#United States #Denver #leverage #Jarett Hughes #aging affordability

Leverage Appoints Jarett Hughes as First President and CEO

Leverage, a newly established nonpartisan advocacy organization, has made headlines with the recent appointment of Jarett Hughes as its inaugural president and chief executive officer. With a mission to address the pressing issues surrounding the affordability of aging, Leverage seeks to empower older adults in Colorado by making essential resources and opportunities more accessible.

Founded with the backing of a substantial startup investment from the Next50 Foundation amounting to $3 million, Leverage is positioned to make a significant impact in the lives of older Coloradans. The organization is set to collaborate with policymakers, leaders in the community, and key stakeholders to develop research-driven, cooperative solutions that enhance economic well-being. It aims to ensure that Colorado residents can thrive as they age, amidst the rising challenges posed by a rapidly aging population.

Peter Kaldes, the president and CEO of the Next50 Foundation, underscored the imperative need for affordable aging options in Colorado, stating, "It's too expensive to age in Colorado—and that needs to change." Through Leverage, Kaldes envisions a formidable advocacy voice that can influence the policies that affect older adults, especially given the increasing affordability crises.

Jarett Hughes brings with him a wealth of experience as a seasoned policy strategist and aging advocate. Before his new role, he served as the director of policy and research for Colorado Governor Jared Polis, where he led a diverse team working on critical state initiatives. His contributions included significant areas such as the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing developments, and overall strategies for managing the implications of an aging population.

Under Hughes’ leadership, Leverage is set to foster collaborative and bipartisan solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Governor Jared Polis expressed his full support for Hughes, highlighting that his prior efforts have already made positive strides for Colorado's aging community. The support from the state and community leaders signals a growing recognition of the importance of tackling aging-related issues comprehensively.

Moreover, Hughes's expertise extends beyond policy as he has played a pivotal role in statewide aging strategies and has been recognized for his contributions to various sectors. He holds a master’s degree in gerontology and has taught at higher education institutions, providing foundational knowledge about aging and its societal implications.

As Hughes steps into this new role, he expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It is a dream come true to lead Leverage in its inaugural steps and establish Colorado as a leader in this vital area." His focus will be on advocating for effective policies that facilitate opportunities for older citizens and address the financial burdens they face.

Leverage aims to fill the existing gap between the increasing financial needs of the aging population and the limited policy focus on these issues. Through targeted research, advocacy, and coalition building, the organization aspires to transform demographic changes into avenues for economic growth and social progress.

For those interested in advancing affordable aging solutions, Leverage encourages engagement with policymakers and partners committed to creating sustainable, practical interventions. To learn more about their initiatives and collaborative opportunities, visit leverageco.org.

About Leverage

Leverage is an independent, nonpartisan advocacy group focused on making aging more affordable in Colorado. Founded with the support from the Next50 Foundation, Leverage aims to enhance policies that promote economic security and equitable access to opportunities for all aging Coloradans.

About Next50

Next50 is a foundation based in Colorado dedicated to building a society that values aging through impactful funding and initiatives. They are committed to advancing the conversation around aging and its implications in various facets of life.