Veteran, Professor, Servant Leader.

Hi, I’m Chris.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, I learned at an early age the importance of giving back and striving to make a difference from my mother, who taught in the Kansas City School District for nearly 40 years. 

I graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point and served nearly seven years in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Kosovo and Iraq. After that, I:

  • Served on Denver City Council for 12 years, with four years as Council President and Vice President 

  • Earned a Master of Arts degree in management from Webster University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver

  • Taught “Intro to Public Service and Leadership” at the University of Colorado Denver 

  • Received a certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government

  • Recognized as Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Denver Urban Spectrum’s African Americans Who Make a Difference 

I also founded Northeast Denver Leadership Week, an annual, week-long leadership immersion program for Denver teens. The program’s goal is to help students find their voices, increase their financial literacy, and connect with civic and industry leaders across the Denver Metro area.

  • “Chris spoke at an event for first generation college students, embarking on their next journey as the first in their families to continue their education after high school. Everyone in the room left inspired, encouraged, and moved both by Chris’ background and story, as well as his advice for the students. We invited Chris back each year…”
    — Cori Deterding, VP Community Giving and Engagement | Mile High United Way

Keynote Offerings
Articles
Councilman Chris Herndon: From War Veteran to Politician (video)
Councilman Chris Herndon: From War Veteran to Politician (video)

Before he entered the political realm, Herndon served in the U.S. Army for close to seven years. Herndon says he utilizes the skills he learned in the military to be a better public servant.

Veteran-turned-councilman Christopher Herndon talks District 8 and the desire to serve
Veteran-turned-councilman Christopher Herndon talks District 8 and the desire to serve

For Councilman Christopher Herndon, his public service career started long before the Denver City Council.

Getting to Know Councilman Christopher Herndon with Coffee and Car Rides
Getting to Know Councilman Christopher Herndon with Coffee and Car Rides

This is a series profiling Denver’s City Council members. Each month we grab coffee and take a car ride in their district.

Inside Denver CIty Council
Inside Denver CIty Council

As it welcomes seven new members, the City Council has a long to-do list. But do you really understand how this governing body works? A look at the people who shape life in the Mile High City.

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