Movers and Shakers Week Ending 11.01.24

Josh Leen

Swinerton’s Colorado Division Promotes Josh Leen to Director of Operations

Swinerton, an industry leader in commercial construction with offices nationwide, has promoted Josh Leen to director of operations for its Colorado division. Leen’s new role will support Swinerton’s commitment to providing exceptional client experiences, strengthening internal teams, and enhancing operational excellence.

In his new role, Leen will oversee initiatives that foster cross-market collaboration and ensure project teams continue to deliver high-quality service to clients and partners.

“I’m excited to embrace the new challenge and support team members. Instead of focusing on just a few markets, I have the opportunity to dive deep into all our markets and drive their growth,” says Leen.

During his 13 years at Swinerton, Leen has been instrumental in expanding self-perform capabilities and cultivating a collaborative culture. Reflecting on his impact, he highlights the division’s shift toward teamwork and cross-market support: “We are all running the race together. Recognizing every team member as an employee-owner has been key to our success.”

Stephanie Warren Named Encore Electric Controller 

Stephanie Warren

Encore Electric announced that Stephanie Warren has been named the new Encore Electric controller. Warren began her new position at the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1.  

In her new role, Warren is responsible for managing the accounting practices of Encore Electric, including the preparation of financial reports, maintenance of accounting processes and controls, and supervision and mentoring of the entire accounting team, a challenge she is ready to address. 

“Since joining Encore Electric, Stephanie has worked to understand issues that others are working to solve,” said Encore Electric Chief Financial Officer Jeff Allen. “She approaches projects and people with incredible thoughtfulness and helps find solutions others maybe haven’t discovered.” 

Warren originally joined Encore Electric in August 2020 as a senior accountant and was promoted to Accounting Manager just over a year later, a role which she has served in ever since. She is an active member of the Construction Financial Management Association and had the opportunity to participate in several Encore Electric leadership programs. She is a certified Construction Industry Financial Professional and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), two certifications she believes fit together nicely with her experience and background.

“In this role, I will focus on continuing to develop this very capable team while providing top-notch service to Encore Electric,” said Warren.  

Warren replaces former controller Sheri Padilla, who has stepped into an executive vice president role with the Encore Electric team. 

DHA Appoints Two to Board of Commissioners

Denver Housing Authority (DHA) announced that Charles Knight and Catherine Toner have been appointed to the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver’s Board of Commissioners.

Charles Knight

Charles Knight

With extensive experience in housing finance, legal transactions, and community service, Knight will bring invaluable insight and leadership to the Authority’s mission of advancing affordable and sustainable housing solutions for the community.

A seasoned attorney and former board member and general counsel at the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), Knight’s career spans decades of work in both the public and private sectors. His leadership at CHFA, where he played a crucial role in shaping housing policy and financial strategies, will provide the Board with critical legal and financial guidance. “Knight’s understanding of complex housing finance and his strong leadership background will make him an excellent addition to our Board,” said Joaquín Cintrón Vega, DHA’s chief executive officer. “We look forward to benefiting from his wealth of experience as we work to address the critical housing needs in our community.”

“I am honored to join DHA’s board and contribute to their efforts in making housing more accessible for everyone,” said Knight. “I am eager to work with the Board to find innovative solutions that meet the housing needs of Denver residents.”

Catherine Toner

Catherine Toner

With a background that spans innovative financial structuring, housing finance, and community-driven solutions, Toner is set to bring valuable expertise to the organization’s mission of providing equitable and affordable housing.

Board Chair Charles Gilford, III, made this comment regarding Toner’s appointment and that of fellow new Commissioner, Charles Knight. “We are thrilled to welcome our new commissioners to the board. Their fresh perspectives and forward-thinking approaches will be instrumental in advancing our housing initiatives. Affordable housing is the humanitarian issue of our city and nation at large. Together, we are committed to creating impactful solutions that enhance our community and promote inclusivity for all.”

Toner, who currently serves as managing director of Impact Investing at Gary Community Ventures, has led investments and transformative initiatives aimed at increasing family economic mobility through housing finance innovations. Notably, Toner played a crucial role in the conceptualization and financial design of Proposition 123, the first successful statewide ballot measure to tackle the affordable housing crisis in the U.S. Additionally, she led the structuring of The Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth, a pioneering fund designed to address the racial wealth gap by increasing access to homeownership for Black families in Denver. Her efforts have resulted in significant impact, with the Fund supporting hundreds of first-time homebuyers to date.

“I am honored to join DHA and contribute to their important work in expanding access to affordable and sustainable housing,” said Ms. Toner, “I look forward to supporting the Authority in its efforts to implement innovative housing solutions that create long-lasting impact for our communities.”

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