about
Our mission at the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation is to educate and inspire people who want to make a difference as leaders in their community.
Why we lead
If you're willing to do the work, there's a place for you here. Your commitment matters more than your title.
You lead best when you listen, share credit, and bring others in.
Find common ground and keep moving forward, even when it's hard.
Your leadership shows in how you show up for others, for your community, and for the future.
Don’t wait for permission. Step up, own it, and make it happen.
What we believe
It takes leadership to rally a community, solve tough challenges and create positive change. We need passionate leaders with the right passion and skills to make Colorado a better place for all.
01
Leaders aren’t born, they learn to lead by building the knowledge, skills, networks and experience that enable them to have the most impact.
02
Leadership doesn’t always come with a title or an election. Each of us has the potential and the opportunity to lead if we care about our community.
03
You’re never done learning as a leader. All along your journey there are opportunities to add new skills, relationships and experiences that will help you grow personally and make you a more impactful civic leader.
our impact
This fund supports emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has access to the tools, connections and opportunities they need to lead.
EVP of the Chamber & President of Leadership Foundation
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EVP of the Chamber & President of Leadership Foundation
Kristen Blessman is Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber and President of Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. She has over 20 years of leadership experience, including strategic marketing, business development and executive management; working within nonprofit as well as for-profit businesses. Blessman is also an entrepreneur, having started multiple ventures. She is a change-agent leader with a focus on revenue development through the areas of innovation, strategic planning, start-up social enterprise, rebranding, and award-winning marketing and advertising campaigns.
Blessman served as the President and General Manager of PBS12, Impact Media for Colorado. As CEO of PBS12, Blessman re-invented the hyper local media landscape for Colorado by telling local stories that inspire. Blessman was brought on as president of the organization to do what she does best; bring innovation, advocacy and change to the nonprofit media organization. Under her tenure, the organization launched entirely new local programming, spearheaded several local content partnerships and won an Emmy and Telly award and best new program from the Colorado Broadcaster’s Association.
Kristen currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Western Colorado University and has served on the boards of The International Women’s Forum of Colorado, The American Marketing Association, and The Denver Press Club. She also serves as an advisory board member and guest faculty for the Jake Jabs School for Entrepreneurship at CU Denver and is a Civico Governor’s Fellow.
Director of Programs
Director of Programs
Foundation Administrator
Foundation Administrator
VP of Programs
VP of Programs
Manager, Alumni & Donor Relations
Manager, Alumni & Donor Relations
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator
Board Chair
President & CEO
Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
Vice Chair
VP of Student Affairs
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Treasurer
Executive Vice President
FirstBank
Secretary
Executive Director, COPIC Medical Foundation | Director, CSR
Explore programs for every career stage and leadership path.
CONTACT US
Not sure which program is the right fit? Reach out and we’ll help you find your path.
Our Location
1445 Market Street
Denver, CO 80202
Phone Number
303-534-8500Email Address
info@denverleadership.org
