Hudson named PIO for AG Coffman

Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman this week named Roger Hudson as the Department of Law’s public information officer and communications director.

Hudson has more than 30 years experience in news, communications and media management, including a recent stint as the public information officer for the Colorado Department of Corrections. He served as the communications director for Bob Beauprez’ primary campaign in last year’s gubernatorial campaign and was a longtime reporter and anchor for Denver radio stations 850 KOA and Talk Radio 630 KHOW.

“I am thrilled to have Roger join the Department of Law,” said Coffman in a statement. “He brings an infectious enthusiasm and wealth of media experience that I believe will assist all Coloradans in accessing a broader range of information and services from our office.”

Gelt joins national law firm Akerman

Denver attorney Howard Gelt joined national law firm Akerman LLP as a partner in the Real Estate Practice Group, one of the country’s five largest, this week, the firm announced.

Gelt, a former chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party, moves to Akerman from Polsinelli, where he played a major role in development projects and community initatives, including political work for Govs. Richard Lamm and Roy Romer, Denver Mayor Federico Peña and the Clinton for Colorado Committee.

“We continue to see growing demand from clients for exceptional lawyers like Howard, who know the local market and who have significant experience in multi-state transactions and high-priority development projects,” said Richard Bezold, chair of Akerman’s Real Estate Practice Group, in a statement.

He is a past chairman of Metro North Chamber of Commerce, sat on the board of the Metropolitan Denver Economic Development Corporation and is a member of the State of Colorado Economic Development Commission. He is currently a member of the finance committee for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet.

Auditor O’Brien taps MacKenzie as staffer

Right after being sworn in as Denver’s auditor, Timothy O’Brien on Monday announced that former Denver City Couincilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie would be starting work as his director of communications and community/government outreach.

“My commitment to Denver residents is to elevate the Auditor’s office to a new level of professionalism, oversight and accountability,” said O’Brien in a statement. “Kathleen’s experience in community outreach and constituent service will help ensure that my office is responsive and inclusive. The constant goal of Denver’s elected auditor should be to increase government efficiency and transparency. Maintaining two-way communication with the public and other government officials is essential to achieving that goal.”

MacKenzie represented south-central Denver on the city council for two terms, ending in 2007. She has directed global communications for a nonprofit based in Switzerland and ran public relations for a renewable energy firm in Canada since then.

“In all of my jobs, I’ve worked to communicate honestly and efficiently with stakeholders,” MacKenzie said. “Denver is fortunate to have now an experienced auditor as its elected auditor. Denver taxpayers deserve the skill and experience that Auditor O’Brien will bring to the Auditor’s office. People can expect that he will listen to and act on their concerns, as well as providing meaningful information, and I’m thrilled to help with that effort.”

– info@coloradostatesman.com