April 27, 2012 02:01 AM UTC

Denver's Jeff Shoemaker Honored by White House as "Champion of Change"

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• by: Colorado Pols

It’s been a good week for environmental non-profit executive Jeff Shoemaker. Last Friday, Shoemaker’s Greenway Foundation received a significant chunk of EPA funding awarded to Denver for South Platte River reclamation. That alone would be big news, but Shoemaker’s receiving attention from levels of government even higher than the EPA.

Yesterday, after all, the White House honored the Denverite as a “Champion of Change.”

Since 1982, Jeff Shoemaker has been the Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation, the non-profit organization that initiated the reclamation of the Denver’s South Platte River and its tributaries. Since its founding in 1974, The Greenway Foundation has collaborated with countless public and private partners to create over $100 million of environmental and recreational enhancements to urban waterways, which has in turn created over $10 billion in economic benefits to the surrounding area. Jeff Shoemaker is being honored as a Champion of Change for his innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

Although it almost certainly pales in comparison to recognition from the White House, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s statement congratulating Shoemaker is included after the jump.

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today issued the following statement congratulating Jeff Shoemaker, Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation, for being recognized as a “Champion of Change” by the White House:

“Today I’m privileged to congratulate one of Denver’s leading environmentalists and my good friend Jeff Shoemaker for being nationally recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change. Jeff is a visionary in our community who has dedicated great passion and resources to transforming Denver’s South Platte River and its tributaries.

“Since 1982, Jeff has worked tirelessly to improve the ecological health and sustainability of one of Denver’s cherished waterways.  His ability to bring together business, non-profit and government sectors has led to more that $100 million of investment along the South Platte River. These investments have changed the fabric of our City and produced immeasurable economic benefits.

“Jeff is most deserving of this recognition and the City of Denver is proud to congratulate him on this high honor.”