The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation has found its next leader.
J.J. Ament, current chairman of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, will succeed the as CEO of the regional organization, officials announced Wednesday. Ament will begin his new role April 3.
“J.J. Ament shares the values of regionalism and collaboration – the two things that most set our region apart from our competitors,” said Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “Beyond those values, he also has the practical skills and experience needed to succeed in this role. There’s no doubt he will use his economic development expertise, statewide network and in-depth knowledge of finance and policy to strengthen partnerships and strategically grow our entire region.”
Ament, a former investment banker and director of public affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, beat out more than 120 candidates from around the country for the job. He was selected by a committee of 14 Colorado business people, economic development leaders and elected officials.
A University of Colorado graduate, Ament has served on the state’s economic development commission since 2011 and was appointed chairman in 2016.
“J.J. understands what it takes to lead this organization,” said Norm Franke, regional president of Alpine Bank and co-chair of the Metro Denver EDC executive committee, in a statement. “His unique combination of skills and ability to wear multiple hats — from banker to negotiator to strategist to political consultant — will serve the region as he builds partnerships, promotes our region and develops new economic development strategies for the organization.”
Ament takes the reins from Clark, Metro Denver EDC’s leader for the last 14 years and .
“I’m excited to join the dynamic team in place at the Metro Denver EDC,” Ament said in a statement. “Working with leaders in the private and public sectors, I look forward to building on the growth and vibrancy of our regional economy and furthering the good work done by Tom Clark over so many years.”
