Remembering Brian Vogt, a Centennial Founding Father
Published on March 26, 2025
Centennial celebrates the life of Brian Vogt, one of the City’s Founding Fathers, and honors the legacy left behind to include the birth of the City, along with a continued impact to the entire Denver Metro area. Brian was integral to Centennial’s formation and official incorporation in 2001, and he will be greatly missed.
For nearly the last two decades, Brian was the distinguished CEO of the Denver Botanical Gardens, where he leaves a lasting legacy that can be enjoyed throughout the gardens, along with the lives he touched each and every day. Prior to 2007, Brian made his mark in the State of Colorado with three Cabinet positions held and in the South Metro area as president of the South Metro Denver Chamber (SMDC) for 14 years.
In the summer of 1998, during his time at SMDC, Brian gathered at a pancake house with four other area leaders to consider the advantages of incorporating the City of Centennial. They established a volunteer organization known as the Arapahoe Citizens for Self-Determination, and through tenacity, dedication and hard work, they took the necessary steps – town meetings, hearings, petitions, Colorado Legislature action and District Court rulings – to officially get an election scheduled for the area residents. On September 12, 2000, Brian and his team’s hard work was ratified, with 77% of voters approving the formation of the City of Centennial. At the City’s 20th anniversary in 2021, Brian shared, “The tears and sense of joy and pride, and connection, was palpable. It was the most connected I’ve ever felt to my country. It was the most joyful, patriotic moment.”
Centennial is currently the tenth largest City in Colorado and boasts a population of over 100,000 people. “We wouldn’t be here today without Brian Vogt and the Founding Fathers of Centennial. Nearly three decades ago, Brian had the passion and fortitude to bring a new City to life,” says Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko. “Brian’s legacy in Centennial will always be remembered. The impact on our community will live for centuries to come and is something his loved ones should be very proud of. Brian will be tremendously missed.”