DENVER — Wednesday, March 23, 2016 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today nominated Donna Lynne to serve as Lieutenant Governor effective upon formal confirmation by the General Assembly. Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia announced previously that he will leave the state to take on the role of president of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. His last day will be April 29, 2016.

Lynne will assume both the traditional duties of the lieutenant governor with additional responsibilities of a chief operating officer to direct state operations. The governor plans to discuss this new role with the General Assembly.

Lynne is currently the executive vice president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, overseeing more than an $8 billion budget, 1.3 million members and 16,000 employees for Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

“Donna Lynne is uniquely qualified to take on this role,” said Hickenlooper. “Her background in successfully running large complex organizations - in both the private and public sector - and her wisdom and experience in operations, will enhance the lieutenant governor’s role to make even more of an impact on programs across the state.”

Lynne spent 20 years in New York City government, followed by 20 years in the private sector. Her public sector background includes serving in the New York City Mayor’s Office as Director of the Office of Operations where she helped improve service delivery, facilitated interagency projects including technology initiatives and management oversight.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve Governor Hickenlooper and the residents of Colorado,“ said Lynne. “I look forward to working with the Governor and his cabinet, a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to improving the business and overall climate of Colorado.”

An active member in the community, Lynne is a member of Colorado Concern, Colorado Forum and the Colorado Women’s Forum. She is currently serving on several boards including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Public Schools Foundation, National Partnership for Women and Families, Teach for America-Colorado, and the University of Denver. She was also the chair of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce from 2013-14 and served on the board for nine years.

Most recently, she was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the top 25 women in health care nationally, received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University of Denver, and named as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber.

Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Political Science), a Masters of Public Administration, and Doctor of Public Health from Columbia University.

She is married to Jim Brown and together they have five children. She enjoys the Colorado outdoors and has climbed all the fourteeners.

A search is underway in the governor’s office for the executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

###

See more here.