Janice Sinden, chief of staff to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, joined the board of directors of Mental Health America of Colorado this week. She is the former executive director of Colorado Concern, an alliance of state business executives, and was named one of Denver’s 50 most influential people by 5280 magazine.

“Caring for people who are facing tough issues is in my DNA, as I grew up with a mother who is a social worker,” said Sinden in a release, adding that she is “acutely aware of how important it is that we elevate awareness of mental and behavioral health issues in Colorado. As a community, we can and should do more.”

MHAC president and CEO Andrew Romanoff welcomed Sinden to the board, saying, “I’ve worked closely with Janice for many years, and I’ve always admired her passion for principle – not partisanship.”

The organization promotes expanding access to affordable services for mental health and substance abuse problems and seeks to eradicate stigma and discrimination associated with the issues.

Denver auditor taps Connor for outreach

Denver Auditor Timothy O’Brien named Julie Connor as his director of community outreach this week and said she would join his executive team to develop strategy and goals for the office.

Connor has worked as program director at Groundwork Denver for more than a decade and once ran for city council. She’s also been an aide to a city council member and worked for the city’s Community Planning and Development Agency and for Denver Health.