Denver Urban Renewal Authority Names Kenneth Ho Executive Director
The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) announced that Kenneth Ho has been appointed executive director of the organization, effective Dec. 1, 2026. Following an extensive executive search, the DURA Board of Commissioners voted to approve the appointment. Ho brings more than 25 years of experience in real estate development, investment, and urban planning to the organization.
Ho will lead DURA as it continues to make strategic investments across Denver to strengthen its growing community work and deepen partnerships with the city, development community and neighborhoods it serves.
“Kenneth brings a valuable combination of redevelopment experience, financial expertise and a deep understanding of Denver and the communities we serve,” said Angela Bricmont, chair of the DURA Board of Commissioners. “Throughout this search, we were focused on finding a leader who could build on DURA’s strong foundation while helping us think strategically about where the organization can have an even greater impact. Kenneth understands the complexity of this work, the importance of strong partnerships and the responsibility that comes with stewarding public resources. We are excited to have him lead DURA into its next chapter.”
Ho joins DURA from Fitzsimons Innovation Community, where he served as chief operating officer, leading real estate development, campus operations and infrastructure planning. In this role, he also helped guide a new master plan for the one-square-mile campus, positioning it for continued growth as a mixed-use innovation district. Previously, Ho held leadership positions at Westside Investment Partners and Lennar Multifamily Communities, overseeing complex redevelopment projects, financing and land-use approvals.
In addition to his real estate experience, Ho brings a strong history of civic involvement and community leadership in Denver. He previously chaired the Denver Planning Board, co-chaired a subcommittee for the 2016 Denver Public Schools bond initiative, and served on the boards of Historic Denver and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. He currently serves as a trustee of The Denver Foundation and as the board’s liaison to the Impact Investing Committee.
Ho’s appointment comes as DURA advances several significant redevelopment and community investment initiatives across Denver, including ongoing work surrounding Burnham Yard, the historic Rossonian Hotel, the proposed restoration of Sloan’s Lake and reinvestment in Northeast Park Hill, alongside the continued growth of its Community STAND (C-STAND) program. As executive director, Ho will work closely with the DURA Board and staff to move these efforts forward while identifying new opportunities to use DURA’s tools and resources to support Denver communities.
Ho succeeds Interim Executive Director Bill Pruter, who has led DURA through the executive search and transition. Pruter will remain on the Board of Commissioners to support a smooth leadership handoff.
Banc of California Names Darren Lemkau Regional President, Colorado
Banc of California, a wholly owned subsidiary of Banc of California, Inc., announced that Darren Lemkau has joined the bank as regional president for the Colorado region. Based in Denver, Lemkau will lead the bank’s commercial and community banking presence across Colorado, focusing on strengthening client relationships and advancing the bank’s long-term growth strategy.
“Colorado is important to us, and we have a lot of opportunity ahead,” said Jared Wolff, chairman and CEO of Banc of California. “Business owners want a banking partner who knows them, understands their business and can deliver the right solutions as they grow. That’s what our team is focused on every day. Darren knows the local business community and shares our commitment to building lasting client relationships. We’re excited to welcome him to lead our team in Colorado.”
Lemkau brings more than 30 years of banking experience, including 13 years as president and CEO of Commerce Bank’s Colorado region. His expertise spans middle-market and corporate banking, commercial real estate, payments and credit underwriting.
“I’ve spent most of my career in Colorado and have seen firsthand the strength of its business community and the opportunities here,” Lemkau said. “I am proud to lead the Colorado Region for Banc of California, and I’m looking forward to serving the people and businesses that call the Colorado region home.”
Active in the community, Lemkau serves on the boards of Brent’s Place and the Colorado Business Roundtable.
With over $34 billion in assets, Banc of California delivers a full suite of loan and deposit solutions that drive economic growth across Colorado. From the bank’s Denver office at 5050 S. Syracuse St., Lemkau and his Banc of California colleagues offer Commercial Real Estate Banking, Venture Banking, Asset-Based Lending, Small-Business Lending, Community Banking and Treasury Management.
