An AWC Interview with Lisa Neal-Graves: Inaugural CEO & Visionary

In the vibrant heart of Aurora, Colorado, a remarkable force for change is at work, driven by a passion for building health, wealth, and well-being within the community. Meet Lisa Neal-Graves, the extraordinary CEO leading this transformative movement at Aurora Wellness Community (AWC), a dynamic partnership between the Aurora Community, CU Anschutz School of Medicine, and CU Medicine.

Lisa's Journey to Empower Aurora

With over 25 years of experience in the corporate world, Lisa Neal-Graves has emerged as a senior thought leader, technologist, and legal executive. Her career has been a journey through multinational conglomerates, Fortune 50 corporations, mid-size growth companies, startups, and even state and local government.

Lisa's career highlights read like a tech and innovation enthusiast's dream. From architecting WorldNet business internet services to pioneering neuromorphic computing research, she has consistently driven technology strategy and product innovation. She's navigated companies through IPOs and significant M&A transactions, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the field.

A Technology and Legal Maven

Lisa is not just a technology leader; she's also a recognized legal expert in internet/cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, data privacy, and cloud-based architecture. Her contributions have extended across Europe and APAC regions, involving product development, international go-to-market operations, and global P&L expertise.

Furthermore, Lisa's extensive experience encompasses various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, and government agencies. She's been at the helm of new product introductions, corporate-wide technology strategic planning, senior leadership tech education, and policy development.

Global Experience and Innovation

What makes Lisa truly remarkable is her global perspective and innovative thinking. Her career has taken her from the shores of Europe, including Italy and the UK, to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China. In each place, she's been responsible for new product line introductions and business development, proving that her vision knows no boundaries.

She's skillfully managed multinational teams across the US, UK, Germany, and major cities in China, orchestrating cross-cultural collaborations to drive innovation.

A Champion of Change

Before taking the helm at Aurora Wellness Community, Lisa lent her extensive expertise to government as the former Chief Innovation Officer for the Colorado Attorney General. Her track record in the corporate world is equally impressive. She headed the Cloud Strategic Product Group for Zayo Group, overseeing the integration of multiple corporate acquisitions to build a global cloud business.

Lisa's earlier tenure at Intel Corporation saw her as Corporate Counsel for the CIO, where she played pivotal roles in the company's strategic technology and research planning. She's held VP R&D, CTO, and SVP/GM positions with industry giants such as Unisys, Chase, Lucent, and AT&T.

In Lisa Neal-Graves, Aurora Wellness Community has found a dynamic leader who brings an exceptional blend of global vision and deep technical acumen to drive positive change. With her at the helm, AWC is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of Aurora residents, especially those living in zip codes 80010, 80011, and 80012.

Under Lisa's guidance, AWC is not just an organization; it's a beacon of hope, a driving force for transformation, and a testament to what's possible when visionary leadership meets a commitment to community well-being. Aurora is indeed fortunate to have a leader of Lisa Neal-Graves' caliber working tirelessly to make the city a better place for all.

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