The Community College of Denver (CCD) has named Jim Chavez as its Executive Director for the CCD Foundation and Governmental Affairs. The veteran development and fundraising leader will bring more than nearly two decades of community engagement, advocacy, and philanthropy to his role with the college. In this role, Chavez will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, acting as CCD’s liaison to the CCD Foundation Board of Directors and leading the organization’s mission to ensure deserving CCD students have access to a high-quality, relevant education.

“Jim is the perfect person to lead and represent CCD Foundation as its new Executive Director,” said CCD President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis. “Not only is Jim a proven expert in relationship building and community servant leadership, but he also is truly passionate about providing equitable access to education.” 

Chavez served as the Executive Director of the Latin American Educational Foundation for 18 years before joining CCD. He also worked with Denver’s elected officials and business leaders to successfully pass legislation, which created the Prosperity Denver Fund. Prior to his illustrious career in philanthropy, Chavez was a certified public accountant for Ernst & Young.

His advocacy extends beyond his professional role, where he serves on the board of directors for Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education and Denver Health and Hospital Authority. Chavez also has held volunteer board of directors positions for several organizations, including the University of Northern Colorado, Denver Housing Authority, Iliff School of Theology, the Colorado Non-Profit Association, Clayton Early Learning Center, and Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting Corporation. 

The Colorado native earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. 

For more information about CCD Foundation or to support its scholarship initiatives, please visit https://www.ccd.edu/ccdfoundation.

About Community College of Denver

Community College of Denver (CCD) is a leading point of entry to higher education for the city and county of Denver. CCD provides cost-effective, high-quality college education, along with access and opportunity for non-traditional students, workforce development, training resources for local organizations, and community partnerships. CCD is a federally funded Hispanic Serving and designated Military Friendly Institution. Learn more at ccd.edu.