Denise Whinnen is the director of Colorado progressive strategies. In this role, Denise is forging a statewide network of civic engagement organizations that promote good public policy, encourage public participation in civic life, educate and engage people in the voting process, and champion equal rights for all people.
Denise joined the Gill Foundation in February 2005 as the business and government strategist for the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. In this position, she expanded the Fund’s presence and strategic relationships throughout Colorado by working with business associations and chambers of commerce, local government, and civic groups. Building on this work, Denise became the deputy director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund in 2007, when she added civic engagement to her work.
Prior to joining the foundation, Denise spent 30 years in the hospitality industry doing restaurant management, training, marketing, and advertising. As director of corporate affairs, Denise was responsible for the administrative, financial, and operational activities of a Burger King franchise with more than $12 million in annual revenues.
Denise is a Colorado native and serves on the board of directors for Colorado Springs Diversity Forum, and the advisory board of the Mountain Post Historical Association. She and her partner, John, have three children and seven grandchildren.
Denise Whinnen >>
