Merle Chambers
Merle Chambers was born in Chicago, IL, in 1946 and grew up in a family that considered giving an important part of its identity. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and then her J.D. from Hastings College of the Law. She moved to Denver in 1977 and earned her Master's degree in Tax Law from the University of Denver.
In 1978, Chambers began working as an attorney in private practice in Denver, and in 1980, founded and served as CEO of Axem Resources LLC, an independent oil and gas production firm, which she operated for 17 years. During that time, she also became the chairman of the Board for Clipper Exxpress Co., a family-owned transportation business headquartered in Illinois that was started by her father, Jerry Chambers. Merle Chambers wasn’t the first Chambers woman to take the helm of Clipper Exxpress; her mother Evelyn ran the company while Jerry Chambers served in World War II.
In 1997, Chambers became the president and CEO of Leith Ventures LLC, a private investment company where she works today.
Like her father, she has been honored in the Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and helped recognize individuals who have played a significant role in developing Rocky Mountain oil and natural gas resources over the past 35 years. She also received the Korbel Humanitarian Award from the University of Denver. Additionally, Chambers was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and named Outstanding Philanthropist during National Philanthropy Day in Colorado.
Chambers’ community involvement includes former board service for the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, Aspen Music Festival and School, Women’s Foundation of Colorado: past president and trustee, Colorado Women’s Forum, Denver Health & Hospitals Authority, Cherry Hills Village Council, and member of The Colorado Forum.
In 1978, Chambers began working as an attorney in private practice in Denver, and in 1980, founded and served as CEO of Axem Resources LLC, an independent oil and gas production firm, which she operated for 17 years. During that time, she also became the chairman of the Board for Clipper Exxpress Co., a family-owned transportation business headquartered in Illinois that was started by her father, Jerry Chambers. Merle Chambers wasn’t the first Chambers woman to take the helm of Clipper Exxpress; her mother Evelyn ran the company while Jerry Chambers served in World War II.
In 1997, Chambers became the president and CEO of Leith Ventures LLC, a private investment company where she works today.
Like her father, she has been honored in the Rocky Mountain Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and helped recognize individuals who have played a significant role in developing Rocky Mountain oil and natural gas resources over the past 35 years. She also received the Korbel Humanitarian Award from the University of Denver. Additionally, Chambers was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and named Outstanding Philanthropist during National Philanthropy Day in Colorado.
Chambers’ community involvement includes former board service for the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, Aspen Music Festival and School, Women’s Foundation of Colorado: past president and trustee, Colorado Women’s Forum, Denver Health & Hospitals Authority, Cherry Hills Village Council, and member of The Colorado Forum.