The Working Men’s Program is run by a team of Peer Navigators working closely with the Executive Director. Leadership Team members are grounded in lived experience of their own journeys, and passionate about facilitating supportive, trauma-informed services and flexible, compassionate and consistent guidance for men in the program.
Leadership
The overall management of the organization is administered by our Leadership Team, with additional oversight provided by the Board of Directors.
Bruce Heagstedt
Executive DirectorBruce@hbdenver.org720-486-4647Bruce has over 30 years of executive management experience and an MBA from the University of Chicago. A member of Central Presbyterian Church, Bruce became Executive Director in 2023 to help reinvigorate the shelter during its transition.
Jorge “Georgie” Villarreal (CPSS)
Program DirectorGeorgie@hbdenver.org303-832-0447Known for his ability to inspire and motivate, Georgie very ably and energetically leads our Men’s Program, ensuring each participant receives the support and resources they need to succeed. Balancing work and home life, he is also a devoted single parent.
Bernard Bender
Chief of Operationsbernard@hbdenver.org720-809-0150Bernard Bender has a passion for people experiencing homelessness, and has been working to help homeless individuals since 2017. After relocating to Denver from North Carolina, he became a staff member at the former New Genesis Men’s Shelter. Today at Heartbeat Denver Working Men’s Program, he is Chief Operating Officer. Bernard says, “Working with and assisting people experiencing homelessness in different capacities and at all levels of the field has been an eye-opening, humbling, and extremely rewarding opportunity.” He works hard to ensure those who are underserved have a voice and receive the services they need with dignity and respect, and loves to help give people tools for a new beginning.
Joe Osborne
Director of Finance and Maintenancejoe@hbdenver.org720-309-3865Joe’s multi-faceted responsibilities include: collecting/processing resident fees and vendor vouchers; monthly billing; generating weekly/monthly financial statements; and keeping vendor contracts updated. With a background in construction, including licenses as a Fire Sprinkler Fitter (1999-2012), and Journeyman Plumber (2013-2021), he shoulders the load for building maintenance. Joe is dedicated to ensuring the financial stability and efficiency of Heartbeat Denver, supporting its mission to help men transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
Bridges Baxter
Chefbaxterbridges84@gmail.com720-678-6739Bridges Baxter is the newly appointed Chef at Heartbeat Denver, and he brings a wealth of experience to his deep passion for cooking. Earning his Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, he owned a long-running successful restaurant in NYC; Bridges has honed his skills and refined his culinary vision over 35 years. Growing up in a family of chefs — his father and brother also in the culinary field — Bridges learned early on the value of hard work and the importance of nourishing others. He joined Heartbeat Denver in March 2024, driven by a belief that hardworking individuals deserve healthy, delicious meals, fueling body and soul.
Baxter reflects, “Being the Chef at Heartbeat of Denver is a true privilege — it allows me to bless others with every meal I create, while also being blessed in return every single day. The opportunity to nourish both body and soul is a gift I am deeply grateful for.”
Board of Directors
- Chris Wineman – Board Chair
- Louise Westfall – Vice Chair
- Lynne Brown – Treasurer
- Charis Smith
- Jeniffer Garner
Advisory Board
- Doug Rubingh – Marketing
- Ryan Lally – Finance
- Kevin O’Shaughnessy – Legal
- Marcus Weaver – Homelessness
- Marcie LaPorte – Housing
- Sara Hanlon – Programs
Program Staff
We employ a team of seven paid supervisors. They manage the shelter 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, and are bolstered by our talented kitchen staff, providing a hot meal every day at 6pm; breakfast will soon be added to the daily menu! In addition to paid staff, Heartbeat Denver utilizes volunteer team leaders who help supervisors manage day-to-day shelter needs.
Supervisors
Our shelter is managed by Peer Support Specialists who have shown personal resilience and a strong commitment to HBD’s mission. A supervisor is on duty at all times, with three 8-hour shifts/day, 8am to 4pm; 4pm to 12am; and 12am to 8am.
Team Leaders
Team leaders are men who live in the shelter and are ready for more responsibility. These men volunteer to assist supervisors in managing each shift’s responsibilities. As a benefit of volunteering, they have a more private space in the team leader room, a separate room adjoining the main bunk area.
Kitchen Staff
We have a main chef responsible for the kitchen, preparing one balanced, hot meal a day. In coordination with the chef’s assistant, a number of volunteers help with kitchen duties as needed.