New Directors Named to The Colorado Health Foundation’s Leadership

DENVER – The Colorado Health Foundation today announced the addition of four individuals to key leadership roles. Carly Hare and Scott Downes have joined the Foundation’s Community Investment and Impact team as portfolio directors. Ben Bynum, MD was named senior director of impact investing and Ryan Severts has been promoted to senior director of grantmaking operations.

In their roles, Hare and Downes manage portions of the organization’s grantmaking portfolio and lead teams of program officers.

Hare, whose Pawnee name is <i kita u hoo <i ]a hiks, ‘kind leader of men,’ joins the Foundation with a wealth of experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as executive director of Culture Surge, an organization committed to maximizing the impact of change-makers to build a future rooted in justice, care and connection. At the Foundation, Hare will oversee the Primary Care, Youth and Young Adult Resiliency and Adult Recovery priorities.

“I am committed to advancing health equity in Colorado,” said Hare. “I am excited to work with The Colorado Health Foundation and bolster community efforts to ensure that all Coloradans have what they need to live healthy lives.” 

Downes joined the Foundation in 2020 as a senior program officer and was promoted to portfolio director in late 2022. Prior to joining the Foundation, he held various positions in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he worked as a consultant specializing in strategy development and strategic communications for mission-oriented organizations. Downes oversees the Foundation’s placed-based work, Advocacy, Capacity Building and Community Solutions priorities.

“At The Colorado Health Foundation, we have a responsibility to instigate change in the name of healthier communities across Colorado,” said Downes. “I’m honored to work alongside teammates so deeply committed to advancing health equity and racial justice.”

Dr. Bynum joined the Foundation in 2017 and became the senior director of impact investing in late 2022. In his current role, he develops and oversees the Foundation’s impact investing strategy and manages a $128 million impact investment portfolio. Before he came to the Foundation, he was a director at a national community development financial institution (CDFI) where he helped launch a $100 million nonprofit with planning support from several national foundations. 

“The Colorado Health Foundation’s mission is vital to ensuring that health is in reach for all Coloradans living on low-income, especially Coloradans of color,” explained Dr. Bynum. “I am proud to know that impact investing is a tool to deepen the Foundation’s impact in community.”

Severts has been with the Foundation for more than 10 years, beginning his tenure as a grants manager. In late 2022, he was promoted to senior director of grantmaking operations where he oversees the complete grantmaking process. Additionally, Severts is responsible for ensuring that grantmaking is in compliance with various regulations and in line with the Foundation’s mission. Before he joined The Colorado Health Foundation, he worked with the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation as the director of grants management.

“The Colorado Health Foundation funds impactful work across the state,” said Severts. “It continues to be an honor to support community partners who work to create a more equitable and just Colorado.”

“We are so pleased to announce these appointments to leadership at The Colorado Health Foundation. These individuals bring passion and persistence toward reaching health equity, and I am excited to work with them as we focus on bringing health in reach for all Coloradans,” said Karen McNeil-Miller, president and CEO of The Colorado Health Foundation.