Leadership Built Through Service: Nicole Weis Named Co-Executive Director of the Institute
The Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience is proud to announce the promotion of Nicole Weis, MA, LPC, LAC, to Co-Executive Director, a new leadership role she will share with Institute founder and Executive Director Dr. Charles "Chip" Benight.
For years, Weis has helped shape the Institute’s mission and growth, advancing programs that bring resilience research, clinical care, education and community engagement together to create meaningful impact. As Director of Healing and Community Programs, she has played a key role in expanding the Institute’s reach across Colorado and beyond, helping individuals, families, organizations and communities navigate adversity and build resilience.
“Nicole has been central to the Institute's success for years,” said Benight. “Naming her co-executive director reflects the leadership she already demonstrates and our commitment to expanding the Institute's impact. As we continue to grow, this allows us to strengthen our leadership capacity while remaining focused on our mission. I am excited to continue leading this work alongside Nicole.”
The promotion reflects both Weis’ longstanding contributions and the Institute’s continued evolution as a nationally recognized leader in resilience research, clinical services, education and community partnerships. Through her leadership, the Institute has strengthened collaborations with healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit organizations and community leaders, helping translate resilience science into practical tools that improve lives.
For those who have worked alongside Weis, the promotion represents a natural progression. Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to service and dedication to the Institute’s mission have helped guide many of its most impactful initiatives. From expanding community-based healing programs to fostering partnerships that increase access to resilience resources, her work has consistently focused on empowering people to overcome challenges and thrive.
The new co-leadership structure comes at an important time in the Institute’s growth. As demand for resilience-focused services, research and training continues to increase, the addition of a Co-Executive Director position strengthens the Institute’s ability to meet emerging needs while maintaining the high level of excellence that has defined its work.
Together, Benight and Weis will lead the Institute’s next chapter, building on a strong foundation while pursuing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and impact. Their partnership will support the continued advancement of the Institute’s mission: empowering individuals and communities to overcome adversity and foster resilience.
As the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience looks to the future, Weis’ appointment reflects a commitment to strong leadership, sustainable growth and the transformative power of resilience. It also recognizes a leader whose work has helped move resilience beyond theory and into practice, creating lasting positive change for people and communities across Colorado and around the world.