2026 9NEWS Public Sector Leader of the Year Finalist Al Gardner
Leading Colorado honors leaders who are shaping the future of our state through innovation, service, and impact across every sector. This year, we are proud to recognize finalists across three categories: For-Profit Leader of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year, and Public Sector Leader of the Year.
The Public Sector Leader of the Year award recognizes leaders in government who champion collaboration, elevate community voices, and advance policies and systems that improve quality of life for Coloradans statewide.
Al Gardner is a dedicated civic leader whose career embodies the values of Colorado’s Civic DNA -responsibility, inclusivity, collaboration, shared vision, and leadership. With nearly 30 years of executive and IT leadership experience and a long record of public service, Al has become one of Denver’s most trusted champions for community well-being, equity, and public safety.
Al currently serves as the Executive Director of the Denver Department of Public Safety and as Deputy Mayor for the City and County of Denver. In this role, he oversees Denver’s Police, Fire, Sheriff, 911, and Community Corrections agencies—leading a workforce of thousands and helping shape the city’s strategic vision for safety, accountability, and community partnership. Before this appointment, Al served as the Executive Director of General Services, where he modernized city operations, strengthened workforce pathways, and launched the acclaimed “RealTalk Roundtable,” connecting employees with Denver leaders such as former 9NEWS anchor Ron Zappolo, Denver Broncos legend Daniel Graham, and Comedian and Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald.
Al’s grounding in technology leadership spans nearly three decades, including senior roles as VP of IT & Security at Salud Family Health, Head of Technology & Security for Inspirato, and Director-level leadership across national organizations. He has helped countless young people launch careers in IT through mentorship programs, partnerships with Denver Public Schools, and hands-on coaching across the metro area—advancing diversity and opportunity in one of Colorado’s most critical industries.
A committed servant leader, Al has contributed deeply to Denver’s civic infrastructure. As a member and later Chair of the Denver Citizens Oversight Board, he worked to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in public safety systems—helping reshape and modernize the Office of the Independent Monitor. His tenure as a Civil Service Commissioner further supported fair and community-centered hiring and disciplinary processes within Denver’s police and fire departments. He also served on the Denver African American Commission, advancing outcomes for Black residents and addressing systemic challenges related to policing, incarceration, and community investment.
Al has served on the Denver Police Chief’s Advisory Board, the Sheriff’s Advisory Board, and the Denver Zoo Leadership Board. He was appointed by Governor Jared Polis to the Colorado State Board of Health, where he focuses on improving prenatal health in underserved communities. His six years on the Colorado Technology Association Board expanded pathways for emerging technologists, and his work with DPS’s Equity Roundtable strengthened collaboration between schools and civic leaders.
Al’s passion for youth mentorship shines through his longstanding involvement with the Omega Leadership Academy, where he helped build life skills, tutoring, career exposure, and community service opportunities for young Black men. In this role, he built partnerships with the Denver Zoo, Denver Police Department, CU, CSU, and numerous community organizations. He also served on the board of the Sun Valley Youth Center, supporting one of Denver’s most resilient neighborhoods.
Across every role, Al leads with humility, purpose, and an unwavering belief that leadership is demonstrated through service and action. Whether strengthening Denver’s public safety ecosystem, mentoring future leaders, or forging collaboration across diverse communities, Al remains committed to building a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for every Denver resident.
