Colorado Thrives hires Christine Heitz as CEO: McKinsey alumna and education veteran takes reins at prominent state CEO coalition focused on advancement of economic mobility and workforce development
Colorado Thrives has announced the appointment of Christine Heitz as its new Chief Executive Officer. In this pivotal role, Heitz will spearhead the coalition of Colorado CEOs and business leaders in their mission to advance economic mobility for all Coloradans.
Heitz will lead the acceleration of Colorado Thrives’ Upskill 2030 initiative. The initiative aims to connect 30,000 underserved Coloradans into quality jobs by 2030. “Colorado’s economy is strong, yet many high-quality jobs go unfilled. The state’s largest employers are committed to help local talent build skills to thrive in the Colorado workforce,” said Steven Cohen, Co-Chair of Colorado Thrives and Co-President and Co-COO of The Anschutz Corporation. “We look forward to Christine’s leadership to help our group forge critical partnerships and create opportunities.”
Heitz will also collaborate with other national and statewide talent networks, such as the NY Jobs CEO Council and The Greater Houston Partnership, sharing research-backed solutions and representing Colorado’s voice.
Jim Rechtin, Co-Chair of Colorado Thrives and CEO and President of Humana, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment: “Christine is from Colorado, she loves Colorado, she knows our education system, and she knows the value of a strong and capable workforce. We are lucky to have her.”
Born and raised in Colorado, Heitz brings a personal commitment to the state’s future. “I’ve spent three decades in Colorado and feel lucky to raise my family here. While I’ve seen the tremendous growth, I know many Coloradans aren’t getting the opportunities to start or grow their own careers. We have incredible talent and untapped potential within our state. I’m excited to unleash this talent, improve livelihoods, and ensure Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business.”
Heitz’s career spans several mission-driven roles. She has helped great schools grow as an investor at the Charter School Growth Fund and led strategy for KIPP Memphis, a school network in Tennessee. Most recently, Heitz was a leader in McKinsey & Company’s education practice, supporting transformative strategies for education institutions and private sector companies.
She currently serves on the board of CollegeInvest, Colorado’s 529 college savings plan. Heitz is also a co-founder of the Denver Chapter of Chamber of Mothers, an advocacy group championing maternal health, paid family leave, and affordable childcare.
“It’s a privilege to support Colorado Thrives’ mission to create inclusive pathways into quality, family-sustaining jobs,” Heitz stated. “I’m energized by the commitment of our members and partners to invest in the future of our state.”
About Colorado Thrives
Colorado Thrives unites CEOs and business leaders in Colorado to catalyze economic mobility for Colorado citizens. Co-chaired by Steven Cohen, Co-President and Co-COO of The Anschutz Corporation and Jim Rechtin, CEO and President of Humana, the group has 16 members and 3 partners, with a goal to broaden its membership. Through the Upskill 2030 initiative, this group will help communicate the in-demand jobs and skills needed to successfully fill them. Colorado Thrives seeks to partner in support of robust job pathways to connect Coloradans with positions that support economic mobility.
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