Shaw, Ward appointed Metro Denver EDC co-chairs

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) named Charles (Chuck) Ward and John M. Shaw as co-chairs of its Executive Committee, Thursday, July 19. The Executive Committee oversees the Metro Denver EDC’s programs, work plan, and budget.

“Metro Denver will benefit from having the leadership and experience of Shaw and Ward to help us continue to grow a diverse and successful regional economy,” said Joe Blake, president and CEO of the Metro Denver EDC and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “I look forward to working with them both and gathering their input on future initiatives, including the Metro Denver EDC’s upcoming capital campaign to ensure we have the funds to invest in the region’s future growth and prosperity.” 

Chuck Ward, president of Qwest Communications - Colorado, is responsible for Qwest’s public policy, operations, and sales and marketing efforts across the state. Ward is actively involved in Metro Denver’s business and civic communities, serving as a board member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado and co-chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Revitalizing the Core Task Force. Ward is also a member of the Technology Infrastructure Committee with the Denver Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention

During the past two years, Qwest has assisted the Metro Denver EDC in efforts to benchmark Colorado’s economic standing in comparison to other states through its sponsorship of the annual “Toward a More Competitive Colorado” report.

“The Metro Denver EDC tackles the region’s toughest business issues and has a great record in carrying out initiatives to expand the region’s economic competitiveness and job growth,” said Ward. “I am especially excited to assume this leadership role as the Metro Denver EDC begins its next chapter by initiating a new five-year capital campaign and economic development priorities.”

John M. Shaw serves as senior vice president and general manager of Opus Northwest, LLC and is responsible for the operations and development in the Colorado and Kansas region. Shaw has been involved in various aspects of regional economic development over the past two decades by serving as a board member for the Metro Denver EDC’s predecessor organizations – the Greater Denver Corporation and the Metro Denver Network. He is currently a board member for the Aurora Economic Development Council. Reflecting his strong dedication to the success of Metro Denver, Shaw also serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and as a Denver Urban Renewal Commissioner.

“Continuing my commitment to economic development initiatives in Metro Denver is of the utmost importance to me and I am pleased to co-chair this very important regional organization,” said Shaw. “Working together with the rest of the Executive Committee, I’m confident we can meet the economic goals that lie ahead of us.”