Denis Chicola is the director of communications at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. He strives to ensure that the Fund is using communications to drive positive change across all of its program areas. Denis helps the Fund be a voice for change on issues from gay and lesbian and immigrant rights, to nonprofit leadership. He works closely with the Fund’s trustees and leadership to articulate the Fund’s messages, brand, and communications strategies. In addition, he oversees communications partnerships with other funders and grantees and directs content development for the Fund’s multiple communications channels.
Denis joined the Fund in 2003, bringing more than 20 years of experience developing and implementing communications strategies in both the private and nonprofit sectors. He served as director of video communications at Levi Strauss and Co., directing internal and external video communications for distribution in more than 70 countries and creating marketing videos for 40,000 retail outlets in the United States. He also was publications editor and video producer for Macy’s West. Denis has worked extensively as a freelance writer and producer. Denis holds a master’s degree in journalism from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College in Loudonville, New York.
