Why these Western Colorado professionals are skipping retirement, for now

Jun 02, 2026 01:28PM ● By Nancy Crowell

Part Two of a Three Part Series: No Desire to Retire

You’re at a casual gathering, talking with new friends about anything and everything, when someone turns to you with a smile and asks, “So, when are you planning to retire?”

In Western Colorado, many adults 55 and older aren’t counting down the days to retirement. They’re leading organizations, building businesses, mentoring the next generation and serving their communities.

In this second installment, these local professionals share why they’re still working, what keeps them motivated and why retirement isn’t part of the plan—at least not yet.

“Retirement does not seem more interesting to me
than work does right now.”

Laurena Davis finds purpose in teaching at CMU, where she helps prepare the next generation of communication professionals.

Laurena Davis, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at Colorado Mesa University

Working with students keeps Laurena Davis energized.

“When you work with students, you work with the future,” she said. “They’re not jaded by the past. Everything is ahead of these emerging professionals, and their energy is contagious.”

Before teaching, Davis often gravitated toward developing and coaching talent in the private sector, whether working with interns or young employees. Teaching felt like a natural extension of that.

“From observing friends and family make their retirement plans, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s a process,” she added. “I’ve also been given some great advice. When I do retire, I plan to be intentional in finding new purpose and deepening connections.”

“My deepest hope is that purpose and
longevity prove inseparable.”

Angelina Salazar at the 2025 Western Healthcare Alliance conference.

Angelina Salazar, CEO at Western Healthcare Alliance

Angelina Salazar is not eager to retire. She loves Western Healthcare Alliance’s mission and the people she gets to work with.

“We are collaborating to improve rural healthcare and ensure that our rural communities are thriving,” she said. “Rural health care leaders are the most innovative, compassionate and dedicated people I know. I feel incredibly fortunate to support them in the essential work they do every day.”

Retirement only crosses her mind when national issues threaten rural communities.

“But then I imagine my life without this purposeful work, and I quickly regain my enthusiasm,” said Salazar. “I intend to remain in service as long as I can make a difference.”

“I love what I’m doing. It doesn’t feel like work.”

Leah Gonyeau, center, with two of her SkyWest colleagues, at Grand Junction Regional Airport.

Leah Gonyeau, Supervisor at SkyWest Airlines

Leah Gonyeau readily admits that she doesn’t have an OFF switch. Between her job at SkyWest Airlines and her travel business, travel continues to fuel her.

“I love helping all kinds of travelers, whether they’re planning an upcoming trip, dealing with problems or discovering great new places to go.”

After a career in educational leadership, Gonyeau is using those skills in a different way.

“When things go smoothly at the airport, travelers are happy. But when things go wrong, my primary goal is to make something right for them—a voucher, a hotel room, a re-routed trip, an extra meal,” she said. “Whatever I can possibly do to help them feel better and get them to their destination, that’s my priority.”

“I get to work with generous people to set up charitable giving accounts to support a wide range of nonprofits and causes that improve life in our community.”

Anne Wenzel says her work with the Western Colorado Community Foundation continues to be meaningful after 25 years of leadership.

Anne Wenzel, President & CEO at Western Colorado Community Foundation

Now in her 25th year of leading the Western Colorado Community Foundation, Anne Wenzel said the role has allowed her to combine her nonprofit organizational development and fundraising skills with work that reflects her values.

“I have a lot of experience to offer and enjoy working,” she said. “I have been blessed to hold the position I am in for half of my working career.”

Wenzel still has goals she wants to accomplish before stepping away from full-time leadership. When the time comes, she hopes to transition into a meaningful part-time role with WCCF.

“I have a handful of things I still want to accomplish in my job,” said Wenzel. “I can see a part-time, phased approach to retirement being a win for me personally, a win for our organization and a win for our community.”

Read Part One of this Series

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