J.J. Ament, current chair of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, has been named the new CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), a regional economic development organization and affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Ament begins the role on April 3.
As CEO, Ament will lead the organization in its mission to attract, expand and retain top businesses in the region. He and his team will convene regional economic development partners to develop retention and attraction strategies, execute international and national branding campaigns, serve as a resource for business research and economic data and develop strategies to effectively market our region to businesses and employees across the nation and world.
“J.J. Ament shares the values of regionalism and collaboration – the two things that most set our region apart from our competitors,” said Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “Beyond those values, he also has the practical skills and experience needed to succeed in this role. There’s no doubt he will use his economic development expertise, statewide network and in-depth knowledge of finance and policy to strengthen partnerships and strategically grow our entire region.”
With experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors, Ament brings a unique combination of expertise to the role. In his career, Ament has worked in business and investment banking including financial transactions for the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Denver Public Schools, Denver International Airport and several states across the U.S. He is an expert in partnerships, having executed or advised on some of our state’s most complex and innovative public financial transactions including T-REX, FasTracks and the National Western Complex. His advocacy work includes roles as the owner and founder of a political consulting firm, the executive director of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers and the public affairs director for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m excited to join the dynamic team in place at the Metro Denver EDC,” said Ament. “Working with leaders in the private and public sectors, I look forward to building on the growth and vibrancy of our regional economy and furthering the good work done by Tom Clark over so many years.”
Since 2011, Ament has been a member of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, where he weighs in on state economic development incentives, grants and tax credits. His appointment as chair of the Commission in 2016 reinforces his ability to collaborate with every corner of the state.
“J.J. embodies all the best of Colorado – a commitment to his community, his experience in growing economies, a strong financial background and the capability to move Metro Denver and Colorado forward,” said outgoing Metro Denver EDC CEO Tom Clark. “He’s a great choice for all of us.”
Ament was selected among more than 120 candidates from around the country by a committee of 14 Colorado business and economic development leaders and elected officials.
“J.J. understands what it takes to lead this organization,” said Norm Franke, regional president, Alpine Bank and co-chair of the Metro Denver EDC executive committee. “His unique combination of skills and ability to wear multiple hats – from banker to negotiator to strategist to political consultant – will serve the region as he builds partnerships, promotes our region and develops new economic development strategies for the organization,” he said.
Note to editors: A headshot of Ament is available online at https://flic.kr/p/SUVza5.
About the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation: The Metro Denver EDC is the nation’s first regional economic development organization. An affiliate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Denver EDC focuses on six areas to expand the economy in the nine-county region: national marketing, new and existing business, mobility, DEN/international air travel, tax reform, and special opportunities. The organization also leads four industry-focused affiliates: the Colorado Energy Coalition, the Colorado Investment Services Coalition, the Colorado Space Coalition, and the Metro Denver Aviation Coalition. For more information, see or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce: For 150 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice for Colorado’s business community. With a membership that spans the state and includes 3,000 businesses and their 300,000 employees, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses. For more information, go to denverchamber.org.