Buffy Naake

Buffy Naake is a fourth-generation native of Colorado and grew up in Park Hill and Hill Top. Buffy received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of San Francisco, has a Master’s in Public Policy Analysis from CU Denver, and is a CU Denver Change Makers Fellow. Buffy’s early career was in private sector consulting where she served as Vice President for The Center for Applied Research, a public policy and economic consulting firm.

In 2006, Buffy shifted gears to the education and nonprofit sector and ran Friends of Manual High School, launching the annual fundraising breakfast and creating pathways for alumni and community members to engage with this historic Denver high school. Buffy has worked on numerous projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and communities in the Denver metro area, including for the Rose Community Foundation, Early Milestones Colorado, and Denver Public Schools.

In 2017, Buffy originated the role of Director of Operations at Stanley British Primary School, a thriving independent preK-8 school in the Lowry neighborhood. Buffy piloted the school through many significant changes, most significantly ensuring a safe campus for in-person learning during the 2020 and 2021 school years.

Buffy joins the Lowry Foundation with a deep appreciation for the history and legacy of the community, and with an abundance of nonprofit governance, operations and community engagement experience. She looks forward to collaborating with neighbors, area businesses, nonprofits, schools, and homeowner’s associations.

Buffy lives in Park Hill with her husband and is fortunate to have her two adult children living nearby. She enjoys early morning walks with her dog, reading, spending time in the mountains, and cooking with good friends and family.

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