Governor Polis Announces Cabinet Update

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced an update to his cabinet, appointing Minna Castillo as the Interim Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Resources (CDHS) through the remainder of the Polis Administration. Minna has decades of human services experience, including nearly nine years with the Department of Human Services. Since 2024, she has served as Deputy Executive Director for Community Partnerships, overseeing the Office of Children, Aging and Community Services, the Office of Economic Security, and community partnerships.

"The Department of Human Services cares for some of our most vulnerable Coloradans, and I have complete confidence that Minna Castillo's leadership will help CDHS support Coloradans of all ages. Minna has been a dedicated member of the CDHS team since 2017 and has spent her career helping Coloradans in need thrive. Her expertise, proven leadership, and commitment are an asset to the Department and state," said Governor Polis.

"I am grateful for the trust Governor Polis has placed in me. Whether it's by delivering essential food assistance to families in need, helping house foster youth, protecting children and older adults from abuse and neglect, or offering direct care to the mentally ill and disabled, CDHS is vital to providing support to hundreds of thousands of Coloradans. I am honored to now lead this critical mission," said Interim Executive Director Minna Castillo.

As Deputy Executive Director, Castillo oversaw the Department's efforts to increase bed capacity for youth with complex medical or behavioral needs. This has reduced the waitlist for beds by 75%. Under Castillo's leadership, CDHS Community Partnership's team improved support for Coloradans with developmental disabilities and Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Coloradans. Castillo also oversaw the modernization of Colorado's Statewide Automatic Child Welfare Information System, Trails, into a robust software that accurately tracks and assesses child welfare cases.

Before joining CDHS, Castillo spent 20 years serving families in the nonprofit sector, supporting immigrants and new Coloradans, substance use prevention, bicultural competence, and mentoring.

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