The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is excited to share a new leadership update: our offices in Denver, Colorado and Boise, Idaho will now be led by one executive director. This change will help us respond more effectively to national policy shifts while continuing to run strong, local programs that reflect the needs of each community we serve. 

In April 2025, Tara Peters became the executive director for the Denver office, expanding her leadership role after serving as executive director in Boise since February 2024. 

Tara brings over 20 years of experience in refugee resettlement, human rights, and nonprofit leadership. She joined the IRC in 2017 as deputy director of the Baltimore office and later served as acting executive director there. Her early work in refugee services began in the Chicago suburbs, and that direct service experience continues to guide her leadership today. 

Tara earned her master’s degree in international human rights law from The American University in Cairo, where she focused on migration and refugee issues. Before joining the IRC, she also worked at the University of Chicago’s Pozen Family Center for Human Rights, where she managed programs and public events. 

In every role, Tara has worked to build programs that center clients, support staff, and grow sustainably. Now based in Denver, she’s excited to lead the IRC’s efforts in both cities. She looks forward to getting to know the Denver community—which has a long history of welcoming refugees—and to exploring all that Colorado has to offer. 

The IRC opened its Denver office in 2016, and since then has helped more than 4,300 refugees and immigrants build new lives in Colorado. In Boise, the IRC has welcomed over 5,500 newcomers since opening in 2006. 

 We’re excited for what’s ahead under Tara’s leadership and remain committed to providing high-quality services to newcomers in both communities. 

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