RITTER NAMES FINANCE EXPERT TO HEAD BUDGET OFFICE

 

Ritter Names Finance Expert To Head Budget Office

 

Todd Saliman Tapped for Key State Budget Post

 

Gov.-elect Bill Ritter today named Todd Saliman, a former state lawmaker with expertise in state finances, to head the Office of State Planning and Budget. Saliman served in the legislature from 1994 to 2002, including four years on the Joint Budget Committee during which he earned widespread bipartisan respect.    

 

"It gives me great pleasure to announce the addition of Todd Saliman to the incoming administration," Ritter said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit every Coloradan. Todd will help us analyze the inner workings of state government so that we can better use the budget as a tool to help fulfill the Colorado Promise."

 

As director of the OSPB, Saliman will serve as Ritter's chief budget officer, crafting the governor's budget proposals and providing revenue estimates and economic forecasts. He also will play a key role in the development of and advocacy for the governor's policy and legislative priorities.

 

"I'm honored that Gov.-elect Ritter has asked me to join the Colorado Promise team," Saliman said. "The budget is the road map to a brighter tomorrow. I'm excited about contributing to the creation of a budget that represents the values and priorities of the new administration and the people of Colorado."

 

A Colorado native, Saliman earned his bachelor's degree in political science from theUniversity of Colorado in 1989. From 1991 to 1994, Saliman was a Boulder Countypolicy analyst. He also has worked for a variety of nonprofits doing fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning and budget development.

 

In addition to serving on the JBC while in the legislature from '94 to '02, Saliman also sat on the Appropriations, Finance, Transportation and Local Government committees. He was ranked one of the most respected and influential legislators in Colorado by his fellow legislators.

 

Upon leaving the legislature, Saliman launched his own consulting and lobbying business, Todd Saliman and Associates, with a particular emphasis on education, health care and land conservation. He also serves as a policy adviser to the University of Colorado.

 

He is married to Michelle Segal, and they have two children, Mira, 3, and Max, 5.