Denise Begue has over 30 years in non-profit management, including 23 years in fundraising and leadership roles, with a heavy emphasis in arts advocacy. She started her arts development career at Utah Opera in 1999. Following the merger of the Opera and the Symphony, she took a year to work in the visual arts, returning to the performing arts when she accepted the Director of Development role at Ballet West.
In the decade that Begue worked for the Ballet, the company weathered an economic downturn, celebrated a 50th anniversary, and completed a capital campaign. In 2015, Begue transitioned to the University of Utah, where for the last 16 months she has successfully led the fundraising efforts for the Department of Pediatrics.
Additionally, Begue has served on many non-profit boards and committees. She served as the Chair 75th Anniversary Committee for the College of Fine Arts; as a member of the Salt Lake Arts Academy Board of Directors, and has also served on the National Ability Center’s Capital Campaign committee; served on the Woman’s Board of Westminster College; chaired the YWCA’s Nominating Committee; chaired the Salt Lake Chamber’s Leadership Alumni Committee; served as a member of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City; and she was named one of Salt Lake Chamber’s Chamber Champion's.
Begue grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia, receiving a BA in English. She arrived in Park City, Utah in 1993 and moved to Salt Lake City in 1997. She went on to receive a BS in Psychology from the University of Utah as well as an MBA from Westminster College. Begue is a mother of two children, Nina and James.