Governor Celebrates State Employees

Governor recognizes State employees for their public service

Denver — Governor Jared Polis and DPA Executive Director Kara Veitch recognized 40 state employees for their service to the people of Colorado during 2020 and 2021. The lunch at the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, August 12, 2021 was part of Public Service Recognition Week. 

The first full week of May each year is designated by Congress and the Governor to honor public employees and to educate the public about the many ways government workers make life better for all Americans. However, due to the State's COVID-19 response the 2020 event was cancelled and the 2021 event was postponed.

To celebrate the contributions of our State employees, the Governor's Office and DPA asked each State executive branch agency to select one employee for 2020 and one employee from 2021. Employees were chosen by who showed the most significant contributions to the quality of life in our State. Employees were selected for regularly demonstrating bold, consistent, and joyous service to the people of Colorado with no unforced errors. 

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Honoree Narratives

Below are the narratives for each honoree, you can also view a pdf version here.

Colorado Energy Office – Gregg Hefner - Director of Operations

In 2020 Gregg was instrumental in keeping the office running smoothly during the state’s COVID-19 response, including helping us move offices directly before the shut down, and making sure all the digital processes were in place to allow for the rest of the team to work safely from home. He really went above and beyond his normal duties during a time when just maintaining routine operations would have been a challenge. Thank you for your dedication Gregg.

Stephanie Insinna Sahondo - Senior Program Manager, Weatherization Assistance

Stephanie volunteered to lead the Colorado Energy Office's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion efforts. With the support of her manager, Director of the Weatherization Program Ryan Harry, Stephanie has dedicated a significant portion of her time over the last year to beginning an EDI working group, spearheading new initiatives, and making sure CEO is taking strides to prioritize equity in all our work. Stephanie has really embraced the role in addition to her regular responsibilities, and has been a leader in the office.

Department of Agriculture – Brian Pauley – Program Manager, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service

In 2020 Brian Pauley went above and beyond during the pandemic to ensure that the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service was able to complete its mission and inspect fresh potatoes, primarily in the San Luis Valley, the heart of Colorado’s potato industry. As the program manager for the department’s inspection team Brian implemented actions to protect workers from the virus while keeping inspection services up and running. As a result of his extraordinary efforts a vital link in the Colorado food supply chain remained intact, despite the enormous challenges presented by the pandemic.

Tiffany Brigner - Deputy Director, Division of Laboratory Services

Tiffany provided leadership and inspiration to the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Laboratory Services throughout 2021 in a variety of ways. During a time when most employees were allowed to work remotely, the staff at the department’s laboratories were required to come into the lab facilities every day to perform their duties amidst the risk presented by COVID-19. Tiffany fearlessly let this team throughout the pandemic - providing for employee safety, lifting morale, and completing the mission every day. Tiffany again inspired the entire department by donating one of her own kidneys to a Coloradan whose life depended on Tiffany’s errand of mercy. Tiffany Brigner’s professionalism and moral courage has lifted all employees at the Department of Agriculture during a time of great challenge and need.

Department of Corrections – Reginald Norman - Correctional Officer

Reginald continuously demonstrates professionalism, takes great pride in creating a fun, friendly, and safe work environment for all with whom he works. Officer Norman consistently demonstrates a “can do” attitude, a commitment to the department’s mission, ensures employees adhere to department regulations, and ensures staff and offenders are safe. Reginald is also involved with his community, organizing everything from sporting events for staff to helping local children while coaching youth football. Officer Norman is a great example of an officer, husband, and father who consistently demonstrates his dedication to family, community, his department, and the State.

Brian Kuhns - Correctional Officer

Brian was selected for this honor in 2021 based on his commitment and dedication to the department and the Limon Correctional Facility. In his time with the department he has provided mentoring and assistance to new employees in numerous parts of the organization. Brian consistently looks for ways to bring efficiencies, creativity, innovation to support systems which he shares with his co-workers. This creates a better work environment for everyone he works with. In January, Mr. Kuhns was reassigned as the Tool Control Officer and assistant locksmith, where he has excelled. He stays especially connected with operations within the facility to ensure equipment is repaired or replaced, in some cases the equipment is repaired or replaced before being reported. Brian is consistently professional and courteous with both staff and offenders.

Department of Education – Sarah Blumenthal – Assistant Director, Health and Wellness

In 2020 Sarah's exceptional contributions were critical to her agency's statewide response during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was an integral part of CDE's COVID-19 response team that included collaboration with school nurses and administration across our state to determine and implement health and safety protocols for the State’s schools. Sarah's involvement also went beyond schools, as she served as a subject matter expert to other agencies to develop health and safety guidelines. The positive magnitude of Sarah's impact on the health and safety of our schools, along with her passion for helping others, makes her the ideal candidate for this recognition. We are so proud to have her on the Department of Education team.

Nicole Monet - Director of the Office of Intensive Supports

Nicole and her team are tasked with providing direct support to struggling districts and schools across our state. Nicole has demonstrated the skill, professionalism, and effectiveness in this role that have contributed to positive outcomes in education across our state. The results of the hard work put in by Nicole and her team in 2021, and the dedication she exhibits to our schools and students, exemplify the values of the Department of Education every day. She is truly an invaluable public servant to our students and our state.

Department of Health Care Policy & Financing – Erin Gates – Deputy Budget Director

As the Department’s Deputy Budget Director, Erin leads a team responsible for providing analytical support for all Medicaid programs. In 2020 Erin led the Department’s efforts to understand and help educate our policymakers as to the impacts of the pandemic on the State’s largest program, during a time without any modern precedent. She was at the forefront of understanding the impact of changing federal laws, providing guidance and advice to the Department’s senior executives on what options were available, and what the financial impacts of those options were. Her work was relied on by the Governor’s Office and the Joint Budget Committee to set, and reset, the budget while the landscape shifted beneath our feet. Erin exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. She constantly puts the needs of our citizens at the forefront of our work, and she never forgets the importance of the work on the people that we serve.

Parrish Steinbrecher - Health Information Office Director

Parrish Steinbrecher brings a tangible difference as a leader within the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. His team has optimized IT system performance, implemented 80 projects with zero defects, and implemented 93 unplanned COVID-19 related projects concurrently. Parrish has developed a team of passionate perfectionists. This team has developed a model that holds vendors accountable, thoroughly tests system implementations, and issues corrective actions when necessary. Under Parrish’s leadership, a mature project management office has developed that can now support all the Department’s strategic initiatives. Further, Parrish is skillful at building consensus to ensure that his team has a seamless working relationship across the Department. These attributes allow his team to contribute to their fullest potential without worrying about territories and boundaries. These are refreshing attributes of a true leader who is making a difference for the citizens of Colorado.

History Colorado – Shannon Voirol - Director of Exhibit Planning

As the Director of Exhibit Planning at the History Colorado Center, Shannon exemplifies bold leadership and joyous service to the people of Colorado. Her emphasis on evaluation brings visitors’ voices into the conversation during the exhibit development process, and holds her employees accountable for the work they do. She has consistently worked with tribal members and representatives in formal consultations, helping to facilitate meaningful relationships with them to ensure that History Colorado tells the story of ALL of our state’s communities accurately and respectfully. Shannon’s employees appreciate her mentorship and encouragement to be a better public historian and storyteller for all of History Colorado’s visitors.

Department of Higher Education - Maggie Yang - Senior Director of Data Systems and Applications

Maggie exemplifies bold, consistent, and joyous service to the people of Colorado. The insights gained from her work are instrumental as CDHE works to increase credential completion, erase equity gaps, increase student success, and enhance postsecondary education affordability. She was instrumental in the leadership of CDHE’s work to increase completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Recognized by the Obama Administration, Maggie supported the development of CDHE’s FAFSA completion portal, helping students apply and navigate the FAFSA. Working with CDLE, she was able to set-up structures to facilitate data sharing and connect data to provide the public with information around the earning potential for postsecondary graduates. This work created the foundation for Colorado’s annual work around the ROI for postsecondary education.

Department of Human Services – Shannon Ord - Director of Infection Control and Employee Health

In 2020 Shannon led the efforts at Fort Logan to keep staff and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shannon worked excessive hours to make sure that safety and testing protocols were put in place, and adhered to, during the pandemic. Fort Logan did a very successful job in minimizing the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the facility due mainly to Shannon’s dedication, professionalism and hard work. In a facility with staff and patients - two distinctly different populations - this was no small task. Congratulations Shannon!

Kim Longe - Nursing Home Administrator Fitzsimons

When the pandemic hit, it hit our Fitzsimons Veterans Community Living Center pretty hard. Kim had recently come on-board as the new Nursing Home Administrator. She was just beginning to build relationships with her teams, had hired a new Director of Nursing and had several personnel challenges facing her. She did what real leaders do… she identified the most urgent issue facing residents and staff, rallied everyone including the residents and worked around the clock to ensure all staff had protective equipment, and the necessary training in place. And while we lost residents she continued to stand in the gap as a leader and help staff and residents work through their grief. She used her own personal time to model the example it would take to save the lives of residents and protect staff and their families. Kim Longe is more than deserving of this honor. Her own family stood solidly behind her in all she had to do to keep our veterans safe during this crisis.

Department of Labor & Employment – Colleen Lynn - Business Technology Program Director

In her role as Director of the Business Technology unit, Colleen is recognized as the agency’s chief gatekeeper and central technical go-to authority for the entire CDLE technology portfolio. Colleen was named the 2020 CDLE Employee of the Year. Some of the many reasons include her consistent mastery of CDLE’s Business Technology Portfolio and it’s many systems and projects, stakeholders repeatedly say she delivers superior customer service, her frequent display of
“out-of-the-box” thinking and finding creative solutions to novel and complex business problems. Some of her specific accomplishments during the year included her winning internal support for the exploration of document management systems, establishing and deploying a new Data Governance program focused on industry best practices, and playing a key role in launching a Center of Excellence for Salesforce administrators that serve CDLE customers. These are just a few of the many mission critical achievements Colleen was able to secure for CDLE during 2020.

Amy Perez - Pandemic Extended Benefits Program Manager

In her role as the Pandemic Extended Benefits Program Manager for the Unemployment Insurance Division, Amy is recognized as a talented, tenacious, and dynamic leader. The role she played during the past year was crucial to the division successfully facing enormous and unprecedented challenges. As a leader, she always exhibits attention to detail, and compassion in managing internal and external stakeholders. CDLE stakeholders all praise Amy for the way she responds respectfully and with empathy. Some of her notable accomplishments during the year included her playing a key role in implementing and managing a complex, ever-evolving array of federal pandemic-related benefit programs and supplemental payments. Amy expertly managed people, balancing processes, technology, and resources during a crisis that was made more complex when a new claim management system was launched. It is for these reasons we recognize Amy as CDLE’s 2021 PSRW honoree.

Department of Local Affairs – Katherine Helgerson - Director, Office of Rental Assistance

Katherine is the Director of DOH’s Office of Rental Assistance. In 2020 Katherine and her team manage over 8,000 housing vouchers, providing affordable, safe and secure homes for over 8,000 low-income households, 83% of which include a person with disabilities. The Division of Housing is rated by HUD as a high performer, and other states are now using Colorado's program as a model to make improvements in their statewide programs. Katherine has dedicated her career to the state. She humbly works nonstop (truly! She only stops to sleep!) to run an efficient program that is compliant with complex regulations, fair for all, and yet sensitive to each individual. Katherine is a collaborative, well-respected manager and colleague. And she knows her stuff! Katherine is a THE expert on housing vouchers in the state. Katherine never says no, and truly believes in helping all Coloradans have a safe place to call home.

Elizabeth Garner - State Demographer

The Department of Local Affairs recognizes the State Demographer, Elizabeth Garner for 2021. In addition to continuing to provide population and demographic information to stakeholders, Elizabeth deserves recognition for serving as the primary state contact with the Census Bureau to ensure Colorado was in a position for a successful census count. An accurate census count is critical for all residents in Colorado. The count results affect apportionment, redistricting, federal funds distributions, and inform planning processes and emergency response. Elizabeth managed, coordinated, and supported several programs with the Census Bureau to ensure accurate local boundaries and a comprehensive address list adding over 99,000 addresses to the Census Bureau master address file. Elizabeth also participated in a nationwide committee to design programs for Census 2020 and to test systems. She also presented information to numerous organizations.

Department of Military & Veterans Affairs – David Schmidt - I.T. Professional III

During David’s tenure at the DMVA he has demonstrated professionalism with his colleagues as well as with our facilities. He marches in such a way that others wish to march with him. He has a positive can-do attitude that is contagious to his colleagues. He leads by example and inspires those around him. He has created amazing artistic displays throughout Joint Force Headquarter buildings and on our public facing websites, creating an environment where his fellow state employees are proud to be employed. He has a quiet but yet high impact way about him that is of the highest value to any organization. David Schmidt is most deserving of this recognition. We are proud he is an employee of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Joanne Iglesias - Veterans Services West Director

Joanne exemplifies superior public service in both her professional and personal life. Her dedication to the veteran community is reflected in the services she plans, the weekly and monthly events she oversees, the support she provides, and the relationships she builds with the veterans around her. Joanne spends endless hours seeking out and implementing educational, supportive and social opportunities to assist the physical and emotional health of the veteran community. Veterans on the western slope and in the Grand Junction community know her name, her contributions, and seek her out for assistance. Joanne also volunteers with the local sheriff's department in Search and Rescue. She is a highly skilled climber and uses this to give back to law enforcement and the general community when rescue is needed. She is a true "public servant" and an asset to DMVA.

Department of Natural Resources – Windi Padia - Human Resource Director

Windi does a great job every year but she rose to challenge in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and supported the department in critical ways. She has also been proactive and responsive in understanding the mental health challenges of first responders and supporting people in these critical roles. The onset of the pandemic created a radical change in our working environment and DNR did not have the option to slow its work pace or move many tasks to later in the year.

Windi provided critical leadership by evaluating changing needs and requirements and then communicating them in a timely and responsive manner. The number of fatal accidents and critical responses the Colorado Avalanche Information Center staff are involved in has increased over the last few years. DNR has been doing more to understand the mental health impacts of these situations and their increase. Windi has been very proactive and supportive of this effort. It is amazing to have this level of support from the HR department. Windi exemplifies outstanding public service.

Erin Light - Division Engineer, Water Division 6

As the Division of Water Resources' Division Engineer in the Yampa River Basin Erin has managed the river basin to deal with the need for measuring devices at diversion structures, and the fact that the basin is now placing new demands on the river. This is a big load for even the most capable Division Engineer and Erin has done it in recent years with grace. During the COVID pandemic, Erin's already-small staff was depleted by resignations and retirements, at a time when she was unable to fill positions. Leading by example, Erin has worked many hours, traveling to one of the basins in her division to personally, with the help of some other staff working out of their normal roles, to ensure water users are able to beneficially use all the water to which they are entitled. Erin juggled personnel issues, additional administration duties, and her current heavy workload. She sacrificed personal and family time and lost over 100 hours of vacation she left on the table. She maintained a positive attitude and left an impression on her water users of being dedicated to their needs. Serving citizens is a way of life for her.

Department of Personnel & Administration – Josh Benn - Director of Employee Benefits Contracts

In 2020 Josh was the Chief Negotiator on the state’s first-ever Invitation to Negotiate. Josh ran the solicitation for state employees’ medical, pharmaceutical, and vision benefits. In 2015 the state received only three bids for these services. Josh received 87. The increased competition allowed Josh to negotiate better prices and service, more rural access, and a better overall result for the state government workforce. Josh collaborated and received input from other state agencies, private industry, political subdivisions, CO WINS, the State Innovation Model, and a dozen other groups. With this input Josh was able to negotiate a projected 18.6% savings in pharmacy, decreased administrative fees, and improved performance guarantees. Oh, and he did all of this at the same time he was having his first child. His wife regularly reminds him he left the hospital to negotiate the Kaiser Permanente contract. He points out that he was only gone for a few hours, but saved lots of money.

Janeen Haller-Abernethy - Director, Colorado State Employees Assistance Program

Janeen has been working above and beyond the call of duty in service of state employees over the last year. Our employee population, like people nationwide, has been reeling from the effects of pandemic and isolation, and at the same time that our nation reckons with systemic injustice. Janeen has been incredibly adaptable, as she customized webinars and other resources for employees who were struggling through the challenges of the last year. She has also leaned into the state's EDI work, not only focusing on her team, but also guiding agency leadership. Janeen has modeled public service in the last year, and due to the confidential nature of CSEAP's work, has done so without much recognition or fanfare. She deserves our gratitude and thanks for all of her leadership and dedication over the last year in tireless service to state of Colorado employees.

Department of Public Health & Environment – Justin Tarr - Deputy Director, HIV/STI/VH Division

Justin served as the Interim Deputy Director for most of 2020. In that role, he worked diligently to regain community trust after a challenging time following a 2020 HIV/AIDS audit with numerous findings and considerable staffing upheaval. He accomplished this by facilitating and participating in numerous lengthy community meetings- often in the evenings. Additionally, Justin was instrumental in improving numerous Branch/Office fiduciary and operational processes. His dedication, commitment coupled with considerable skills kept the Branch/Office operating under difficult circumstances. As a result, Justin is a trusted leader and was finally offered a position as the Deputy Director of the Office. He is invaluable to our work and to improving health with our communities. Justin’s work was vital to the mission of CDPHE and it is for these reasons we honor him today for his work in a difficult 2020.

Ottavio Pirocchi - Data Analyst

As CDPHE continues to become more focused on data-driven decisions,and policymaking, the dissemination of data to both the general public and internal stakeholders has become paramount. The primary means of data dissemination amongst Colorado state agencies is through Tableau data dashboards. Ottavio’s demonstrated knowledge of Tableau has made him an expert in the state system regarding data visualization and visual best practices. His abilities have garnered attention from other state and national agencies as well as Tableau itself. Ottavio’s work and technical ability have also captured the attention of Tableau specifically. On multiple occasions during the middle of the COVID-19 response, he was asked for templates of created dashboards for Colorado to be used by Tableau and their consulting firm to create data displays for other states’ COVID-19 responses, and demonstrate how the software works. This exposure led to an invitation to present this work at Tableau’s Government Summit as one of twelve presentations and the only one by a health department.

Department of Public Safety –Tammy Lichvar - Procurement Director

As the Procurement Director for the Colorado Department of Public Safety during the State Emergency Operations Center activation and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tammy led the pivotal procurement efforts for this unprecedented response, and did so in an bold, consistent, and joyous manner serving the people of Colorado with no unforced errors. Throughout the COVID response Tammy ensured the state emergency managers and incident commanders were able to focus on saving lives by coordinating state-level preparation, response and recovery operations. She assisted the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and CDPHE in executing over $60 million dollars in purchase orders and contracts in an expedited manner. Having served the State of Colorado since 1979, Tammy is no stranger to dedicated service. Through all of the long days during the COVID response, she never once complained and her work was consistent. For this reason, Tammy is worthy of the singular recognition as the 2020 Colorado Department of Public Safety Public Service Recognition Week honoree.

Colleen Gadd - DHSEM Regional Training and Exercise Specialist

Throughout the past year, Colleen has been the epitome of Bold, Consistent, Joyous service where unforced errors could have cost lives. During the height of the pandemic, She served as the Alternative Care Site Logistics Chief, where she adapted to the complex requirements of building five field care sites. Colleen became the program manager for the School Mask Program that provided over five million masks and 1 million COVID-19 tests to schools. Even as she deployed to the Cameron Peak Fire for two weeks she continued to oversee the School Mask Program. In December, Colleen became Logistics Chief of the Joint Vaccine Task Force. She scrambled to establish a massive logistics effort to safely distribute vaccines. Orchestrating efforts of state, federal and local agencies, Colleen delivered millions of doses. Through this all, Colleen performed above her “pay grade.” Boldly, consistently, she took on challenges and solved complex problems while under pressure to succeed -- which she did, every time.

Department of Regulatory Agencies – Marisol Larez - Chief Administrative Officer

Marisol and her team developed and executed a 3-phase emergency preparedness strategy to maximize workforce capability and avoid service disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the safe transition of 90% of staff to remote work within less than a two week period. She also worked tirelessly to implement crucial tools and resources for the department workforce to effectively operate in a virtual setting, such as online employee portals and microsites,
on-demand training and resources on virtual engagement and communication, leadership emergency planning tools, and telework guidelines for employees, managers, and teams. Marisol and her team demonstrated exceptional and bold leadership, and a true commitment to public service. This work allowed the department to safely and effectively manage the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to provide excellent services to the people of Colorado.

Karen McGovern - Deputy Division Director, Division of Professions and Occupations

Karen McGovern consistently demonstrated excellence and reliability throughout the pandemic, and regularly went above and beyond for the department, licensees and consumers. Of specific note is the work that Karen did to research, draft and implement 81 emergency rules to effectuate Executive Orders increasing the available healthcare workforce to treat the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen managed challenging and complex issues that required a focus, not only on consumer protection but also on rapid response during the pandemic. Karen was also responsible for the implementation and expansion of the Remote Video Inspection Project. By developing and implementing remote video inspections for plumbing and electrical installations at occupied residential properties, the division was able to ensure continuity of business to contribute to the economy while prioritizing the health and safety of consumers and the division's inspectors.

Department of Revenue – Yvonne Candelaria - Deposit Control Supervisor

In 2020, as the supervisor of the Cashiers team, Yvonne managed her team through the pandemic, coordinating rotating schedules and continuing to serve the public even in the face of COVID-19. As one of the few people from Financial Services who worked consistently in the office at Pierce, Yvonne willingly performed many additional tasks outside of her normal wheelhouse, including distributing laptops and monitors to teleworking team members and collecting them from separating employees.

Tony Marsh - Liquor Enforcement Supervisor, Criminal Investigations

Tony has been instrumental in organizing and conducting operations throughout the state and helping to ensure that Divisional priorities relating to public-safety are consistently met. Tony has a positive attitude and consistently receives compliments from stakeholders, local agency partners, and co-workers alike for his helpful, education-forward demeanor. Tony worked tirelessly during the pandemic to investigate and educate businesses in relation to rapidly evolving public health orders and executive orders. Tony understands the nuances of the liquor code and liquor rules and is a valued and trusted resource to the Division and industry members alike.

Department of Transportation – Darrell Lingk - Director, Office of Transportation Safety & Risk Management

As Director of CDOT’s Safety Office, Darrell was our Department "point person" for the health of our employees during COVID-19. Darrell tracked state and federal guidance to ensure the CDOT was kept up to speed. More importantly, he developed specific guidance and protocols for the Department and our various functions, including key aspects of CDOT, such as maintenance and construction activities, allowing those activities to continue in as safe a manner as possible during the pandemic. By helping our front-line workers stay on the job in a safe manner, not only was CDOT safer in 2020 thanks to Darrell and his team's efforts, but the travelling public was safer as well.

Cindy Marquez - Tech IV

No matter the situation, Cindy Marquez always has a positive attitude and is more than willing to assist others. She is representative of a critical but not often acknowledged group of Department employees - those assistants and administrative staff that help our maintenance program and maintenance personnel be successful every day. Cindy has helped process maintenance work orders while other staff were out, she worked hard to scan and upload fuel logs to help ensure compliance in that program, and even trained personnel from other CDOT regions, all while staying on top of her own regular duties. She adheres to the CDOT values and works well with others. All around Cindy is a very valued employee and will take the time to listen to anyone. She embodies the spirit of a true public servant who quietly goes above and beyond to serve the citizens of Colorado and get the job done.

Governor’s Office – Luke Teater - Chief Economist

Luke has been a key leader in managing the economic recession that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Chief Economist of OSPB, Luke has been crucial to monitoring the economy, forecasting revenue for the entire State, and strategizing and planning for the economic stimulus and economic recovery for our State's economy. He has managed to excel in a time of uncertainty of which the American economy has only seen once or twice before, and never in recent history. If it weren't for Luke, Colorado would not be positioned as strongly economically as it is today, primed to maintain its position as one of the best economies in the country.

Heather Velasquez - Deputy Director of Operations and Cabinet Affairs, currently Acting Deputy Chief of Staff

Heather is one of those humble leaders who is quietly taking care of everyone else, and getting all the important work done behind the scenes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she jumped into action immediately. She led several interagency teams to coordinate how the many new social distancing regulations were disseminated across the state. She worked with policy leaders, and attorneys to coordinate the passage of more than 300 executive orders. She redesigned the Governor's Dashboard, while tripling the number of key performance indicators included on the site. She is currently filling in as the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff, and has taken on those new responsibilities seamlessly. The people of Colorado are better off because of the work Heather has done.

Office of Economic Development and International Trade – Nikki Maloney - Employee Ownership Grant & Operations Manager

Nikki has been a critical team member to not only the Business Support and Rural Prosperity division, but programs across OEDIT. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nikki worked around the clock to support our Colorado small businesses. She was instrumental in the development of our OEDIT Hotline that served over 8,000 small business clients, setting up the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and coordinating the Colorado COVID Legal Relief program. Nikki also guided numerous clients to obtain federal and state resources by spending nights and weekends one-on-one connecting with small business owners, guiding volunteers and other consultants. Nikki worked with countless partners to help as many small business owners as possible with the COVID Legal Relief program, and has coordinated making this program available long-term. This example is not an anomaly. There is no such thing as doing the bare minimum for Nikki and she works to create impact, not just to list an accomplishment. Her empathy as having been a small business owner is visible in all of the work she does.

Leslie Hylton - Director of Legislative Affairs

2021 was an absolutely unprecedented year of economic challenges and opportunities, so many of which required new legislation to enact solutions. Leslie showed up for the Office of Economic Development and International Trade flawlessly, spending countless hours writing memos, requests, and comebacks, constantly educating herself on each division’s priorities and programs. Leslie coordinated so many of us to facilitate conversations around new legislation and prepare for hearings that frequently went into the late hours of the night. She has been a true champion for every division within OEDIT, a dedicated servant of the people of Colorado when they most needed help, and a joy to work with to boot.
She deserves the highest recognition and praise for her efforts and has the gratitude of all of her colleagues at OEDIT.

Governor’s Office of Information Technology – Andy Rollins - Senior Web Developer

Andy demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of Colorado by ensuring the Emergency Rental Assistance Program was quickly stood up in 2020, and then when it was moved to a vendor-supported system, he very quickly completed an application to integrate the vendor-managed system with CORE to speed the receipt of payments by those in economic distress from COVID-19. In the days preceding the end of the eviction moratorium ordered by the president, Andy completed two weeks of work in just a few days to ensure that the system would be ready when the moratorium ended. Andy's intellect,emotional intelligence, and willingness to go the extra mile make him vital to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs' mission to support those in need across Colorado. Andy always takes his work to heart and owns the mission of the agency. During this project he remarked more than once about the importance of keeping people safe and in their homes.

Marcia Orr - Developer

Marcia Orr is a developer for the Department of Corrections HR system. During the COVID-19 crisis, Marcia designed and implemented a new module to track staff COVID-19 vaccinations. Working seemingly around the clock, Marcia successfully implemented the new module just as the first vaccines arrived at CDOC, thus providing a mechanism to safely, efficiently, and confidentiality identify which CDOC staff have received their vaccinations. Marcia's module provided CDOC leadership with a reliable method to schedule staff across locations. As there were COVID-19 outbreaks within CDOC facilities, this tracker proved to be a valuable tool in helping staff and people in state custody to be protected from the virus. Marcia's deep understanding of the unique responsibility of CDOC staff makes her urgent work meaningful to our state.