2018 Chevron Lecture Series

Portrait of Denise Burgess

”We always say preparation is the best way to be ready for success that might come your way.”

Denise Burgess
President, CEO Burgess Services

Denise Burgess is President/CEO of Burgess Services, Inc., a Denver-based construction management firm. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce since 2010, and is currently serving as Chair of the Board. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Northern Colorado, Denise launched a promising career in broadcast management. She was called in 1994 to work alongside her father and business mentor until his untimely passing in 2002. Denise’s career skyrocketed after she transitioned her father’s heating and air conditioning business into a nationwide firm, specializing in construction management, commissioning and quality assurance/quality control. Burgess Services’ accomplishments during her tenure include the City and County of Denver Justice Center, the Corp of Engineers Southeastern Headquarters in Miami, and the Westin Hotel at Denver International Airport (DEN). Burgess Services was awarded the largest contract ever awarded to a minority or woman owned business in Colorado history- a $39.6 million mechanical contract at DEN.

She has been listed in the Top 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Colorado, a recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the David E. Baily Small Business Advocate Award, CEO of the Year 2017 ColoradoBiz Magazine and Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce 2017 Ascension Awards Corporation of the Year and Colorado African American Hall of Fame.

Denise credits her continued support from family and friends as part of her success along with her dedicated employees. Never taking anything for granted, Denise regularly takes time out of her busy schedule to give back to the Denver community both personally and professionally. The Burgess Family Fund was established through the Denver Foundation in 2013 with a goal of funding the education of minority women interested in STEM and construction. The Burgess Family Fund has donated to over a dozen Colorado organizations.

About the Chevron Lecture Series

The Chevron Corporation provides funding for an annual luncheon each October featuring women leaders in science, engineering and business.
The entire Mines community is invited to this annual event.