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Going beyond expectations to share vision
Joseph Padilla, Captain, Denver Police Department
Leadership Denver Class of 2006
Captain Joe Padilla of the Denver Police Department fits the adage that there is no single Leadership Denver “profile.” Padilla brought a different perspective to his LD class because of his law enforcement experience and his unique view of the needs of Denver.
A Denver native who grew up with three siblings in a single-parent home, Padilla was always looking for positive role models during his childhood. Today, family ties and his desire to continually seek opportunities to expand his horizons brought him to LD: His brother Rick Padilla was a member of the LD class of 1996 and encouraged Padilla to apply.
As much as Padilla appreciated learning during each of his class sessions, he found it even more interesting to see the particular topics’ effects on his classmates. As a public sector employee and leader, Padilla took the opportunity to share his experiences with the class.
“When I would talk about what I see on the job, jaws dropped and some people were pretty shocked,” he says.
Padilla’s classmates used him as a sounding board when discussing topics such as law enforcement, local government and diversity issues. In turn, he shared observations and experiences that are near and dear to his heart. He is currently the commander of the Traffic Operations Bureau and was previously the command officer in charge of the Juvenile and Gang Bureaus. He was also the command officer in charge of the Denver Police Department’s Traffic and Transportation sections for the Democratic National Convention.
He believes LD helps give everyone the level playing field they deserve to demonstrate their talents and abilities. Padilla is proud of the city and credits the Denver Police Department with giving him the opportunity to prove himself and build his career. He is a board member for the Pioneer Leadership Program at the University of Denver and in 2008 attended the 235th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
As his career has progressed, Padilla realized the importance of communicating with community and business leaders. Involving these leaders in decisions affecting our communities greatly enhances relationships in developing safe and energetic neighborhoods.
“We need leaders with vision and a commitment to the city and its unique qualities to help our community succeed,” he says. “Leadership Denver goes a long way toward that. Then, it’s up to all of us to do what is right.”
In any endeavor, Padilla hopes people will step up to leadership without worrying about fitting the “profile” in Leadership Denver – or in life. “You don’t know until you try it… whatever it is.”
Interviewer: Kate Oravez, Qwest Communications, LD Class of 2001
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Joe, great to hear about your on-going accomplishments, as I was one of those with dropped jaws as I listened to your stories and gained new insights about our city.
Sherry
November 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Joe’s leadership both within the department and in the community is something his family has always been proud of, it is great to hear he made such a great contribution to his LD class.