We’re excited to welcome Mary Kay Klimesh, general counsel for Douglas County School District RE-1 to the Denver Board of Directors. Mary Kay is an accomplished and highly skilled advocate with three decades of experience representing PreK-12 schools. Her leadership will be invaluable as we work to create a healthier Colorado for all. Read on to learn more about Mary Kay.
Tell us a little about you and your professional background.
I graduated with my B.A. from Trinity University in San Antonio and was awarded my J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. I was partner with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw in its Chicago, Illinois office, practicing there for over 20 years before moving to Colorado full time and becoming General Counsel for the Douglas County School District. As DCSD’s General Counsel since 2018, I advise the Superintendent, Board of Education, and staff on legal and policy issues including general school law, constitutional, employment, and contract matters.
As you think about the American Heart Association and your new role as a board member, what are you most excited about?
I am excited to support the American Heart Association’s mission in advancing educational and awareness efforts on initiatives in support of longer, healthier lives, particularly for Colorado’s youth.
Why is the mission of the American Heart Association important to you?
Both personally and professionally, I have experienced the difference a healthy lifestyle can make to the quality of life generally. Particularly, as a professional working in K-12 education, I am aware of the need to support our children and youth in healthy lifestyles which, in my view, is a key component to help our children and youth grow into healthy, happy, successful and productive adults.
What bucket list item do you most want to check off in the next six months?
I would love to break 90 playing a round of golf this upcoming golf season!
Mary Kay joins existing Denver Board of Directors members including Board Chair Erin Amerlan (Charles Schwab), Leadership Development Chair Ryan Beiser (PNC Bank), Board President Oswaldo Grenardo, M.D. (CommonSpirit Health), Keith Dennis (Denver Business Journal), Gabby Hodgson (Merrill Lynch Wealth Management), Marques Hunter (Walmart), Dunbar Ivy, M.D. (Children’s Hospital Colorado), Pam Jeffords (DiversityWorks Group), Dustin Liljehorn (JE Dunn Construction), Ben Miller (Premise Health), Rachelle Moulton (EY), Harry Sivadhas, M.D. (HealthONE), and Frank Sottosanti (Marketing Executive).