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Trust names chief

Colorado foundation selects Ibarra, once a Romer appointee

Joanne Kelley, Rocky Mountain News

Published September 12, 2006 at midnight

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The Colorado Trust, one of the state's biggest foundations, named California nonprofit executive Irene Ibarra to replace its retiring chief executive on Nov. 13.

Ibarra, 54, now serves as executive vice president of the California Endowment, a nonprofit that also focuses on health care and ranks among the largest foundations in the nation, with assets of about $3.7 billion.

Ibarra worked in former Gov. Roy Romer's cabinet as executive director of the Department of Social Services. In that role, she visited Colorado counties, which she said gave her a "unique perspective" on the state's diverse population and needs.

"Irene has devoted much of her career to developing solutions for complex health care problems," said Dr. Reginald Washington, a trust board member who led the CEO search.

She will replace John Moran, who is retiring from the Colorado Trust at age 76 after 15 years at the helm. The former attorney guided the foundation through a major shift in the way it doles out money in the community.

In his time at the trust, the endowment has more than doubled, from $191 million, to $460 million.

Ibarra also worked as deputy manager of the Denver Department of Social Services under former Mayor Federico Peña.

After her time in Colorado, she practiced corporate and business law at Hillis, Clark, Martin and Peterson in Seattle. She spent several years working in the nonprofit health care arena in California before assuming her role at the California Endowment.

She holds advanced degrees, including a master's of social work in community services and social planning and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Denver, and a law degree from the University of Washington.

Ibarra said Colorado faces many of the same health care issues as other states. Challenges include the underinsured population, the cost of new technologies and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

"The challenges that face all of us in the entire state of Colorado are enormous," she said.

New executive has Colorado background

The Colorado Trust named nonprofit executive Irene Ibarra to replace retiring CEO John Moran, effective Nov. 13.

• Ibarra's current post: Executive vice president of the California Endowment, a large Los Angeles-based foundation that focuses on health care.

• Other experience: Executive posts at nonprofit health care groups in California. Practiced corporate and business law.

• Colorado background: Served as head of the Colorado Department of Social Services during former Gov. Roy Romer's administration and as deputy manager of Denver Department of Social Services under former Mayor Federico Peña.

• Education: Two master's degrees from University of Denver and a law degree from University of Washington.

• Salary: None provided, but IRS filings show current CEO John Moran received a total of $341,000 in 2005, including contributions to benefit plans and deferred compensation. In her post at the California Endowment, Ibarra received a $250,000 compensation package.

• Trust assets: $460 million, one of Colorado's biggest foundations.

• Focus: Advancing health of Colorado residents and their families.

• History: Established in 1985 and endowed with $191 million from the sale of PSL (Presbyterian St. Luke's) Healthcare Corp.

• Strategy: Awards grants to nonprofit groups that can carry out its long-term initiatives.

• Current initiatives: Boosting number of health care professionals, helping immigrants assimilate, suicide prevention, mental health care, early child development and care, and bullying prevention.

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