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Spring 2022 Marathon Award Recipient: Robert Cohen

As Chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group, Inc., an integrated financial services company, Robert Cohen is responsible for the company’s core strategic plan, including organic growth, M&A and building an industry-leading employee culture.  During Rob’s tenure as CEO, he has led the company through rapid growth while still maintaining its focus on a culture that is rooted in independence and employee ownership. His vision for IMA is to be big enough to have all the resources necessary for any client, yet small enough to focus on each client’s individual needs.

Photo of Robert Cohen

IMA’s commitment to the community is a core element of the company’s DNA and is complimented by the formation of the IMA Foundation.  Rob articulates the ongoing commitment by defining IMA’s mission statement as: Protecting Assets, Making a Difference.  Protecting Assets is What We Do, Making a Difference is Who We Are. Rob works to drive change in the diversity, equity and inclusion space through his leadership with Colorado Companies Uniting Against Racism, and IMA’s commitment to the vision and goals of Colorado Inclusive Economy as a founding member.

Rob strongly believes in personally giving back to the community and has served on more than 20 non-profit boards throughout his career in a variety of leadership capacities.   Currently Rob serves on the boards of Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation (Co-Founder & Past Chair), Colorado Succeeds, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair), Denver Sports (Founder & Past Chair), Downtown Denver Partnership (Past Chair), Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. (Past Chair), United States Olympic Museum, United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation and Visit Denver (Past Chair). As part of the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020, Rob was appointed to the Commission on the State of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympics.

A native of Kansas, Rob received his bachelor’s degrees in both Risk Management and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.   He went on to earn his Charter Property Casualty Underwriters designation (CPCU).  His local and national professional memberships include Colorado Concern, Colorado Forum, Assurex Global, Intersure (Past Chair), World Presidents’ Organization, Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (Past Chair), and World Broker Network.

His many recognitions include the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” award (2002), the Partners in Philanthropy “Corporate Citizen of the Year” award (2011), the Urban Legend Award (2018) and the Most Admired CEO Award (2019).

He and his wife Molly reside in Denver and have three sons and one daughter.

MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is Metropolitan State University of Denver’s most prestigious honor. The Award is bestowed on individuals, families, or organizations whose contributions, service, and leadership, exemplify the Roadrunner Difference. These individuals have a meaningful, transformative, and enduring impact on the University and its progress. MSU Denver’s Marathon Award celebrates our mission and the collective impact of our students and scholars on the communities and people of Denver, state of Colorado, nation, and world.

A flock of roadrunners is called a marathon. Honorees personify the spirit of determination our students display and in particular, in the early days of the University, as they navigated and sprinted across Denver’s busy streets to attend class. It’s the Roadrunner Difference. Marathon Award recipients reflect our diverse, purposeful, and tenacious students at the highest levels.

MSU Denver’s Marathon Award is given annually, during Spring Commencement ceremonies.

Past Marathon Award Winners