Denise Maes joined the VEC team in 2021 as its Deputy Director. A founding member of Maes Solutions LLC, she assists clients navigate the political process at the state and local level. Prior to joining VEC, Denise was the Public Policy Director for the ACLU of Colorado where she championed many progressive legislative efforts, including repeal of the death penalty, advancing pretrial reform, enhancing law enforcement accountability, protecting free speech, advancing juvenile justice and making Colorado a little better for our immigrant friends and neighbors. Before joining the ACLU, Denise worked for then-Vice President Joe Biden as Director of Operations where she oversaw the Vice President’s budget, travel, and personnel. She also worked for President Barack Obama overseeing the Office of Administration at the White House. Denise has served on and chaired several community and public sector boards, including Mi Casa Resource Center, the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Denver, the Denver Water Board, and the Downtown Denver Partnership. Denise is a frequent speaker and panelist on police reform, immigration, and pretrial reform. Denise is a native of Taos, New Mexico and received her B.A. in Political Science and her law degree from the University of New Mexico.