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ranted, equating Burlington and Denver requires a significant multiplier on matters of elevation and population. But there are commonalities: cities where a love for the outdoors, particularly winter sports, is pervasive; strong cultural influence of college students and young people; and, in the case of Burlington-Boulder, even twin vibrant city centers, Church Street and Pearl Street, that share the same urban designer. No wonder Denver is a magnet for many UVM alumni who look westward after graduation. In this issue, we check in with a number of Catamounts making their lives and livings along the Front Range of the Rockies.
Principal photography by James Stukenberg
By Thomas Weaver
CHUCK OLNEY ’98 NOW: Mile High Stadium is an iconic landmark in Denver, standing tall along the west side of I25. It’s home to the NFL’s Broncos, of course, but the stadium is also a venue for many other events. As director of business development for the Denver Broncos, Chuck Olney leads the effort to drive revenue produced by hosting events, from a Rolling Stones concert to the Denver BBQ Festival to long-range work with FIFA to bring World Cup soccer to the stadium in 2026. Summing it up, Olney says, “Our business team is able to create many different experiences for audiences in Denver, while helping contribute to the bottom line for the Broncos organization.” UVM: Olney notes that his political science major shapes his approach in multiple aspects of his work. “It always kicks in when we’re determining financial and asset deal points with partners we do business with,” he says. “Political science philosophies directly translate to our business world when we settle on how much to give or take within our dealings. When my PR hat is on for work, I will often use polisci strategies to help sell and market our citywide events.” A post-graduation internship at Mad River Glen was Olney’s entrée to sports marketing, eventually leading him to Colorado and a job with Warren Miller films. DENVER LOVE: Though Metro Denver has grown immensely in Olney’s twenty-two years there, he says that for him it still has an appealing similarity to Burlington in smaller city feel and a common mindset. Skiing with friends and family, catching a show at Red Rocks, and sneaking in a round of golf when he can, are top among his favorite pursuits.
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