John Farnam named 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year

12 April 2024, 01:22 published

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Farnam leads the Morgridge Family Foundation’s initiatives across Colorado and the nation as they work to address systemic inequities and promote inclusivity.

DENVER — 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced John Farnam, Managing Director of the Morgridge Family Foundation, as the 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year. The award for community leadership was presented during the Leading Colorado Luncheon, an annual event with the goal of raising money for the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund. Voting among three finalists was open to the public again this year.

Farnam leads the Morgridge Family Foundation’s initiatives across Colorado and the nation as they work to address systemic inequities and promote inclusivity by strategically aligning resources and fostering innovation around social issues. Throughout the voting process, Farnam was described as a transparent community leader whose dynamic approach to problems inspires partners to reach for more for those in their communities.

“John is an authentic, vulnerable, and driven leader who knows that anyone can lead from where they stand. That belief is core to the work of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and is one of the defining characteristics of Coloradoans.” said Jerome Davis, executive vice president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and president of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. “As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of our Leadership Denver program and think about the future of leadership in the Denver Metro we couldn’t be happier to honor John with this award.”

Prior to Farnam’s role at the Morgridge Family Foundation, he held leadership positions at the Northern Colorado AIDS Project, Goodwill Industries, helped found MindSpark Learning and more where he refined his multifaceted approach to convening communities to solve problems.

Farnam is the recipient of numerous certificates and honors throughout his career including being recognized as a Do Something Award winner, appointed as an advisor to multiple governors, and a fellow at The Common Sense Institute.

For over 25 years, the 9NEWS Leader of the Year award has recognized outstanding leaders who are passionate about making a difference in Colorado. The 2024 finalists included Farnam and: