says Kirk. “It’s helped us develop the knowledge, confidence and strong bond we’re bringing to this co-CEO opportunity.”
In their new roles, Emily and Kirk will maintain distinct areas of focus but collaborate closely on strategy and decision-making. One of their first initiatives will be launching a new strategic planning process, setting the course for NAMI’s next chapter.
“Emily and Kirk have been instrumental in bringing the organization to where it currently stands,” says board president Dr. Monica Furey. “Their leadership track record speaks for itself.”
Emily adds: “We are excited and honored to lead NAMI Colorado Springs, remain dedicated to supporting our community, and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.”