Charles Gilford

Charles is a Colorado native who currently serves as the Director Regional Affairs to Mayor Michael B. Hancock in the City and County of Denver. His people centered non-traditional approach drives tangible results, creates access, and builds an inclusive framework for the future; his scope includes driving projects that impact $3.65B of capital expenditures, equity projects, and serving as the Chair of the Mayor’s Faith Council in Denver. Additionally, Charles serves on the executive board for Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, is the first African American appointed to the University of Colorado at Boulders Leadership Institute Advisory Board, is the former Chair of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Aurora, is the former the Western Region Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professional Executive Board, is a Pastor at the One a Potter’s House Church, a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and serves in a few other capacities as well. Charles’ beloved alma mater is the University of Colorado at Boulder where he studied Business Administration, International Business, and Leadership where he also served as one of the youngest dually elected Student Body President’s. Most importantly, Charles is a proud husband to Rikki and father to a precious little girl Liliana “Lily” Grace Gilford and wonderful son Charles Michael Salvadore Gilford IV.

My advice to students...

Life is a dynamic mix between intentionality, hard work, vision, and serendipity; a tension between providence and planning. Leadership is about having both hope and vision for the future; seeing opportunity in opposition and recognizing the greatness that lies within each person around you and activating it. The best leaders are the best servants; the journey of leadership is attracting others to follow you because of the radiance of your own light while simultaneously inspiring people to find the light that is within themselves.