Denver VOICE Board Welcomes Giles Clasen as New Executive Director
DENVER — January 7, 2026 — The Denver VOICE Board of Directors has appointed David Giles Clasen as the organization’s new executive director.
Denver VOICE readers may be familiar with Clasen, who previously served as a board member and, most recently, as the organization’s development manager. He has also been a longtime contributor to the Denver VOICE street paper and has received both national and international awards for his journalism.
“When the Denver VOICE nearly shuttered its doors in the fall of 2024, Giles immediately stepped in and got to work rebuilding the organization’s programs and fundraising strategy,” said Robert Davis, who served as board president from June 2024 until December 2025, and most recently as interim executive director.
“Because of Giles’ efforts, the organization is no longer facing a financial crisis. Over the past 18 months, he has either created or strengthened relationships with community leaders, service providers, and individuals in our community with lived experience. More importantly, the VOICE has increased the number of individuals participating in our vendor program by 50%. As Denver VOICE enters its 36th year, I am confident that Giles is the leader the organization needs to advance its continued stability and growth.”
“I am honored to serve as the Denver VOICE’s new executive director,” Clasen said. “We will miss Robert Davis, who served as board president and interim executive director. The time and effort he put into steering the organization, engaging a dedicated and committed board of directors, and helping create a viable strategy for the VOICE’s future have left the organization in excellent shape, giving me a strong foundation to build upon.”
Over the past 15 years, Clasen has held positions in communications and development across several nonprofit organizations. Before joining Denver VOICE as development manager, he worked for the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority and PERA Colorado. He has also worked for Colorado’s Rape and Awareness Assistance Program and Community Employment Services, a division of Developmental Pathways, and has volunteered with Compassionate Colorado and Mutual Aid Monday.
Clasen received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Divinity degree from the Denver Seminary.
About Denver VOICE
Founded in 1996, Denver VOICE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals experiencing housing or financial instability by providing low-barrier income opportunities. Since its inception, Denver VOICE has put more than 4,600 vendors to work selling the paper throughout the Denver metro area.
By focusing on poverty, housing, social justice, local arts and entertainment, and the human experience behind the headlines, Denver VOICE tells the stories often overlooked by mainstream media. An award-winning publication, Denver VOICE is a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association and adheres to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics.
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