DENVER (Feb. 27, 2025) – VISIT DENVER is proud to announce the induction of five new Denver-area business leaders to its Board of Directors: Andy Aye, Colorado/New Mexico/Arizona/Nevada market leader, Global Industries and Services, U.S. Bank; Kim Corrigan, general manager, Limelight Hotel Denver; Murphy Robinson, chief executive officer, Robinson Corp. Security Group; Mary Nguyen, founder and president, Olive & Finch, and Lance Zanett, general manager, Colorado Convention Center. These influential business leaders will join existing board members to help shape the future of Denver’s tourism and hospitality industry under the leadership of the 2025 Board Chair, Leon Barnes, vice president of human resources, Comcast Cable Corporation and Chair-Elect, Hollie Velasquez Horvath, regional vice president, Xcel Energy.
The VISIT DENVER Board of Director’s mission is to serve the tourism and hospitality industry, and the Denver community, by ensuring the success of the destination. The Board is comprised of business leaders from varying industries and backgrounds. The makeup of the board ensures VISIT DENVER receives input, direction and feedback from thought leaders with a vested interest in keeping Denver competitive as a top meeting and leisure destination.
“We welcome these Denver leaders and are looking forward to them adding their perspective and expertise to our engaged board,” said Richard Scharf, VISIT DENVER president and chief executive officer. “Under the leadership of Leon and Hollie we know that this board will continue the positive momentum in service of the tourism and hospitality industry.”
Leon Barnes, vice president of enterprise talent management, Comcast Cable Corporation
Leon Barnes serves as the vice president of enterprise talent management at Comcast, overseeing talent and performance management for the organization. In this role, he directs enterprise-wide talent strategy and organizational excellence initiatives that drive business success across the company’s global operations. Before his current appointment, Barnes held several key leadership positions within Comcast, including regional vice president of human resources for the Mountain West Region, where he led HR service delivery for a $5 billion field organization. Barnes’ career spans 28 years across various Fortune 500 companies, including leadership roles at Campbell Soup Co., USAA Financial Services, Humana Healthcare, Hewlett-Packard and Federal Express. Throughout his career, he has consistently driven organizational transformation and talent excellence.
Hollie Velasquez Horvath, regional vice president, Xcel Energy–Colorado
Hollie Velasquez Horvath, the regional vice president of state affairs and community relations for Xcel Energy-Colorado, has had an impactful 14-year journey with the company. In her current role, she leads teams responsible for stewarding relationships with political, business and community stakeholders to align with Xcel Energy's strategic goals. This includes but is not limited to coordinating company operations with local governments, overseeing emergency response for wildfires and storm restorations, spearheading economic development initiatives and shaping energy policies. Additionally, Velasquez Horvath leads Xcel Energy's philanthropic efforts in Colorado and directs outreach programs for vulnerable communities and customers. As a proud native of Colorado, she embraces and actively contributes by serving on several boards focused on the well-being and development of her home state.
Andy Aye, Colorado/New Mexico/Arizona/Nevada market leader, Global Industries and Services, U.S. Bank
As the Global Industries and Services market leader for Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, Andy Aye works across all business lines to deliver the “One” U.S. Bank vision. He leads U.S. Bank’s local advisory board, which is composed of business and community leaders, and steers the bank’s cross-functional market leadership team. Aye champions the culture, people and growth of U.S. Bank by supporting empowered employees, addressing challenges in the business community and making a difference for those in need through service. He brings over 34 years of commercial banking leadership to his role, including eight years of experience in mezzanine debt and private equity. In addition to the VISIT DENVER board, Aye is a board member of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and ACE Scholarships. He also serves as vice chair of CEOs Against Cancer.
Kim Corrigan, general manager, Limelight Hotel Denver
Kim Corrigan has been in the hospitality industry for almost 40 years including over 15 years with Sage Hospitality where she was honored with the company’s Rookie of the Year, Leader of the Year and Leadership Passion Award. A longtime Denver resident, Corrigan now serves as the general manager of the Limelight Hotel Denver. Previously, she was the vice president of operations for Sage Hospitality, where she oversaw a portfolio of independent and lifestyle hotels. Corrigan is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and a board member of Cherry Arts.
Murphy Robinson, chief executive officer, Robinson Corp. Security Group
Murphy Robinson brings extensive expertise in public safety, security and operations from his distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He previously served as deputy mayor and executive director of the Department of Public Safety for the City and County of Denver, overseeing the Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments, 911 communications and other critical safety programs. Under the Robinson Corp. Security Group umbrella, Robinson leads SurePass, a Colorado-based tech company focused on verifying official capacity IDs at security checkpoints. He also serves as chairman of Seca Secure, a leading provider of alarms, cameras and access control systems for commercial real estate and Cloq, a corporate consulting and intelligence firm.
Mary Nguyen, founder and president, Olive & Finch Collective
Mary Nguyen is a leading community figure in Denver’s culinary scene with more than 20 years of experience. Nguyen is the founder and president of the Olive & Finch Collective. She manages a diverse portfolio of ventures that includes restaurants, cafes, a food & beverage production company servicing institutional clients as well as a management consulting company supporting hospitality brands. Nguyen sits on the board of VISIT DENVER and the Colorado Asian Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Chamber's DEI Task Force, where she provides diversity training to corporations and nonprofits. She serves as Chair of the Asian Chamber Foundation and sits on the board of the Emily Griffith Foundation, both of which support initiatives for education and leadership training. Nguyen is passionate about developing the next generation of diverse leaders and engages in mentorship through Work Options for Women, Asian Girls Ignite and Denver Public Schools’ Junior Achievement program.
Lance Zanett, general manager, ASM: Colorado Convention Center
Lance Zanett began his career at Mile High Stadium in Denver in an operations and finance role. In 2000, he moved to the Colorado Convention Center (CCC) as director of finance. In over 25 years at the CCC Zanett has continued to grow, demonstrating exceptional leadership and operational excellence that have been instrumental in CCC's success. In 2006, he was named assistant general manager, and general manager at the end of 2024. Leveraging ASM Global’s unmatched expertise and comprehensive service, Zanett leads the company’s efforts in elevating CCC’s guest experience and operations, trailblazing sustainability in venues and event management and delivering significant economic impact to Denver. Zanett works closely with Denver and its stakeholders to ensure the CCC remains a premier destination for events of all sizes. Zanett is active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), in both regional and national programs.