Michael Hancock’s residency in Denver’s highest office ended over a year ago. Term limited after three successive electoral victories and 12 years at the helm, the former mayor embarked on a journey that satisfies his innate desire to positively influence the lives and leadership of others. Away from the daily responsibilities housed within the walls of city hall, the Mile High City’s 45th mayor continues to lead. 

During his tenure, Hancock steered Colorado’s capital through the aftermath of the 2008 recession and into an explosive economic boom. He welcomed new arrivals during rapid population growth and navigated the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Some expected the former mayor to set his sights on state or national leadership roles, but he isn’t seeking any political positions. Instead, his current efforts reach beyond city limits, cross state borders and encircle the globe. Remarkably, while his embrace is international, his feet – and operational base – remain rooted on home turf.

Purpose Beyond Political Office

Hancock’s present schedule of activities is a rewarding overlap of professional and personal passions. He is the managing partner and principal consultant of Hancock Global Services (HGS), and the founder and CEO of The Hancock Foundation (THF). Both roles command his attention and interest, but in a more flexible way and with less demand on his time and patience than what he grew accustomed to over the last 12 years.

He is positioned in what he calls, “a place of peace and flexibility,” adding love as a primary accoutrement to his daily agenda as he spends time with his children and grandchildren. He also sets aside ample time for much needed self-care, with a schedule designed to strengthen his faith and body through spiritual and physical exercise.

Acknowledging that family drives his daily purpose, his secondary focus is cemented in the expertise he accumulated in the top political post.

Hancock Global Services

The executive, senior-level consulting services provided by Hancock’s post-political enterprise represents an expansion of his mayoral duties.

Described as a “leadership cornucopia,” on its website, HGS provides services addressing challenges encountered by people in leadership positions, both in public and private sectors. Targeting the areas of public affairs advocacy, economic development, business development, crisis management, strategic communication and P-3 initiatives (a form of public-private-partnerships involving delivery and procurement), each of the service areas match core competencies stemming from city and organizational leadership.

Before his leadership career began, Hancock earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hastings College, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver. He worked at the Denver Housing Authority, where he implemented cultural and leadership training programs for youth; then he accepted a job with the National Civic League, where he helped nonprofit organizations around the country create and implement strategic solutions for economic challenges.

In 1995, he joined the Urban League of Metro Denver as a program director, being promoted to president of the chapter in 1999. He was elected to the Denver City Council in 2003, and in 2004, he co-wrote “Standing in the Gap: Leadership for the 21st Century,” with Colorado State Senator Peter Groff. His final city council term ended in 2008, three years before being sworn in as Denver’s 45th mayor.

The youthful city leader wasn’t independently wealthy before entering office, further contributing to his decision to launch the business enterprise after his final term. Beyond sustaining his financial needs, however, the company draws upon years of extensive empirical experience, including his pre-mayoral leadership.

“That experience has value. …to help others,” Hancock assures. “I saw a lot in those 12 years.”

HGS clients include corporations and business executives, with services provided across the United States as well as in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Spain.

Here in the U.S., Hancock credits President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to invest billions of dollars into transformational projects to improve the nation’s roads and highways. A substantial amount of HGS business involves consultation for businesses engaged in national repair and improvement efforts.

Another area of consideration for HGS is affordable housing, with consultation surrounding solutions to housing crises across the country.

In an Instagram post earlier this year, Hancock was shown attending a gathering in Washington DC, with a caption that read, “This past week in DC, we met with our nation’s mayors and critical partners in our cities to promote Guaranteed Income for our neighbors struggling to house and feed their families. There were critical conversations regarding housing, aviation, emerging technologies, transportation infrastructure and public-private partnerships.”

The tremendous economic and population growth during Hancock’s mayoral tenure involved many of the same issues, which the leader prioritized to accommodate new city residents. His expertise surrounding these and other industries is largely beneficial to executives and leaders who strive to make similar progress.

The Hancock Foundation

The other arm of Hancock’s post-political endeavors involves history and humanitarianism, organized to support what he calls a “passion.” Established in October 2023, THF is off to an audacious and ambitious start.

During a lengthy road trip across the American South, he encountered the abundant and brilliant Black history interwoven into the area’s tapestry. Calling it a “phenomenal excursion,” he visited museums, plantations and other landmarks that highlight and preserve the towering contributions of Black people in American history.

He was awestruck by the magnitude and depth of Black accomplishments throughout his journey, referring to it as an emotional awakening.

“Young people need to know,” he enthuses, explaining the inspiration behind a nonprofit foundation that could serve as an avenue to awareness.

HF operates with a mission to “promote increased cultural understanding and awareness in all segments of society through education and engagement,” embracing diverse stakeholders and inviting participation in activities that promote a greater appreciation of Black cultural contributions.

“To acknowledge Black history is to acknowledge American history. The contributions of Blacks in America are undeniable. These contributions surround us and remind us every day of the brilliance, courage, resilience and greatness of a people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds,” Hancock shares in a recent Instagram post.

Rather than recalling his own contributions to Black history, the former mayor is excited about the pantheon of accomplishments that other people have contributed to the American legacy.

As its programming continues to expand and evolve, one of the foundation’s pillars, the Hancock African American Fellowship, will allow 10 to 15 high school students to participate in immersive Black history experiences. The cohort will enable each fellow to advocate for increased awareness of their cultural history in their communities, schools and families.

From Past to Future

Hancock’s early experiences prepared him for the task of city leadership. His years as Denver’s mayor taught him how to strategize, prioritize and navigate complex issues facing people and institutions around the world. His post-political journey through the South strengthened his commitment to highlighting historical contributions.

As he continues to build upon his past and utilize his experiences in the creation of a brighter future, it’s apparent that Hancock’ time as Denver’s mayor was merely an intermission rather than a finale.

Editor’s note: For more information about The Hancock Foundation, visit www.hancockfoundation.org/. For more information about Hancock Global Services, visit www.hancockgloballlc.com.