The DIFW board of directors has unanimously selected Ross Chapman to lead the organization beginning this fall. Ross, his wife Candace, and their three boys are in the process of relocating to Denver from Evansville, Indiana, where he founded and led the nonprofit For Evansville since 2015.
The board believes the organization is poised for a new season of expanding reach and impact. “The DIFW board of directors is thrilled to introduce Ross as our next CEO. Our community is marked by faithfulness to the gospel and a deep desire to live out that belief in every dimension of life, with an emphasis on our work. In this new season, the board believes Ross’s gifts of convening and catalyzing will lead us to explore new possibilities and hone our focus on impact,” says Bob Larkin, DIFW board chair.
In January, we announced that Jeff Haanen would transition out of the role of CEO of DIFW this year. After a process of discernment, Jeff initiated this change trusting it to be the right timing for the organization and for himself.
Over a period of seven months, a board-appointed search committee conducted a national search for the next leader with the assistance of Slingshot Group. The board was encouraged to see dozens of qualified applicants interested in leading DIFW. Ross’s career path made him an outstanding candidate; his professional journey has been animated by a deep desire to see the daily lives of Christians in workplaces, neighborhoods, and families bless the city. He is a relational leader with a vision for leading DIFW into the future. Learn more about his qualifications and passions here.
“It is a joy and an honor to join the talented team at DIFW,” says Ross. “The impact and reach of Denver Institute is well-known throughout the faith and work movement, and I believe there are many opportunities for deeper impact in Denver and beyond in the years ahead. I invite you to deepen your engagement in the mission during this transition. I’m eager to meet the DIFW community.”
As Jeff Haanen prepares to depart after founding and leading DIFW faithfully for 10 years, he offers this perspective: "Ross brings energy, vision, and deep experience at the nexus between the faith and work movement and the city transformation movement. I'm looking forward to seeing DIFW grow and deepen its impact under his leadership."
The DIFW board of directors invites your comments and questions at boardchair@denverinstitute.org.
On behalf of the DIFW Board of Directors - Bob Larkin (Chair), Jill Anschutz (Secretary), Adam Hasemeyer (Treasurer), Jeanne Kim, Marcy McGovern, Eric Most, and Doug Smith (Chair of the Search Committee)
