Monica Kurtz is a senior marketing communications and business development professional with more than two decades of experience leading cross-functional initiatives, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and shaping integrated marketing strategies that elevate brands. Recognized for her collaborative approach and strategic mindset, Monica specializes in building partnerships, developing compelling content, and guiding complex projects that support innovation, education, and community.

Most recently, Monica served as Corporate Marketing Lead for Innovation, Partnering, and Outreach at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). In this role, she developed high-visibility communications materials, supported strategic event planning, and crafted presentations for the Strategic Public-Private Partnerships Office. She also led key projects for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, including annual reports for numerous programs and stakeholder groups, as well as communications for new cohort onboarding.

Prior to her work at NREL, Monica served as Stakeholder Relations Manager at the Colorado School of Mines, where she cultivated and sustained strategic partnerships across industry, government, nonprofits, foundations, entrepreneurs, and academic departments. She played a central role in supporting Design@Mines and Humanitarian Engineering, overseeing marketing materials, event programming, media outreach, and content development. Monica also directed web strategy across four department sites and led successful execution of major events such as the Capstone Expo each semester.

With a strong interest in economic development, she has volunteered for Downtown Colorado, Inc. to create a new business improvement district (BID) directory for the state of Colorado.

Earlier in her career, Monica built a thriving consulting practice in communications, strategic planning, and marketing, working with diverse clients that include the USA Pro Challenge Race and BuyQ. With the dovetail team, she supported the British Consulate in Denver and McWhinney projects. Her leadership as Director of Marketing for the 2015 Biennial of the Americas included full oversight of media relations, advertising, collateral development, vendor management, and spokesperson duties.

Her previous roles also include Director of Digital Marketing at Pilgrim Advertising and Regional Sales Manager for Resort Technology Partners, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar digital initiatives, client relationships, and business development efforts. Monica began her career in Philadelphia at Golin, working on large national brands that included McDonald’s and Midas before she relocated to Denver, where she worked for Metzger Associates and GBSM.

Monica holds an M.A. from the University of Colorado and a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University, along with multiple leadership and professional development certifications, including a certificate in AI-Powered Workflows from the University of Denver.

In her free time, Monica seeks sunshine and inspiration while on one of her bicycles or while adventuring with her family.