CU Foundation Taps Colorado Business Leader as New CEO
Wayne Hutchens brings deep background in community service
Wayne Hutchens
BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2006) – The board of directors of the University of Colorado Foundation announced today it has selected long-time banking executive Wayne Hutchens to serve as the Foundation’s next president and chief executive officer effective April 1.
After an exhaustive search of in-state and national candidates, the Foundation’s board of directors voted today to appoint Hutchens as the new leader to take the organization’s fundraising to the next level and manage its assets in a manner in line with the University’s mission.
“I am delighted that Wayne has agreed to take the reins at the Foundation, and I anticipate spectacular results from the organization as it supports the University’s efforts to serve its students and the community,” said George Sissel, chairman of the Foundation.
Hutchens has been chairman of the Chase Bank in Colorado, where he oversaw a pair of mergers and successfully managed the integration of diverse organizations. He announced in July 2005 that he would retire from his position at the bank, and since then he has been involved in the bank’s transition of leadership.
Hutchens is well known in the service community, with experience on the boards of the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Forum and the Colorado Outward Bound School, among others. He is chairman of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He was elected to the Boulder City Council and served from 1977 to 1980.
“When the opportunity became available to lead the Foundation and benefit the University, the decision was an easy one,” said Hutchens, 61, a 1967 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder’s College of Business. “I look forward to working with Michael Byram during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Byram has been president and CEO since 2001. He announced in September his plans to retire June 30.
Before spending 29 years in the banking business in Colorado, Hutchens began his career as treasurer at the CU Foundation, and now plans to end his career at the organization that inspires immense passion in him and his family. His wife and two sons are also CU graduates.
“Wayne is an outstanding businessman and a longtime supporter of the University,” said CU President Hank Brown. “He will do an outstanding job as the Foundation president.”
The Board of Directors began its search for a new president and CEO in the fall and received more than 90 resumes from qualified candidates. A search committee met with six finalists for in-person interviews. Hutchens said his first task will be to meet with donors throughout the state and to confer with the deans and chancellors of the University’s three campuses.
Hutchens will meet reporters 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at the CU Foundation offices, 225 E. 16th Ave., Suite 900, Denver, to talk about his decision to accept the position as president and CEO.
About CU Foundation
Founded in 1967, the University of Colorado Foundation is the independent, non-profit philanthropic partner of the University of Colorado, and is the largest foundation in the Rocky Mountain West dedicated exclusively to higher education. With total assets of more than $750 million, the CU Foundation enables donors to advance the mission of the University of Colorado. For more information, visit www.cufund.org.
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Contact:
Gigi Reynolds
303-541-1298, gigi.reynolds@cufund.org