About Chris
Chris Chiari is a driven entrepreneur and award-winning film producer with a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and regional politics.
As owner and operator of the historic Patterson Inn for nearly 7 years, Chris understands the value in preserving the iconic past of Denver while embracing the progressive spirit of its people. That's why Chris is the first Denver business owner to secure a permit for social cannabis consumption on premises. His approach has gained national attention for his innovative twist to the classic inn experience. The same approach he will bring to solving Colorado's biggest challenges.
Chris combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a devotion to progressive causes. As a film maker, he helped bring attention to the inequity of the nation's drug laws and the need for a focus on harm reduction. As an environmental activist, he's helped shepherd the Waste No More initiative to a 71% approval by Denver voters. As a previous candidate for Denver City Council, he won the support of labor for his devotion to fair wages and worker rights.
As State Senator for District 31, Chris is committed to making sure that everyone in the district has a voice, not just those with special interests.
Education:
Clark University, B.S. Economics May 1997
Admiral Farragut Academy, 1992
Certificate in Financial Accounting - Harvard Business School Online, December 2021
Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management Certificate - Cornell University, August 2021
Licenses:
ServSafe Manager Food Safety Issued Aug 2021 - Expires Aug 2026
ServSafe Alcohol Safety Issued Dec 2022 - Expires Dec 2025
Professional Experience:
Present-May ’18 Patterson Inn LLC, Owner – operate and manage a boutique hotel in
downtown Denver
Present-April ‘14 King of Quality Productions Inc – feature films, documentaries and
live events.
Community:
Waste No More Implementation Committee, Denver 2023
Chair, Capt, Co-Capt HD 2 Denver Democrats 2014-2020
Colorado NORML, Board Member, 2014-2023
Swallow Hill Neighborhood Assoc, President, (8 year)
Admiral Farragut Academy Alumni Association, President (6 years)
Facilities Task Force, Broward County School Board, 2008-2010 (3 years)
Broward County Marine Advisory Committee, 2008-2010 (3 years)
Fort Lauderdale Utility Advisory Committee, 2009-2010
Films Distributed:
Public Enemy Number One, Feature Film, Documentary, 2020: Producer
Distributed through Gravitas Ventures and available on Amazon Prime
Strive, Feature Film, Drama, 2019: Co-Producer
Distributed through the Urban Movie Network and Aspire TV
Awards:
Best Producer Award DOC LA 2019 Public Enemy Number One
Seattle Film Festival, Best Documentary 2020 Public Enemy Number One
THA-Travel & Hospitality Awards-Hotel & Restaurant of the Year 2022
Patterson Inn
A stately and distinguished National Landmark, the Patterson Inn is situated on a quarter acre in the heart of Capitol Hill. Historically intriguing and complete with all the comforts of modern amenities. The Patterson Inn proudly offers a bed you’d never want to get out of, and breakfast you’d never want to sleep in on.
Chris has owned and operated The Patterson Inn since May of 2018. The hotel features nine luxurious suites, each designed around its own unique theme. Furnishings in each room reflect the personality of that room, as well as the history and elegance of the building, and each room includes its own private bath.
Public Enemy Number One
Public Enemy Number One, a film by Chris Chiari, is a feature documentary about the War on Drugs, and counts entertainer Ice-T as one of its executive producers. The film won awards for Best Producer and Best Storyteller at its world premiere at DOC LA 2019 and Best Documentary at the 2020 Seattle Film Festival. It is currently available for rent on Amazon Prime and streaming on Pluto TV.