President and CEO

Jennifer “Jen” R. Darling is the President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. She has worked in the nonprofit sector since earning her bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Northwestern University in 1991. She went on to earn her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver in 2000.

Now in her 17th year of service at Children’s Colorado, she is also a respected community volunteer. She was actively involved in the formation of the Institute for Leaders in Development and continues to serve as a program instructor and former Board member. Jen also helped create and chair the nationally recognized nonprofit Drennen’s Dreams Foundation, which promotes pool safety and lifeguard training in memory of Drennen O’Melia.

Jen co-created the Community Chest at The Women’s Foundation in Denver to financially support women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She was invited to join Northwestern University’s Council of 100, a group of prominent female alumna.

Jen has served as an adjunct professor in the leadership and organizations program at the University of Denver University College. She currently serves as Chair of the Woodmark Group Board.

Jen’s strengths include institutional leadership, motivating others, strategizing comprehensive campaigns, building relationships with volunteers and donors, promoting a positive work culture, and fundraising in all arenas from annual giving to planned gifts to leadership gifts and beyond.

After growing up in Minnesota and attending college at Northwestern University in Chicago, Jen settled in Colorado in 1991. In addition to her commitment to her career, Jen is an active mom, friend, and community member, and she greatly enjoys ranch life with her husband Dan and their dog Cheyenne. She values balance in her life and has managed to adjust her career as needed to help her two children grow up to become successful young adults.