Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity, and experience.
This week’s profile is LeeAnn Kittle, executive director of sustainability for Denver Public Schools in Colorado.
What I like best about my public service is: Growing up with parents who met through social work, I was raised with a deep understanding of the importance of giving back. Their example instilled in me a lifelong commitment to service and community. I’ve always believed that people thrive when they feel a sense of belonging, and I love creating spaces where connections can grow.
The best advice I’ve received: “It’s easy to be average.”
Those five words from my mom have stuck with me throughout my life. She didn’t say it to be critical but as a challenge. A reminder that I had a choice. I could follow the path of least resistance, settle for what was comfortable and blend into the crowd. Or I could push myself beyond the ordinary, take risks and work toward something more significant. Being average is easy, but making a difference requires something more. And that’s a challenge I’ll always be willing to take.
One thing I wish more people knew about my division of public service: One thing I wish more people understood about education is that learning should never be one-size-fits-all. Too often, we’ve been conditioned to believe there is only one “right” way to learn, one standard path to success. But the truth is, every student is different—each with unique strengths, challenges and ways of processing the world. Education should be about meeting students where they are, identifying their learning styles, and providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive. When we recognize and nurture diverse ways of learning, we don’t just improve education—we empower an entire generation to reach their fullest potential.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: Sustainability isn’t just a single project—it’s an ongoing commitment to creating lasting change. Right now, there are several initiatives I’m incredibly excited about. In collaboration with our municipality, we’re installing community solar on DPS properties owned and operated by the city. What makes this project truly special is that a portion of the energy produced will directly benefit families in need. Another milestone we celebrate is the first graduating class earning the Seal of Climate Literacy. This achievement represents more than just a credential—it signifies a generation of young leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for a more sustainable future. Lastly, thanks to our recently passed bond, we’re implementing a range of capital improvements designed to enhance learning environments while reducing environmental impact. Each of these initiatives reflects a bigger vision: building a future where sustainability isn’t just a goal but a way of life. And I’m proud to be part of that journey.
People might be interested to know that: Outside of my work in public service, dance is my most articulated language. There’s something about moving to live music that completely frees my soul—it’s where I feel the most alive, the most myself. One of my favorite lyrics comes from ‘Hotel California’ by The Eagles: “Some people dance to remember, some dance to forget.” That line has always resonated because dance is more than movement—emotion, memory and release. It’s a part of me that not everyone sees, but for those who do, they know—it’s where my heart speaks
