Andrews to step down at Centennial Institute

Former Senate President John Andrews is retiring as director of Colorado Christian University’s Centennial Institute before the end of the year, CCU President Bill Armstrong announced in a statement this week.

The institute is the university’s conservative-leaning think tank and sponsor of the annual Western Conservative Summit, which this summer drew thousands of attendees and many of the top Republican presidential candidates.

Armstrong, who served two terms as a U.S. senator from Colorado, said he was “especially grateful for John’s spiritual leadership,” adding, “His faithful testimony, understanding of Scripture, and service to Our Lord are truly an inspiration. His ministry among us is a huge encouragement.”

A search is under way for Andrews’s successor, Armstrong said, and CCU leaders are weighing plans for the future of the institute. “We do so with the greatest sense of urgency about restoring our culture, protecting religious liberty, pushing back against government invasion of our day-to-day lives, and restoring America’s founding principles.”

Haynes named director of Denver Parks & Rec

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock this week appointed Denver Public Schools Board President Allegra “Happy” Haynes as the executive director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

The department runs 280 parks, including Denver’s system of mountain parks, and 27 recreation centers. Haynes will be responsible for expanding use of the MY Denver Card, which affords free access to attractions across the city and serves more than 100,000 Denver youth, the city said.

“Denver takes great pride in our parks and rec centers, and in Happy Haynes we found a champion who will continue to elevate our treasured public spaces for generations to come,” Hancock said in a statement.

Haynes was elected as an at-large member of the DPS board four years ago and is on the November ballot seeking a second term. She served 13 years on Denver City Council and later worked as liaison to the council under Mayor John Hickenlooper.

She is a member of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Board of Trustees, the Center for African American Health Board of Directors and the Stapleton Foundation Citizen Advisory Board. A DPS graduate, Haynes received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College at Columbia University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Colorado at Denver.