Wheat Ridge 2020, a community and economic development nonprofit organization, announces the addition of three staff members.

Denise Balkas is the director of real estate development for Wheat Ridge 2020. She was previously the executive director of U.S. 36 Corridor TMO. She has a background in planning and land use and was a city planner in Aurora. She is a member of the Urban Land Institute.

Shawne Cooper is the office manager for Wheat Ridge 2020. She hasmore thana decade of experience in providing support to several young nonprofits. Previously, she was on staff at Colorado African American Network. Shawne served in the Navy for 12 years and is a native of Colorado.

Britta Fisher is the director of community and small-business development for Wheat Ridge 2020. Britta was a voting member and volunteer with WR 2020 prior to her coming on staff. Previously, she was the statewide advocacy manager for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. She has a background in housing policy, communications and public relations. Britta and her husband make their home on the east side of Wheat Ridge.

Rob Osborn, executive director, said, "I am excited to have this team on board. Their qualifications and experience will be an asset as we help move Wheat Ridge forward."