BUESCHER HIRED BY AG’S OFFICEIn an announcement that surprised most politicos, former Secretary of State Bernie Buescher has been named the Deputy Attorney General for the State Services Section in the Department of Law. His appointment is effective March 1.

In making the appointment, Attorney General John Suthers called Buescher a “proven leader and manager. His breadth of experience as an attorney, an elected official and a statewide executive will make him an excellent addition to the Office of the Attorney General’s management team.”

Democrat Buescher, who was appointed to the secretary of state position in December 2008, lost a November election bid to Republican Scott Gessler. The division Buescher will oversee in the Attorney General’s office provides legal advice and representation for Colorado state agencies, including the secretary of state, governor and judicial branch. The division also represents the State Board of Education and Colorado’s public colleges and universities.

Buescher replaces Monica Marquez, who last year was named to the Colorado Supreme Court.

Buescher told The Colorado Statesman he will supervise a staff of 50 attorneys, and that 90 percent of his job will be administrative. He said he would not be directly advising any of the state agencies that fall under the state services division.

Prior to his service as secretary of state, Buescher served four years in the Colorado General Assembly as a representative from House District 55. He was appointed to the Joint Budget Committee in his first term, an unusual honor for a freshman legislator, and served as the committee’s chair in 2006 and 2008. He also was executive director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance under Gov. Roy Romer, where he led the department in its first implementation of the Children’s Healthcare Plus (CHP+) program.

Buescher, a fourth-generation Coloradan from Grand Junction, is a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School and holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

SYMANSKI TO STEP DOWN FROM STATE AUDITOR OFFICE AFTER 19 YEARSState Auditor Sally Symanski announced Thursday she plans to retire, effective May 31.

Symanski joined the Colorado state auditor’s office in 1991. Prior to her appointment as State Auditor, Symanski was Deputy State Auditor, responsible for overseeing performance and financial audits. In 2006, she was named State Auditor, replacing Joanne Hill, who stepped into the position in 2002 when State Auditor Dave Barba unexpectedly passed away.

The state auditor serves a five-year term, and Symanski’s replacement will be chosen by the Legislative Audit Committee. Rep. Joe Miklosi, D-Denver, an audit committee member, said that he had been “thrilled” with Symanski’s work. “She defines professional acumen,” Miklosi told The Colorado Statesman Thursday. “I’m sorry to see her go.”

DAVIDSON IS NAMED THE?NEW CHIEF OF STAFF FOR SENATOR BENNETColorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet has announced that Jonathan Davidson has been named as Chief of Staff of his Senate office. Davidson currently serves as Chief Counsel to U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia.

Prior to his work in Warner’s office, Davidson, a graduate of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Georgetown Law School, served as Chief of Staff to Sen. Paul Sarbanes and Rep. John Sarbanes. Davidson also is a former clerk for Judge William Sessions, Chief Judge of the Federal District of Vermont. He also is an adjunct professor at American University’s School of Public Policy.

“Jonathan’s strong knowledge of Congress will help me move forward on our work to strengthen our economy and create long term job growth in Colorado and America,” Bennet said. “His experience and skills will be invaluable to our office as the Senate continues to tackle the major challenges facing our nation.”

“I look forward to working with Senator Bennet,” Davidson said. “In two years, he has built a reputation as a hard working, thoughtful Senator who consistently looks to bring all sides together.”

Davidson succeeds Guy Cecil, who recently assumed a new role as executive director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).

“Guy was committed to me, my Senate office, and Colorado, and I thank him for his hard work,” said Bennet. My colleagues in the Senate are now learning how fortunate they are to have him on their side at the DSCC.”

FORMER SENATE CANDIDATE JANE NORTON ELECTED TO PHOENIX MULTISPORT BOARDFormer U.S. Senate candidate Jane Norton, who lost the Republican primary election to Ken Buck last year, has joined the board of Phoenix Multiport, Inc., a Colorado-based non-profit that fosters a supportive, physically active community for thousands of individuals who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse and those that choose to live a sober life. Through such pursuits as climbing, hiking, running, road and mountain biking, yoga and multiple other activities, Phoenix helps its members develop and maintain the emotional strength they need to stay sober.

Norton gained experience in many public health matters in her role as executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment from 1999-2002, where she oversaw disease prevention and epidemiology; family and community health services; and emergency medical services. As Colorado’s 46th Lieutenant Governor from 2003-2007, her responsibilities included acting as point person for the Owens Administration on health insurance reform; strengthening families by overseeing the state’s community service and volunteerism initiatives, mentoring programs and the state Head Start Collaboration; and establishing Colorado’s Committee to Promote Adoption.

In 2004, following the tragic death of a university sophomore from alcohol poisoning, the president of Colorado State University appointed Norton to chair the CSU Alcohol Task Force which analyzed best practices around the nation to address the growing problem of binge drinking and alcohol abuse among college-age students. The task force made over 40 specific recommendations regarding improvements the campus and surrounding Fort Collins community could make to reduce incidents of alcohol abuse and its negative consequences on students, families and communities.

In 2007, Norton became the first executive director of the Denver Police Foundation, which supports officers and their families in times of crisis and provides equipment, training and technology,

“Phoenix has a new model to help people stay sober that holds great promise, and supplements so many of the great programs we have in Colorado,” Norton said. “It takes away the stigma of addiction as people who are committed to living sober find a fun, active peer group to support them. I am particularly excited to be involved as Phoenix expands into Colorado Springs, where it hopes to involve more of our returning servicemen and women who could benefit from its great programs, and as it opens a new center in downtown Denver.”

MARES NAMED PRESIDENT & CEO? OF MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF COLORADOMental Health America of Colorado (MHAC) has named Don Mares as its new president and CEO. He will begin his new position on March 1, 2011, replacing current president and CEO Jeanne M. Rohner, who will retire on March 31 after 12 years leading the organization. Mares has served as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment in Governor Bill Ritter’s cabinet since 2007.

Prior to his appointment to the Department of Labor and Employment, Mares was special counsel with Fleishman & Shapiro, P.C. He also held the position of Denver Auditor, the second highest elected office in the City and County of Denver, and previously served seven years as a Colorado state senator and state representative.

“We were looking for a dynamic, capable and seasoned professional who could lead the next chapter in our now 57 year history in Colorado. We are confident that Don is just that kind of leader, and the board of directors of MHAC could not be more excited to know that all Coloradoans will benefit from his leadership on mental health issues in the years to come,” said, Seth Belzley, MHAC board chair.

Mares’ community involvement includes serving as president of the board of the Latin American Educational Foundation and having served on the SafeHouse Denver Board of Directors as well as the State’s Government Efficiency Management Executive Committee. He has also served on the honorary board of MHAC.

Mares’ many honors include being named as one of 20 Champions for Children by The Colorado Children’s Campaign in 2005 and having been recognized by Jobs for America’s Graduates in 2008 for his extraordinary commitment to helping high-risk young people succeed in school. In addition, Mares has received numerous awards for his work as an elected leader, including the Junior League Legislative Champion for Children award, Labor’s Community Agency’s Community Service Award, the Mental Health Center of Denver’s Outstanding Political Figure award and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Government Advocate of the Year award.

Mares earned his bachelor’s degree, with honors, in psychology from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

GEORGE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF COLO. NORTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGEDr. Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), announced the appointment of Russell George, former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, as the president of Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC).

“Russell George represented the area in the legislature from 1993 to 2000, so he knows the issues facing the communities,” said McCallin. “Additionally, he has managed two complex state departments, thus he has the experience to lead the college.”

George will assume the position on Monday, January 24, 2011. Dr. John Boyd, the previous president of CNCC, resigned late last year to take the position of president at Mayland Community College in North Carolina.

The Colorado Community College System comprises the state’s largest system of higher education serving more than 151,000 students annually.  

ROBSON IS NEW MANAGER OF DENVER PARKS AND RECREATIONMayor Guillermo (Bill) V. Vidal announced the appointment of Scott Robson as manager of Denver Parks and Recreation, replacing Kevin Patterson, who has transitioned to the Governor’s Office to serve as deputy chief of staff and chief administrative officer. 

Robson, a Denver area native, has served as deputy manager of Denver Parks and Recreation since 2007, overseeing 300 full-time employees and leading policy and program development in the divisions of Planning and Design, Parks, Natural Resources, and Golf. Robson also served as acting manager of Denver Parks and Recreation from May to September 2008, leading budgeting, policy, and planning efforts in advance of the Democratic National Convention. Denver Parks and Recreation has more than 700 employees in 29 recreation centers, four park districts, and related Administration & Human Resources Divisions.

Chantal Unfug, who has been serving as Senior Advisor for Denver Parks and Recreation for the past two years, will assume Robson’s role of deputy manager of Parks, Planning and Natural Resources and will be responsible for ensuring strong strategic planning, communication and outreach.  

Before joining the Hickenlooper administration in 2007, Robson served as director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Louisville, Colorado. Also during his tenure with Louisville, Robson was appointed assistant city manager for nine months during the recruitment process for a new City Manager.

Prior to Louisville, Robson worked for the U.S. National Park Service, Boulder County government, and Grand County government.

Robson earned his Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, and his Bachelor’s in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado at Boulder. MUNN RETURNS TO BAKER HOSTETLERBaker & Hostetler LLP has announced the return of partner Rico Munn to its Denver office, effective Feb. 1. Munn, who joined the firm in 1996, had been a successful corporate and commercial litigation attorney for more than a decade when he was asked to serve in various Cabinet positions for Governor Bill Ritter Jr. He will resume his practice at Baker Hostetler focusing on public law, commercial litigation and regulatory matters.

In 2007, Munn was appointed executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which includes the Divisions of Insurance, Real Estate, Civil Rights, Securities, Banking, Public Utilities, Consumer Counsel, Professional Licensing and Financial Services. He was responsible for the management of approximately 600 employees and an $80 million budget. In 2009, Munn was appointed to another Cabinet position, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. He has been responsible for the oversight of the state’s system of higher education, encompassing more than 400 institutions, 220,000 students and 9 percent of the state’s total budget. 

Munn holds a degree in Secondary Education and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He is a graduate of the Leadership Denver program and he has served on the boards of numerous community and legal organizations. He is a founding board member and co-chair of the Denver Urban Debate League. 

In 2002, Munn was elected to represent Colorado’s 1st Congressional District on the State Board of Education, making him the first ethnic minority to be elected to that body. In 2008, he was awarded a Marshall Memorial Fellowship, a program recognizing future leaders in trans-Atlantic relationships.  

Since 2005, Munn also has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.   

“It is a tremendous pleasure to have Rico return to our firm,” said Ray Sutton, managing partner of the firm’s Denver office. “Rico’s stellar track record as a partner, a Cabinet member within Governor Ritter’s administration, and an active and engaged citizen will greatly benefit our firm, our clients and the Denver community,” Sutton added. “He will make an immediate contribution.”

Sutton went on to explain that they have always considered Munn a part of the law firm’s family. “We call Rico a ‘Baker baby’,” Sutton explained. “He rose to the ranks of partner.” Sutton recalled that Munn’s mother wanted her son to return to Baker Hostetler after he finished his public service with the Ritter administration and would have been very proud to see him return.

“He is very highly regarded and liked. We waited with much anticipation that he would rejoin us. The announcement was met with great enthusiasm,” Sutton said. SCHAFFER ELECTED CHAIRMAN, NEAL IS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF STATE ED BOARDA swearing in ceremony was held this week at the Colorado Department of Education for newly elected members Debora Scheffel and Paul Lundeen and returning board member Angelika Schroeder. 

But one of the first orders of business for the new board was to elect officers. On one unanimous vote, Bob Schaffer (4th Congressional District) was elected chairman and Marcia Neal (3rd Congressional District) was elected vice-chairman.

The remaining members of the Colorado State Board of Education are Elaine Gantz Berman (1st Congressional District) and Jane Goff (7th Congressional District).

RMAA NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERSThe Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association elected new members to its board of directors at its 59th annual Convention and Trade Show Jan. 10 in Denver.

“We’re excited to have such a committed group willing to serve on our board,” said Tony Leighty, RMAA president. “Only good things can come from the new energy added to our current leadership.”

The New Year brings in four new directors to the 11-person board: Chad Fennel, crop production manager at Poudre Valley Coop in Fort Collins, Colo., Will Eitzman of Panhandle Coop in Scottsbluff, Neb., Kevin Freund of Stratton Equity Coop in Stratton, Colo. and Karissa Jones of Basf Crop Protection.

Leighty, a manager and partner of Tempel Grain Elevators in Wiley, Colo., will remain as president while Mike Dodge of Van Diest Supply Company of Hays, Kan. serves as president elect.

Other mainstay-directors include Bill Conrad, sales manager at Ranch-Way Feeds in Colo. Wes Pollart of Aero Applicators Inc., in Sterling, Colo. remains the secretary and treasurer of the association.

RMAA directors uphold varied responsibilities including an active role in monitoring and influencing the legislature, coordinating education opportunities, implementing a scholarship program and setting policy and direction for the association. 

RMAA is a leader and advocate for agribusiness industries in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and West Kansas. With more than 400 members regionally from chemical and fertilizer companies, grain and feed producers and agricultural workers across the Rocky Mountain region, RMAA serves as a resource for agribusiness trends, emerging issues and industry vision.