The Honorable Federico F. Peña is a Senior Advisor at the Colorado Impact Fund, a venture fund investing in Colorado companies having a positive community impact in the state. Previously, he was a Managing Director and Senior Advisor at Vestar Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm. Prior to joining Vestar, Peña served as U.S. Secretary of Energy (1997–1998) and U.S. Secretary of Transportation (1993–1997). Before serving in the Cabinet, Peña was President and CEO of Peña Investment Advisors (1991–1993) and Mayor of the City of Denver (1983–1991).
As Secretary of Energy, Peña developed the administration’s Comprehensive National Energy Strategy and oversaw the largest privatization in the history of the U.S. Government, the $3.65 billion sale of the Elk Hills Petroleum Reserve to Occidental Petroleum. Peña crafted the Clinton Administration’s strategy for oil and gas development in the Caspian Sea region and was instrumental in supporting energy investments in Russia.
As Secretary of Transportation, Peña implemented the first international aviation policy for the United States since the Carter administration. This strategy opened up aviation markets around the world, contributing to the revitalization of the U.S. airline industry. Peña traveled extensively throughout the world to assist U.S. transportation companies access global markets. He also led the Administration’s effort to support the privatization of the U.S. transportation systems and infrastructure.
While Denver’s Mayor for eight years, Peña reversed the city’s budget deficit and led the revitalization of Denver’s economy. He initiated numerous urban infrastructure projects including the new international airport, new convention center, the arts center, and the library. Peña’s efforts are credited with contributing to the revival of Denver’s new vibrant and dynamic economy.
Peña currently serves on the boards of Wells Fargo & Company and Sonic Corp. Peña was National Co-Chair of Obama for America and a national board member of the Obama-Biden Transition.
Peña is originally from Brownsville, Texas and has J.D. and B.A. degrees from the University of Texas. He has four children and a grandson. He lives in Denver with his wife, the former Cindy Velasquez.