No executive branch is complete without the staff that will support and implement the work of the governor.
The governor’s transition team for incoming Democrat Jared Polis made staff announcements Thursday as they continue to review applications for cabinet positions that have come in through the campaign website. More staff announcements are expected ahead of inauguration day, Jan. 8, 2019.
Eve Lieberman: Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Counsel Lieberman is Polis’ current congressional office chief of staff. In the governor’s office she will serve as the administration’s lead for policy and legislative efforts.
Cary Kennedy: Senior Advisor for Fiscal Policy Kennedy, a former State Treasurer, city of Denver CFO and a recent primary candidate for governor, is responsible for “long-term creative fiscal policy solutions” in the administration.
David Oppenheim: Legislative Director Most recently, Oppenhiem was the state director with the nonprofit State Innovation Exchange. His administrative experience includes stints as chief of staff to two separate state Speakers of the House.
Wade Buchanan: Policy Director Previously a policy director for Gov. Roy Romer and a senior advisor on aging to outgoing Gov. John Hickenlooper. Buchanan also led the Bell Policy Center for more than 15 years.
Maria De Cambra: Director of Communications and Community Engagement De Cambra was senior associate at Hilltop Public Solutions, a public affairs company. Additionally, she is a former mayor pro-tem of the Westminster city council.
Kate Siegel Shimko: Director of Boards and Commissions Another staffer making the jump from Polis’ congressional office. Siegel Shimko was the national finance director.
Danielle Oliveto: Deputy Chief of Staff Oliveto worked on Polis’ congressional campaigns and in his congressional office in various roles since 2008. She returns to work for Polis from a four-year break in San Francisco working as a sustainability advocate.
Jacki Cooper Melmed: Chief Legal Counsel Cooper Melmed will continue on in the same role she served in during the Hickenlooper administration. Her legal background includes Shoemaker, Ghiselli + Schwartz, and Hogan & Hartson, LLP.
Lauren Larson: Director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting Another Hickenlooper administration holdover, Larson will continue as the director of the budget office. Her past experience includes service as the Chief of the Treasury Branch under Presidents Bush and Obama.
