2020 Annual Luncheon

Kelley Duke is an experienced trial attorney who chairs and leads Ireland Stapleton's litigation practice group. Ms. Duke, a tenacious advocate for her clients, maintains a full trial docket handling a wide range of complex commercial litigation matters. When litigation intersects with business, Ms. Duke guides her clients through legal technicalities to help them stay the course and achieve their goals. Ms. Duke serves as outside general counsel to companies in industries such as transportation network companies, oil and gas, banking, marketing and public relations, packaging and distribution, and fire protection districts. She regularly practices before both state and federal courts and before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Ms. Duke is also an arbitrator and panel member with the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration provides speed, economy and justice for parties that want to resolve conflicts out of court. In this role, she serves as a neutral for cases involving complex commercial litigation matters.

Simone D. Ross elevates her 15+ years of corporate executive experience to bring voice to the importance of creating equity within business enterprises. She facilitates inspiring experiences, content, and presentations, to "ignite the light" within every participant. Simone is also the Regional Managing Director of one of the fastest growing brands in the nation, leading new market expansion and operations. She believes that through collaborative and equitable workspaces, everyone wins, accelerating their companies, careers, and lives.

Simone holds a Master of Arts, and Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University. She has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as a “40 Under 40” business leader; the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women; the Association for Corporate Growth as a David Sloan business scholar; and was recognized by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce as a community service champion. She is a graduate of Leadership Denver, the Colorado State Chamber of Commerce CACI Executive Leadership Program and, is an Urban Leadership Foundation Chamber Connect alum.

Simone is most proud of her two amazing children. She is motivated by watching them grow, thrive, fearlessly create, and explore the world.