What does Denver Metro Convention & Visitors do?

The organization bring conventions and leisure visitors to denver for the economic benefit of the city, the community, and our partners. Through targeted programs and services, it works to achieve measurable outcomes aligned with this core mission.

Who is eligible for services?

Programs are designed to serve General public based on need and program requirements. The organization strives to provide accessible services to diverse populations.

How is the organization funded?

With approximately $47.1 million in annual revenue, operations are supported through grants, donations, and program fees. Financial information is publicly available through IRS Form 990 filings.

How can someone get involved?

Community members can connect through the organization's website or contact the Denver, CO office. Opportunities may include volunteering, donations, or program participation.

Denver Metro Convention & Visitors

Denver, CO · Founded 1909

Destination marketing organization promoting Denver for conventions and tourism

Primary audience

General public

Work area

Economic development

Topic

Economic opportunity

Contact

Richard Scharf

Website Contact

About Organization

Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau attracts meetings, conventions, and leisure travelers to the Denver area. Based in Denver, CO, the organization operates with $47.1 million in annual revenue and 83 employees, driving economic impact through visitor spending.

What They Focus On

Business Growth

Supporting companies through resources, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

Workforce Development

Preparing individuals for employment through training and skill building.

Regional Prosperity

Strengthening the local economy through collaborative development initiatives.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$47.1M

+13.2% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$39.1M

+24.5% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$60.6M

+39.2% vs 2022

Employees (2023)

+20.3% vs 2022

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2023	$47,111,747	$39,120,834	$60,642,631	83
2022	$41,636,291	$31,412,000	$43,563,731	69
2021	$29,420,988	$21,693,533	$32,418,723	60
2020	$12,927,884	$19,230,421	$24,817,152	78
2019	$40,992,367	$36,045,697	$31,730,977	85
2018	$39,623,731	$35,714,892	$26,417,178	83

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Research Needs

Analyze regional economic conditions and identify growth opportunities.
02

Build Partnerships

Engage businesses and stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts.
03

Implement Programs

Execute initiatives supporting business growth and workforce development.
04

Track Progress

Monitor economic indicators and measure impact of development strategies.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Denver Metro Convention & Visitors

Business Support

Resources and guidance helping companies grow and succeed in competitive markets.

Workforce Development

Training programs preparing individuals for employment and career advancement.

Policy Advocacy

Engagement with government to support business-friendly policies and regulations.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Denver Metro Convention & Visitors.

Contact the team Contact

Richard Scharf

President &

Full-time

Compensation: $735,935

Steve Sander

Director (Th

1 hrs/week

Jeff Ruffe

Exec. V.p.-

Full-time

Compensation: $329,478

Justin Bresler

V.p.- Market

Full-time

Compensation: $263,227

Flavia Light

V.p.- Touris

Full-time

Compensation: $245,328

Rachel Benedick

Exec. V.p.-

Full-time

Compensation: $237,933

Jason Lusk

Associate V.

Full-time

Compensation: $232,095

Matthew Payne

E.d. Denver

Full-time

Compensation: $175,433

Vikki Kelly

Dir. Of Serv

Full-time

Compensation: $173,390

Edward Robinson

Lifetime - V

1 hrs/week

Milestones

1909

Organization Founded

1909

Denver Metro Convention & Visitors was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

1917

Leadership Development

1917

Strengthened governance with expanded board and executive team.

2023

Community Impact

2023

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Albus Brooks Director 1.00 hrs/week

Allen Paty Director 1.00 hrs/week

Amanda Sandoval Director 1.00 hrs/week

Andrew Feinstein Director 1.00 hrs/week

Barry Hirschfeld Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Brent Fedrizzi Chair Elect 1.00 hrs/week

Brian Roth Director 1.00 hrs/week

Bruce A James Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Christoph Heinrich Director 1.00 hrs/week

Cindy Parsons Director 1.00 hrs/week

Damani Leech Director 1.00 hrs/week

Daniel Scherer Director 1.00 hrs/week

David Coors Secretary 1.00 hrs/week

David L Corsun Director 1.00 hrs/week

Evan Dreyer Director 1.00 hrs/week

Frank Schultz Director 1.00 hrs/week

Greg Feasel Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Greg Leonard Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Hollie Velasquez Horvath Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Jack Finlaw Past Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Janice Sinden Director 1.00 hrs/week

Jennifer Chang Director 1.00 hrs/week

Jolon Clark Director 1.00 hrs/week

Leon Barnes Director 1.00 hrs/week

Luis Benitez Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Manny Rodriguez Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Matthew Bell Director 1.00 hrs/week

Matthew Burkett Director 1.00 hrs/week

Navin C Dimond Director 1.00 hrs/week

Nick Lemasters Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Paul Andrews Director 1.00 hrs/week

Rob Cohen Director 1.00 hrs/week

Robert Venus Director 1.00 hrs/week

Sid Wilson Director 1.00 hrs/week

Todd D Munson Vice Chair 1.00 hrs/week

Walter L Isenberg Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$2.7M

Highest Paid

$799K

Richard Scharf

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Richard Scharf	President &	$735,935	$62,607	$798,542	60
Jeff Ruffe	EXEC. V.P.-	$329,478	$60,475	$389,953	60
Justin Bresler	V.P.- Market	$263,227	$62,759	$325,986	60
Flavia Light	V.P.- Touris	$245,328	$29,064	$274,392	50
Rachel Benedick	EXEC. V.P.-	$237,933	$36,384	$274,317	60
Jason Lusk	Associate V.	$232,095	$32,186	$264,281	60
Matthew Payne	E.D. Denver	$175,433	$27,129	$202,562	50
Vikki Kelly	DIR. Of Serv	$173,390	$28,221	$201,611	50

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Richard Scharf	President &	$640,806	$59,319	$700,125	60
Rachel Benedick	EXEC. V.P.-	$346,092	$46,009	$392,101	60
Jeff Ruffe	EXEC. V.P.-	$290,277	$46,913	$337,190	60
Justin Bresler	V.P.- Market	$230,978	$43,978	$274,956	60
Jason Lusk	Associate V.	$196,098	$29,155	$225,253	60
Vikki Kelly	DIR. Of Serv	$157,657	$25,544	$183,201	50
Matthew Payne	E.D. Denver	$158,203	$24,558	$182,761	50
Flavia Light	V.P.- Touris	$163,789	$18,714	$182,503	50

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Richard Scharf	President & CEO	$472,280	$58,315	$530,595	60
Rachel Benedick	EXEC. V.P.- Sales & Services	$255,057	$42,834	$297,891	60
Jeff Ruffe	EXEC. V.P.- Finance & Admin.	$210,665	$43,448	$254,113	60
Justin Bresler	V.P.- Marketing	$183,987	$41,432	$225,419	60
Jason Lusk	Associate V.P.	$158,485	$26,120	$184,605	60
Vikki Kelly	DIR. Of Services & Events	$139,120	$24,325	$163,445	50
Matthew Payne	E.D. Denver Sports Commission	$136,181	$23,591	$159,772	50
Mc Genova	DIR. Of Partnership	$131,047	$23,742	$154,789	50

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Richard Scharf	President & CEO	$639,328	$53,128	$692,456	60
Rachel Benedick	V.P.- Sales & Services	$345,947	$47,733	$393,680	60
Jeff Ruffe	V.P.- Finance & Admin.	$281,135	$48,177	$329,312	60
Justin Bresler	V.P.- Marketing & Business	$231,119	$43,700	$274,819	60
Jason Lusk	Associate V.P.-Conventions	$185,937	$27,912	$213,849	50
Jayne Buck	V.P.- Tourism	$174,024	$21,997	$196,021	60
Matthew Payne	E.D. Denver Sports Commission	$153,938	$23,419	$177,357	50
Tim Litherland	DIR. Of Sports And Special	$147,135	$24,986	$172,121	50

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Richard Scharf	President & CEO	$579,898	$55,632	$635,530	60
Rachel Benedick	V.P.- Sales & Services	$291,095	$34,995	$326,090	60
Jeff Ruffe	V.P.- Finance & Admin.	$223,627	$45,141	$268,768	60
Jayne Buck	V.P.- Tourism	$225,853	$29,370	$255,223	60
Justin Bresler	V.P.- Marketing & Business	$200,629	$45,151	$245,780	60
Jason Lusk	Associate V.P.-Conventions	$182,646	$29,036	$211,682	50
Tim Litherland	DIR. Of Sports And Special	$147,646	$27,803	$175,449	50
Matthew Payne	E.D. Denver Sports Commission	$150,535	$24,141	$174,676	50

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with Denver Metro Convention & Visitors

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(303) 892-1112 (303) 571-9415

Social

Visit Website

1555 California Street Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202

Denver Metro Convention & Visitors

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Research Needs

Build Partnerships

Implement Programs

Track Progress

Programs and Initiatives

Business Support

Workforce Development

Policy Advocacy

Team & Leadership

Richard Scharf

Steve Sander

Jeff Ruffe

Justin Bresler

Flavia Light

Rachel Benedick

Jason Lusk

Matthew Payne

Vikki Kelly

Edward Robinson

Milestones

Organization Founded

Leadership Development

Community Impact

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Related Organizations

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

Disregarded Entities

Contact

Email

Phone

Social