Mile High United Way has named Eddie Koen as our new Chief Impact Officer. Koen is currently Denver Public Schools’ Chief of Staff. In his role as the Chief Impact Officer, Eddie will lead programming and investment strategies to maximize impact and drive innovative results-based initiatives in Metro Denver’s most under-resourced communities.
“We are so honored and excited to have Eddie join our team,” said Christine Benero, Mile High United Way President and CEO. “He brings a wealth of expertise and passion, and is a true advocate for the whole community.”
“Eddie has been an exceptional and deeply valued member of our leadership team at DPS,” said Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “As much as we will miss him here, we will continue to work very closely with him in his new role and know his service at our partner Mile High United Way will be a win for the entire Denver community.”
He will leave his position at Denver Public Schools, and begin his position at Mile High United Way, this September.
Koen brings more than 15 years of experience to Mile High United Way, serving the community through nonprofit leadership roles and advocating for equity, education, and human rights. Just a few of his career highlights include: serving as the founding regional executive director for College Track, a nonprofit focused on removing barriers for under-represented students from earning a college degree; co-founder of Konbit Pou Edikayson, an international non-governmental organization focused on education and youth gang prevention in Cité Soleil (Sun City), Haiti; executive director of Charity’s House Ministries in Denver; and deputy director of the Birmingham Division of Youth Services in Alabama.
Currently, Koen serves on the board of trustees for The Denver Foundation, where he chairs the Leadership and Equity Committee; the board of directors for Colorado Latino Leadership and Research Organization (CLLARO); the advisory board for National Pre-Law Diversity Initiatives, Inc.; and as co-chair of the board for College Track Colorado. Prior service includes the board of directors for Denver Health Community Health Services Board, board of directors for NAACP Denver, the Colorado Forum, 100 Black Men of Denver and commissioner for the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships.
Recently, he was honored in Atlanta, GA, by the Community Investment Network for his commitment to philanthropy and giving in 2016. Koen was also given top honors by The Denver Business Journal, Denver Urban Spectrum, ColoradoBiz Magazine, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and the Urban League of Metro Denver.
