Graphic for Episode 26 of the Bird Talk podcast featuring Roy Alexander. The image shows his black and white picture in front of a light blue and white Denver skyline with a blue sky.
Graphic for Episode 26 of the Bird Talk podcast featuring Roy Alexander. The image shows his black and white picture in front of a light blue and white Denver skyline with a blue sky.

The MSU Denver Alumni Association’s podcast BirdTalk features a compelling new episode highlighting the extraordinary journey of Roy Alexander, a 1974 accounting graduate, financial leader, and passionate advocate for affordable housing.

In the episode, host Jamie Hurst sits down with Alexander to explore his inspiring path from humble beginnings in Grenada to becoming a transformative figure in Colorado’s housing and finance sectors.

Born to teenage parents on the island of Grenada, Alexander was the first in his family to attend high school—-and later college—-overcoming poverty, limited resources, and immigration challenges to earn his degree at MSU Denver. He went on to earn his CPA and launch a successful career, starting as an auditor for Deloitte before taking on leadership roles at the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), ultimately serving as its CEO.

“My dad made up homework for us when there wasn’t any,” Alexander shares on the podcast. “He never let us forget that education was our way out.”

The episode also highlights Alexander’s continued service as vice chair of the FHLBank Topeka Board and his contributions to launching MSU Denver’s Affordable Housing Institute, made possible in part by his long-standing relationship with the Federal Home Loan Bank system.

“Roy’s story is one of resilience, vision, and giving back,” said Hurst. “His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact our alumni have not just in their careers, but in their communities.”

Alexander was recently honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the MSU Denver Alumni Association’s Golden Nest Club luncheon.