SVP Denver is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Shockey as our new CEO. After a thorough recruitment process, Rich emerged as the clear choice to lead our organization towards achieving its strategic goals. Rich’s first day at SVP Denver is May 8th and Colleen will stay on to support the transition through June 1.

Rich comes to SVP with over 20 years of experience serving in non-profit leadership. Most recently, he served as the Executive Director of Flourish Furniture Bank in Kansas City, which has served over 5000 unhoused neighbors and others in crisis in the community with a home full of furnishings during his tenure. He has dedicated himself to serving under-resourced and disempowered communities both in his professional and personal life. 

Rich also served as a foster parent for 13 years, providing a safe and nurturing home for nearly 75 children in need, and now serves on the board of directors for his foster agency, EmberHope. He has worked in legislative advocacy as well, leveraging his expertise and passion to advance policies that promote social and racial justice, health, and equity.

Rich loves travel and gastronomic adventures with his wife and two teenage sons and can often be found watching youth soccer on weekends. 

As CEO, Rich is committed to building on the organization’s legacy of service and driving impact in the community. He believes in leading with compassion and integrity, and looks forward to continuing SVP Denver’s mission to be a vital connector between local change-makers in Denver and beyond. 

We would also like to express our gratitude to Colleen Kazemi for her outstanding leadership of SVP Denver during some of the most challenging times in recent history. Her contributions will be felt for many years to come.

Please join us in welcoming Rich Shockey to SVP Denver. We look forward to his leadership and the positive impact he will undoubtedly make on our organization and the community we serve.

With Gratitude,

Amy Aldridge
SVP Denver Board Chair