By: Adam Cohen Issue: Sports Section: Advisory Board
President & CEO – South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
John Brackney
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce 6840 S. University Blvd. Centennial, CO 80122
p: 303.795.0142 e: [email protected] W: www.bestchamber.com
In his pursuit to advance South Metro Denver and Colorado as a leader in economic health, responsible and effective government, entrepreneurial activity and effective decision making that maintains and enhances our vibrant quality of life, John Brackney has been an influential leader in public policy and community problem solving for 20 years.
Born and raised in unincorporated Arapahoe County, John graduated from Littleton High School, one of the best high schools in one of the best school districts in the nation in 1984. He continued his education at an undiscovered gem in higher education, the University of Northern Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1988, followed by a law degree from the University of Denver in 1993.
While earning his law degree, John enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard and graduated from Officer Candidate School. He became a Company Commander of the 147th Combat Support Hospital in 1995, then later served as a Captain at the National Guard State Headquarters. During 12 years of service John received the Meritorious Service Medal twice. He was honorably discharged in 2003.
Elected to his first term as Arapahoe County Commissioner in 1996, John was responsible for setting policy and budget for Colorado’s 1st County. In 1997, he was selected Freshman Commissioner of the year by Colorado Counties Inc. and then re-elected to a four-year term and served as chairman of the Commission in 2000.
As chairman of the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority at Centennial Airport, president of the Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, and one of the founders of the City of Centennial, John continued his passion for leadership in the South Metro Denver region. Additionally, John served on the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Group, Colorado Counties Inc., Legislative Policy Group, National Association of Counties Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee and was appointed as the Chairman of the Emergency Management Subcommittee and the Homeland Security Taskforce following September 11th. He received the NACo/FEMA 2001 Building Disaster Resistant Communities Award and the Award of Excellence from the Arapahoe Counties Sheriff’s Office.
Currently, John is the President of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, a full - service regional Chamber representing approximately 1,600 businesses and 100,000 employees predominantly in four counties and 16 cities in South Metro Denver.
He previously served as a board member of Littleton Public Schools Foundation and as the Director of the Public Polity Initiatives Council associated with the South Metro Denver Chamber. John is a volunteer fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He currently lives in Littleton with his wife, Meredith, and two daughters Taylor and Jordan; and enjoys gardening, marathons and spending time with his family.