Denver Mayor Mike Johnston today announced Al Gardner will serve as the new Deputy Mayor for Denver. In this one-year term, Gardner will continue in his role as executive director of General Services and will take on the Mayor’s duties whenever Mayor Johnston is unable to do so.
Denver Deputy Mayor Al Gardner
Al Gardner was appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston to lead the Department of General Services in November 2023. He is a distinguished executive with a nearly three-decade career marked by engineering expertise, leadership, and strong community engagement. Gardner’s notable accomplishments include leading a Denver-based startup hospitality company, to a successful IPO in 2022 as the Head of IT and Security and his recent appointment to Colorado’s Board of Health by Governor Polis.
“I trust Al to bring his commitment, leadership and passion to serve the residents of Denver,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “I am grateful he has accepted this role and I look forward to working together on delivering on our promise to make Denver a vibrant, safe and affordable city for all.”
Gardner has served on various boards and commissions including his service on the Denver African American Commission, the Denver Citizens Oversight Board, and currently as a Commissioner on the Denver Civil Service Commission Board. He has also contributed to the Denver Police Department Chiefs and the Denver Sheriff’s Advisory Boards.
As a Board Member of the Colorado Technology Association and an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver School of Technology and Communications, Gardner actively shares his experience and knowledge in the industry. He earned the prestigious C-suite award from the Denver Business Journal, and his journey was featured in the PBS Road Trip Nation documentary series “Leaders.”