Denver Health Foundation Broadens Leadership with Four Notable Board Appointments

February 10, 2025

Denver Health Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished new members to its Board of Directors: Cathey McClain Finlon, Charles S. Johnson, Dr. Richard D. Krugman, as well as Dr. Steven G. Federico, who joins as the new employee representative from Denver Health. Their combined expertise spans business innovation, health care advocacy, and community leadership — strengthening the Foundation’s commitment to promoting strong health outcomes across Denver.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new leaders,” said Josh Hanfling, Board Chair of Denver Health Foundation. “Their diverse experiences and dedication to improving our city will be invaluable as we continue our mission to make high-quality health care accessible to all Denver residents.”

Cathey McClain Finlon

A trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader, Cathey McClain Finlon led McClain Finlon Advertising to national prominence, ranking among the top U.S. agencies and consistently recognized as a top woman-owned business. She later served as president of the Denver Art Museum, guiding the institution through a pivotal transition period, and continues to serve on the museum’s board.

Cathey has chaired the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Denver Scholarship Foundation. She was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and has received multiple lifetime achievement honors. One of her proudest accomplishments was chairing the Colorado Women’s Vote Centennial Commission, celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage in the United States.

Charles S. Johnson

A nationally recognized executive with over two decades of corporate leadership, Charles S. Johnson served as Executive Vice President at Ball Corporation, where he propelled organizational growth and fostered a high-performing culture. Renowned now for his team-building acumen, he first showcased his leadership by quarterbacking the University of Colorado to its 1991 National Championship, earning MVP honors.

A proud CU graduate, Charles later served as Associate Director of Athletics at the university, guiding student-athlete development from 2005 to 2011. He is also an Emmy Award-winning media host — credited for creating and hosting “Live at The Barbershop” on the FOX Regional Network — and a sought-after motivational speaker. An active philanthropist, he served on the University of Colorado Board of Trustees and the Leeds Business School Board of Advisors.

Dr. Richard D. Krugman

A prominent figure in pediatrics and child abuse prevention, Dr. Richard D. Krugman is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Kempe Center, where he previously served as director. A member of the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Krugman co-founded the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN) after retiring as Dean of the CU School of Medicine.

Dr. Krugman also serves on the Board of the Colorado Symphony, having co-chaired from 2021 to 2024, and is a past member of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority board. Notably, in July 2024, The Kempe Foundation launched The Richard D. Krugman Professorship in Child Abuse Policy, Practice, and Prevention, reflecting his lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Dr. Steven G. Federico

Dr. Steven G. Federico, Denver Health Foundation’s new employee representative, is Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer at Denver Health and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado. For two decades, he has served as a pediatrician, championing equitable care for underserved communities.

Previously, as Director of General Pediatrics, Dr. Federico oversaw Denver Health’s community health centers and school-based clinics across the city. He completed his residency and a Primary Care Research Fellowship at the University of Colorado, followed by a Physician Advocacy Fellowship. He also serves on the boards of the Bell Policy Center, Caring for Colorado, and other organizations.

Advancing the mission of Denver Health Foundation

Denver Health envisions a healthier Denver by championing initiatives that expand access to high-quality care. Through strategic fundraising, community partnerships, and responsible stewardship of philanthropic support, Denver Health Foundation empowers Denver Health to deliver vital services to individuals and families throughout the region — regardless of their financial circumstances.

“I’m eager to collaborate with our new board members to strengthen our impact on the health of Denver’s most vulnerable communities,” said Crystal Potter Rivera, Executive Director of Denver Health Foundation. “Their specialized expertise and deep commitment to our city will help us broaden access to quality care and elevate the patient experience for everyone.”

Denver Health Foundation also acknowledges and thanks the following dedicated board members who concluded their service at the end of 2024:

Bill Burman, MD, who served on the board since 2016.
Stephen B. Clark, who served as Board Chair from 2003 to 2007, as Treasurer from 2008 to 2023, and as a board member since 2001.
Pat Cortez, who served as Nominating Committee Chair from 2020 to 2023 and was on the board since 2010.
Christie Isenberg, who co-chaired the 2022 Gala, and who served on the board since 2020.
Read Pierce, MD, who served as the board’s Denver Health employee representative in 2024.
Charlie Walling, who served as Board Secretary from 2023 to 2024 and was on the board since 2011.

I’m eager to collaborate with our new board members to strengthen our impact on the health of Denver’s most vulnerable communities. Their specialized expertise and deep commitment to our city will help us broaden access to quality care and elevate the patient experience for everyone.

Crystal Potter Rivera

Executive Director, Denver Health Foundation