The Colorado Department of Human Services has created the position of chief legal director, and Katie McLoughlin will do the job.

She’s been Gov. John Hickenlooper’s deputy legal counsel since 2015.

“The lives of many Coloradans rely on our programs and services, making our work vital to the health of our state,” Reggie Bicha, DHS’s executive directorm said in a statement. “We created this position to ensure we continue to serve Coloradans to the best of our ability.

“Katie’s work with Gov. Hickenlooper’s office allowed CDHS several opportunities to work closely with her and we’ve always been impressed by her dedication to justice and passion for improving the lives of Coloradans. Katie is the right person to help guide us in our mission.”

Before going to work for Hickenlooper, McLoughlin was a litigation associate for the Boston law firm of Cooley, LLP. Before that, she was a clerk for U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young in Massachusetts.

Before going to law school at the University of Michigan, she worked for the Sierra Club in Washington D.C. on global warming and energy strategy.

“I’m excited to join this dedicated leadership team in pursuit of its mission to create a stronger, brighter future for all Coloradans ” she stated. “It’s an honor to continue to serve our state by helping CDHS uphold the law and help more families in need.”