A geologist-turned brewpub pioneer who had never run for political office, John W. Hickenlooper was elected Mayor of Denver in 2003 and re-elected in 2007.  In April 2005 – less than two years into his first term – Time Magazine named the political newcomer one of the top five “big-city” mayors in America.  Both Hickenlooper and Denver continue to gain national recognition for innovative approaches to sustainability, transit, arts and culture, ending homelessness, economic development, regionalism and – of course – hosting the 2008 Democratic National Convention.