Following its recent June Board of Trustees meeting, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) announced changes to its board, including the election of a new Vice Chair, a fond farewell to two outgoing trustees, and the appointment of four new board members whose expertise spans arts administration, philanthropy, finance, law, healthcare research, and community leadership.

 Leadership Changes and Departures

The Board has elected Alan Salazar to serve as Vice Chair. A longtime civic leader and champion of the arts, Salazar succeeds Jerome Davis who steps down from the board along with Rick Sapkin. The DCPA extends its profound gratitude to Rick and Jerome, who are concluding their service on the Board of Trustees after years of dedicated leadership and steadfast support of the organization’s mission.

“Rick and Jerome have helped guide the DCPA during a period of resiliency and renewed growth,” said Board Chair Ruth Krebs. “Their commitment, guidance, and generosity have strengthened our organization and our community. We are equally excited to welcome four exceptional new trustees whose diverse perspectives and experience will help lead the DCPA into its next chapter.”

Welcoming New Trustees

Marike Fitzgerald

Marike Fitzgerald serves as Managing Partner of Tranquillion, her family office, where she directs investments focused on health and humanitarian aid, clean energy and environmental conservation, and arts and culture. She brings more than two decades of arts administration experience, including leadership roles at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. She currently serves on the boards of Curious Theatre Company and Dairy Arts Center. Fitzgerald’s career also includes producing the inaugural Without Walls (WoW) Festivals at La Jolla Playhouse in California where she served as Artistic Assistant and Local Casting Director. Her combination of arts leadership, theatre, and philanthropy reflects a lifelong commitment to supporting vibrant cultural communities.

Jennifer Dechtman

A fourth-generation Denverite, Jennifer Dechtman is a top-producing real estate advisor at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, attorney, and passionate advocate for the performing arts. She previously served as President of the Denver Center Alliance and has chaired the DCPA’s Hattitude Luncheon for six consecutive years. An active supporter of the Women’s Voices Fund, Dechtman is dedicated to advancing new theatrical works by women and expanding access to the arts. Her extensive volunteer leadership also includes service to organizations such as Denver School of the Arts, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and the Denver Ballet Guild.

Hillary Morgridge

Hillary Morgridge, CPA, is Founder and Managing Director of Morgridge Accounting Solutions, a Denver-based firm serving nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit finance, tax strategy, and financial reporting, she advises organizations on long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship. Morgridge currently serves in leadership roles with the Morgridge Family Foundation, which was recognized with the DCPA’s Daniel L. Ritchie Spotlight Award for its ongoing support of arts and education. Additionally, Hillary is a member of the DCPA’s Best of Broadway Society, serves on the board of Action for Healthy Kids and was recognized with the Colorado Society of CPAs’ 2025 Everyday Heroine Award for her impact on the nonprofit sector.

Emily Hammad Mrig, PhD

Emily Hammad Mrig is a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, where she leads National Institutes of Health-funded research focused on improving access to precision medicine for underserved populations. A Colorado resident and native, Dr. Mrig first experienced the transformative power of live theatre through DCPA education and outreach programs and school partnerships. Today, she is a member of the DCPA Best of Broadway Society, a sponsor of the annual Hattitude Luncheon, member of the Women’s Voices Fund Steering Committee, and a longtime mentor with The Challenge Foundation of Denver. Alongside her husband, Amit, she also directs philanthropic initiatives through the Mrig Family Foundation.

Looking Ahead

The DCPA Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and governance for one of the nation’s largest nonprofit theatre organizations, helping advance its mission to engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.

“The DCPA thrives because of leaders who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen communities and enrich lives,” said Janice Sinden, President & CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Marike, Jennifer, Hillary, and Emily to the Board and look forward to the expertise, passion, and vision they will bring as we continue engaging audiences across Colorado and beyond.”

With these appointments, the DCPA welcomes these new leaders while honoring the contributions of those whose commitment has helped shape the organization’s success for decades.

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