As Vice President of Communications & External Affairs, Chyrise Harris leads a team of communications, storytelling and strategic partnership experts dedicated to inspiring the community to partner with Gary to deliver breakthrough solutions for Colorado kids and families. With over 15 years of brand development and communications experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, Chyrise believes in the power of communications to connect people, transform opinion and inspire action.

Chyrise began her career in New York at global branding firm Siegel+Gale before returning to Colorado to use her experience to expand opportunity at home. She spent many years leading brand development and marketing communications at Denver Public Schools and STRIVE Prep. To broaden her skills and perspective, she managed communications for DaVita’s international kidney care expansion and led communications and activism for the national education advocacy organization, Brightbeam.

Chyrise holds a bachelor’s in journalism and technical communication from Colorado State University as well as a master’s in global marketing communications and advertising from Emerson College in Boston. She serves on the Denver Preschool Program Board of Directors as well as the board for the George Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, in loving memory of her father. For 10 years, she’s kicked off the best part of her week volunteering in the kids ministry at Red Rocks Church, a gig sure to come in handy after becoming a first-time auntie in 2023.