DENVER -- Jamie Van Leeuwen, director of development and public affairs at Urban Peak, will join Mayor John W. Hickenlooper’s team to end homelessness in Denver, culminating more than six years of service and leadership to homeless and urban youth in Colorado.

“We are incredibly proud of Jamie’s new role in the leadership of Mayor Hickenlooper’s unprecedented, comprehensive effort to eliminate homelessness in our city, “ said David Younggren, chair of Urban Peak, which serves homeless and urban youth through its Urban Peak and The Spot affiliates in Denver and Colorado Springs.  “Jamie has contributed greatly to our success at Urban Peak, and we know his commitment, hard work and spirit will help the mayor make a difference in Denver.”

Craig Archibald, president and chief executive officer, said Urban Peak will begin the transition immediately, allowing the agency’s development, public affairs and research work will continue to operate smoothly following Van Leeuwen’s departure in December.

“We are grateful for the passion Jamie has given to our youth and to their cause,” Archibald said. “I am confident that with the strong commitment from our board, the staff and the fundraising community in Denver and Colorado Springs that the agency will continue to move forward as a leader in providing services to homeless and urban youth.”

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation recently named Van Leeuwen, a Lakewood native, a Livingston Fellow, allowing him to study how different societies around the world work with at-risk youth. He received his bachelor’s of science degree at Creighton University, Omaha, Neb., his master’s degree at Tulane University, New Orleans, La.; and is completing his PhD. at the University of Colorado Graduate School of Public Affairs.

About Urban Peak:Urban Peak and The Spot believe in the potential of every youth to contribute to our world.  The mission of the organization is to help homeless, at-risk and urban adolescents enjoy their youth and mature into productive adults by providing a safe, caring, stable environment with the objective of assisting them in permanently exiting street life.