Blake Angelo is Denver’s first Manager of Food Systems Development. Located in the Office of Economic Development, Mr. Angelo is responsible for supporting food-related business and community development efforts across the city, with a particular focus in supporting a balanced approach to healthy food access, mid-skills food job creation, and the expansion of local food businesses in target neighborhoods. Working closely with the Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council (a mayor-appointed commission), he managed the creation of Denver’s first strategic plan for food systems development: the Denver Food Plan. Born and raised in Denver, Angelo has a track record of supporting hundreds of food and farm-related businesses. He understands that strong food systems require strong food businesses and strong multidisciplinary partners. Prior to this position, Angelo worked as a business and organizational development consultant, was the Director of the Beanstalk Foundation, and served as the first specialist in Urban Agriculture for Colorado State University Extension in Denver and Jefferson counties. He has a master’s degree in Public Health and a bachelor’s degree in Evolutionary and Ecological Biology.