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Meet Peter F. LiFari, a visionary leader on a mission to disrupt generational poverty and empower Coloradans. As the Chief Executive Officer of Maiker Housing Partners, a socially conscious public housing authority based in Adams County, Peter’s journey is one marked by dedication, innovation, and a pursuit of justice.

Peter’s path to Maiker Housing Partners began during his tenure with USIS, where he discovered a profound link between poverty reduction and national security. Recognizing affordable housing as a cornerstone for poverty alleviation, Peter began searching for an opportunity that would allow him to serve at the local level.

In his role as Deputy Director at the Adams County Housing Authority, Peter spearheaded the development of a strategic plan, steering the organization towards Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects and progressive policy improvements. When he assumed the role of CEO, Peter seized the opportunity to redefine Maiker’s mission, values, and brand, reflecting a new, progressive commitment to family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

Under Peter’s leadership, Maiker Housing Partners has grown its annual operating budget from $28 million to over $40 million in less than five years. The organization’s focus has dedicated its effort to addressing systemic in justice at the root of poverty, creating a pipeline of high-quality affordable housing, fostering community building, and emphasizing individual strengths.

Peter collaborated to create from Conflict to Compassion: A Colorado Housing Development Blueprint for Transformational Change, a roadmap for affordable housing solutions. To date, this report remains the most impactful housing report in recent Colorado history. It generated multiple bills that are now law affecting every corner of the state.

Beyond Maiker, Peter’s commitment to justice and equity echoes in his community involvement. Board memberships, panel discussions, and advocacy for improved housing systems are just facets of his broader mission. As a Housing Fellow with The Common Sense Institute, Peter authored a report addressing the decline of condo construction in Colorado, offering solutions to tackle the housing affordability crisis.

Peter’s passion reverberates through every endeavor. His empathy manifests in his commitment to building a culture of warmth, grace, and trust. For Peter, creating safe spaces is not just a goal—it’s a necessity, allowing individuals to shine as their true selves.

To vote for Peter LiFari for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.

Meet John Farnam, a dynamic force shaping positive change in the heart of Colorado. His story isn’t just one of leadership; it’s a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to community service.

As the Managing Director at the Morgridge Family Foundation, John has overseen grants exceeding $150 million, aligning resources and fostering innovation around social issues. But his leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms; it’s felt in the heart of communities across Colorado.

John’s commitment to foster care youth is unwavering. An advocate for transparency, he openly shares his story of being adopted, using it as a catalyst to bring awareness to the inequities in the child welfare system. He recently authored a report with the Common Sense Institute which sheds light on the cost to our economy when teens and young adults leave the system without finding a permanent home.

Education is another chapter in John’s story. His journey to raise $6.5 million to build one of the first charter schools approved by Aurora Public Schools showcases his deep passion for creating tangible impacts. He co-founded MindSpark Learning, a nonprofit that has touched the lives of over 2 million students nationwide, elevating and uplifting educators.

Coming from a family ranch in Montana, John’s personal connection with rural communities fuels his advocacy for work-based learning. His partnerships with Colorado’s Community Colleges and rural universities reflect his commitment to creating workforce and opportunity hubs within these communities. In his multifaceted approach, John ensures inclusivity and equity. Driven by the belief that everyone can lead, he fosters connections and ensures diverse voices are heard.

Beyond professional achievements, John’s commitment extends to addressing local food insecurity. Together with his husband, Paul Heitzenrater, they grow and donate over 2,000 pounds of produce annually to hunger relief efforts in the Denver Metro area. It’s a hands-on approach that mirrors John’s deep connection to the community.

John’s story is one of compassion and active involvement in initiatives addressing educational, health, and socio-economic disparities. Whether it’s his dedication to foster care youth, his efforts in food security, or his advocacy for work-based learning, John leaves an indelible mark.

To vote for John Farnam for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.

Meet Lorez Meinhold, a leader weaving inclusive collaboration into the fabric of health and well-being transformation in Colorado. With over two decades of experience in grantmaking, health policy, and advocacy, Lorez’s commitment to equity is the heartbeat of her personal and professional pursuits.

Dedicating her life to community empowerment, Lorez recognizes the intricate interconnections between critical issues like access to food, homelessness, and healthcare, contributing to mental health and substance misuse challenges. To address these growing needs, she played a pivotal role in developing and championing the ballot initiative that created the Caring for Denver Foundation. In less than 18 months, the foundation became fully operational, distributing over $142 million in funding, guided by community input at every step.

Lorez’s journey encompasses diverse leadership roles, from steering the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative to serving as a senior program officer for the Colorado Health Foundation. Her expansive experience allows her to co-create public health policies and funding strategies that resonate across Colorado communities.

Embodying a steadfast commitment, Lorez’s motto, “raising my hand, showing up, listening, following through, and building inclusive processes to earn trust,” reverberates through her community and volunteer leadership roles. Whether as a Planned Parenthood and HIV counselor, volunteer medical assistant at Inner City Health Center, or board member of Project Angel Heart, Lorez actively engages, raises funds, and volunteers, leaving an lasting mark on the organizations she serves.

For Lorez, the journey is about meeting the community where they are, learning through collaboration, and genuinely caring about the health and well-being of others. Lorez’s dedication extends beyond the present, as she envisions a Denver community with more inclusive access to care tailored to individual journeys. Her actions inspire others to take risks, fostering meaningful change not only in Denver but also serving as a model for cities addressing mental health and substance misuse challenges.

To vote for Lorez Meinhold for 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year, click here.