AURORA | Former Denver Metro Chamber chief and Denver mayoral candidate Kelly Brough was appointed as CEO of the Aurora Fitzsimons Innovation Community project, sealing a three-year, $320,000 annual contract, Aurora officials announced Monday.
“The CU Anschutz Medical Campus and FIC have been catalysts for economic growth in Aurora, and Kelly Brough’s leadership will only enhance our city’s standing as a national leader in bioscience,” Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said, who sits on the FIC board. “Her experience and vision make her the right person to drive this community into its next chapter of innovation.”
The appointment was made by the FIC board of directors.
The project is a joint effort between Aurora and the Anschutz Medical Campus to expand bioscience industry growth and innovation on the undeveloped north side of the sprawling medical and hospital campus.
“The Fitzsimons Innovation Community is already home to some of the most exciting advancements in life sciences, but its untapped potential is what truly excites me,” Brough said in a statement. “With 50 acres of prime development space and a multi-year growth plan, this campus is poised to make life-changing discoveries that will shape the future of health care.”
Brough brings a variety of high-profile appointments and experience to the position. Besides being CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber, she was chief of staff for former Mayor John Hickenlooper. Last year, she was a top contender for Denver mayor, and she was most recently chief strategy officer at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
The campus boasts 410,000 square feet of research facilities, with an additional 230,000 square feet under construction, all infusing the region with a $13 billion local economic impact, according to city and FIC officials.
Brough replaces Steve VanNurden, who said he will retire at the end of the year, closing out a 12-year tenure in the position.
“Steve has set an incredible foundation for the future of FIC, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership,” Don Elliman, chancellor of CU Anschutz and vice chair of the FIC board said in a statement. “With Kelly at the helm, we will build on this momentum, further establishing Aurora as a go-to city for groundbreaking life sciences research and emerging companies with the potential to change the world.”
City officials said Brough will be charged with focusing on expanding FIC’s infrastructure, strengthening partnerships, and fostering innovation.
“This is not just about building facilities,” Brough said. “It’s about creating an environment where scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators can come together to tackle the most pressing challenges in health care.”