DENVER, CO – Today, the Foundation announced the hiring of Erin Brown as its new vice president of community investment and impact (VP), effective July 6, 2021.
Leading a team of nearly two dozen professionals, Erin’s role as VP is critical to the Foundation’s mission to bring health in reach for all Coloradans. She will join our four-member executive team, which includes our president and CEO, chief impact officer, and chief financial officer. Together, the Foundation’s executives share responsibility for the deployment and impact of grants and community investments, which totaled $146 million in 2020.
“Erin brings a depth of knowledge about equity, leadership and coaching, and has extensive managerial and operational experience,” said Chief Impact Officer Amy Latham. “I look forward to working with her to accelerate our progress toward advancing health equity in Colorado.”
Erin joins the Foundation following more than 25 years of passionate leadership directing civic programs and services. She is currently deputy chief of staff and Denver’s first chief equity officer for Mayor Michael B. Hancock in the City and County of Denver. As an appointed official for three consecutive administrations under Mayor Hancock, Erin has provided bold, forward-thinking leadership, and has been instrumental in building a system of collaboration among community members and organizations, local municipalities, businesses and city agencies. She implemented the City of Denver’s Race and Social Justice Framework, developing operational strategies and policies that address historic inequities, and worked in partnership with city and state agencies, as well as community partners, to deliver culturally informed and responsive services to Denver residents.
A mother of four and an advocate for children and families, Erin previously led the Office of Children’s Affairs, moving the needle on early childhood experiences, grade level reading, re-engaging disconnected youth, completing post-secondary pathways that lead to employment, and improving childhood health outcomes. In her capacity as executive director, Erin improved quality and increased access to experiences that ensure all children and families have resources and opportunities to succeed in school, in the workplace and in a global society – regardless of race, ethnicity, income or disability.
Previously, Erin served as deputy director for Denver Parks and Recreation, director of resident services for Kappa Management, vice president of programs and development for the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, and executive director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver.
“As someone who grew up in southern Colorado, I understand communities across Colorado are distinctly unique and share a common thread to thrive in a society free of social barriers and injustices that hold us back from truly achieving health equity,” said Erin. “I have an unwavering passion to partner with communities to address issues that impact their health and well-being. The Colorado Health Foundation’s mission is responsive and inclusive, and I am excited that I have the opportunity to work to bring health in reach for all Coloradans.”
Erin earned her bachelor of science in communication from the University of Southern Colorado (Pueblo, Colorado).
The Foundation partnered with search advisor BoardWalk Consulting to conduct a nation-wide search for this role.