FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2024
Media Contact:
Tracy Williams | twilliams@tradewindspr.com
Public Relations for Prosperity Denver Fund
(Denver, CO) — Prosperity Denver Fund (PDF), a sales tax-funded nonprofit that supports organizations providing scholarships to Denver students, is pleased to announce that after an extensive and thorough search process, Rebecca Arno has been named as the sole finalist for the position of Chief Executive Officer. The official hiring process is expected to be finalized in mid-June with Arno assuming the role on August 1st.
Arno succeeds interim CEO Lauren Sisneros, who assumed the role in March after the resignation of Matt Jordan, the organization’s first CEO. As CEO, Arno will be responsible for overseeing the Fund’s daily operations, as well as outreach to Denver’s community and nonprofits sponsored by the Fund.
“After a comprehensive search and evaluation process, we are thrilled to announce Rebecca Arno as our final candidate for CEO,” said PDF Board Chair Theresa Peña. “The selection process involved input from a wide range of stakeholders, including board members, staff, and community partners. Rebecca’s deep personal and professional experience, her leadership, passion and community involvement are a tremendous match for the next stage of growth for the Prosperity Denver Fund.”
Arno brings with her a wealth of expertise, a strong network of relationships, and a deep commitment to PDF’s mission. She has more than three decades of experience in the philanthropic sector, including as Vice President for Operations and Communications for The Denver Foundation, and Vice President of Communications for the Daniels Fund.
Prior to joining the Fund, Arno has been the Chief Impact and Innovation Officer of the Barton Institute for Community Action, which supports leaders and their communities who are working to foster places for opportunity, connection, and belonging in Metro Denver.
She has also served on numerous boards including as chair of the Washington, D.C.-based Communications Network, and of the Colorado Nonprofit Association. She is currently board chair of Lighthouse Writers Workshop, serves as Treasurer of the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative, and as a member of the Reisher Scholarship Committee at The Denver Foundation.
Arno earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University as part of the Colorado Trust Fellows Program and teaches in the Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership Program at the University of Denver.
“I am thrilled to join the team at Prosperity Denver Fund, in service to the vision of Denver’s taxpayers and their investment in the future of our community’s students,” said Arno. “I look forward to working alongside our many partners who do so much to open post-secondary pathways that lead to prosperity for Denver’s young people. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference for the community, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Arno is already sharing her vision for her first 100 days on the job.
“Beginning in August, I’ll be connecting with the nonprofits and scholarship providers who are our partners in building opportunity for Denver students,” she explained. “I’ll work with the PDF team to roll out and begin implementation of our new strategic plan. And along the way, I’ll share what I’m learning and how we’re continuing to improve our work.
“Together, we can make Denver one of the best places in the U.S. to graduate from high school when it comes to post-secondary opportunity.”
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About the Prosperity Denver Fund
In 2018, Denver voters passed a ballot initiative known as Prosperity Denver. The ordinance called for a 0.08% sales tax (less than one cent on $10) which would be distributed in the form of reimbursements to nonprofits providing scholarships to Denver students. Prosperity Denver Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, manages and distributes this funding, contributing millions each year to eligible organizations.
