Carrie Walton Penner

Carrie Walton Penner is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and sports executive whose work spans education advocacy, mental health innovation, and professional sports ownership. She is an heiress to the Walmart fortune as the daughter of former Walmart chairman S. Robson Walton and granddaughter of company founder Sam Walton. Walton Penner holds a bachelor's degree in economics and history from Georgetown University and dual master's degrees in program evaluation and administration and policy analysis from Stanford Graduate School of Education.

Before her involvement in professional sports, Walton Penner established herself in K-12 education reform. With a background in education research, evaluation, and philanthropy, she has advised nonprofit organizations on strategies to achieve positive social change. She is the former chair and current member of the Walton Family Foundation board, where she leads the K-12 Education Program Committee. Additionally, Walton Penner serves on the boards of The Aspen Institute and KIPP Foundation and is a member of the Stanford University Board of Trustees. She has worked as an evaluator for the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and as a program officer for education at the Walton Family Foundation, focusing on expanding access to high-quality education options for students in high-poverty areas.

Walton Penner's work also includes mental health and media. She founded Fiore Ventures to support behavioral health startups that expand access to care, improve delivery systems, and develop effective therapies. Her work producing documentary films, including "COVID Diaries NYC" and "Nuclear Fallout," has highlighted underrepresented voices in media.

The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group purchased the Denver Broncos from the Pat Bowlen Trust for a record $4.65 billion. Walton Penner has served as owner of the Denver Broncos and is involved in all matters related to the National Football League franchise at both the team and league levels. As board chair of the Denver Broncos Foundation, she engages with the Broncos' community impact, alumni relations, player wellness, fan experience, and organizational culture efforts. In addition to her role with the Broncos, Walton Penner is involved with league initiatives and serves on the NFL Foundation and DEI committees. The Penner Sports Group also purchased a 40 percent minority stake in the Colorado Rockies, becoming the largest minority owners in Major League Baseball.

Walton Penner's approach to leadership is shaped by her experience in education, mental health, and philanthropy. Her career provides insight on topics such as educational equity, youth mental health, and the intersection of sports, culture, and community impact.