Denver, Colorado, President Emeritus and Consultant to the President, The Clayton Foundation, Interim Director of the Denver Preschool Program, Board Chair of Metropolitan State College of Denver, Appointed: April 2008 to a four-year term.

Adele Phelan has come full circle with the Caring for Colorado Foundation. Nearly a decade after its founding, Phelan is serving on the board of an organization whose infrastructure she helped to create.  When the CFC was founded in 1999, Phelan served as a consultant on the project. "Having had the privilege of being involved in the very beginning of the Foundation, I have watched how well it has been able to carry out its mission and how much good it has been able to do in the communities it serves," she says.

"I realize the importance of good health to the enjoyment of life and the problems that arise for people when good health care is not accessible, says Phelan. Some of her top health care concerns in Colorado are for affordability and accessibility, delivery of health care and the role of the insurance industry, and the ability of elected leaders to tackle the tough issues in health care.

Phelan is a board member who pushes organizations to think "outside the box."  She encourages the CFC to use its focus, its statewide network and its ability to see the big picture to direct its grantmaking most effectively in meeting the health care needs of all of Colorado.

Just as in health care, daunting issues face the world of education. Phelan has put a great deal of her energy there as well. Phelan is currently chair of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan State College of Denver and was president of Loretto Heights College. Additionally, she is President Emeritus of the Clayton Foundation. She has been a teacher and administrator at the secondary and college levels. She recently served as Interim Director of the Denver Preschool Program and is currently serving as Consultant to the President of Mile High Montessori Early Learning Centers.

She has served on numerous boards and currently is a member of  board of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, Hospice of Metro Denver, America Scores Denver, and Invest in Kids.  Throughout her career, volunteer and board activity, she has worked with at-risk populations.

A Denver native, Phelan holds a B.A. from Webster College, an M.A. from St. Louis University, an M.A. from the University of Minnesota, and an honorary doctorate in Public Service from Regis University.