Denver Public Schools chief of staff leaving for United Way

Denver Public Schools Chief of Staff Eddie Koen will leave his position in September after a year with the school district to take a job with Mile High United Way.

Koen, 37, will serve as chief impact officer for the Denver-based nonprofit organization, responsible for programming and investment strategies.

“I am very sad to leave DPS but also very excited about the opportunity with Mile High United Way,” Koen said in a statement Monday.

“DPS is one of Mile High United Way’s most important partners, and I will continue to champion the efforts of (Superintendent) Tom Boasberg as he drives to improve equity for our most vulnerable students and pushes us to become the best urban school district in the nation.”

Koen joined DPS in September. He replaced former chief of staff Will Lee-Ashley, who has since left the district.

Koen previously held other nonprofit leadership roles, including founding regional executive director for College Track in Colorado, which aims to help underrepresented students earn degrees.

“Eddie has been an exceptional and deeply valued member of our leadership team at DPS,” Boasberg said in a statement. “As much as we will miss him here, we will continue to work very closely with him in his new role and know his service at our partner Mile High United Way will be a win for the entire Denver community.”