Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and his administration slimmed the field down to five in open city leadership positions after appointing both a new executive director of Denver Economic Development and Opportunity and an executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation.

Adeeb Khan was appointed the new executive director of economic development and Jolon Clark as the new executive director of Parks and Recreation.

“Adeeb and Jolon are dynamic leaders who will drive our city forward,” Johnston said in a Tuesday press release. “Their commitment to economic development, community engagement and improving the quality of life for Denver’s residents aligns with our vision for a thriving, equitable and sustainable city.”

Recently serving as the chief brand and impact officer for Delta Dental of Colorado, Khan will now lead economic development to “promote economic growth and help local businesses thrive. He will also set the vision and direction to create job opportunities in order to drive high impact and equitable outcomes for our city,” according to the release.

Khan was appointed by Gov. Jared Polis as a commissioner for the Colorado Early Childhood Leadership Commission, and is now co-chair of that commission.

“He played important roles during the state’s response to the COVID pandemic and the establishment of the Governor’s COVID Relief Fund,” the mayor’s office said.

Khan assumes his role on Nov. 6.

Former District 7 councilman and council president, Clark is now being tasked to run Denver parks, “ensuring that residents have access to sage and inclusive spaces for recreation and relaxation,” the mayor’s office said.

During his time on council, Clark was seen as a strong advocate for parks and the environment in Denver.

Clark also formulated the $40 million-a-year Parks Legacy Fund and the building of the new Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency.

Clark assumes his role on Oct. 30.

Khan replaces former economic development director Jen Morris. Clark replaces Happy Haynes as the head of Parks and Recreation. She served as executive director for more than eight years under former Mayor Michael Hancock.

With the two new hires, the mayor’s office shows five positions are left open for Johnston to appoint:

• Executive Director, Community Planning & Development
• Executive Director, Denver Department of Public Health & Environment
• Executive Director, Department of Public Safety
• Executive Director, Excise & Licensing

The Arts and Venues director role also remains vacant.