GOV. RITTER NAMES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ELLIMAN AS COO

 

Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that he has tapped Don Elliman, director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development, to serve as state government's first chief operating officer.

 

"Bringing Don into the new role of COO will allow us to more fully integrate his private-sector management skills, his economic-development leadership and his American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expertise into all of state government's operations," Gov. Ritter said. "This will allow us to better capitalize on our successes at creating jobs, helping businesses and developing a 21^st century workforce as we lead Colorado forward and position ourselves for a strong recovery."

 

"Don will be an invaluable addition to our senior leadership team at this extremely critical time for the state," Chief of Staff Jim Carpenter said. "In this new role, Don will ingrain his entrepreneurial spirit throughout all of state government and help ensure that we stay focused on expanding economic opportunities in every corner of Colorado."

 

As chief operating officer, Elliman will be responsible for direct management, supervision and oversight of Recovery Act funds, which will be a key part of Colorado's economic recovery. All state agencies will report directly to Elliman on Recovery Act implementation.

 

"I look forward to serving Gov. Ritter, his administration and the people of Colorado in this new capacity," Elliman said. "In partnership with the citizens, businesses and communities of Colorado, state government will help lead Colorado toward a strong recovery."

 

Elliman has served as director of Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade since March 2007, providing key leadership on the recruitment of numerous new companies to Colorado.

 

Elliman enjoyed a 32-year career at Time Inc., including as publisher of People magazine and president and publisher of Sports Illustrated. From 2000 to 2004, he served as president and CEO of Ascent Sports, which became Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and owns the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets and Pepsi Center.

 

Gov. Ritter will undertake the hiring of a new economic development director as quickly as possible.