Governor Polis Announces Staff Updates

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced updates to his Executive and Senior Staff. Governor Polis announced Jenna Goldstein as the next Chief Legal Counsel for the Governor and Seth Walter as the next Chief of the Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives (OFFSI).

Jenna Goldstein has been a member of the Governor's Office of Legal Counsel since the beginning of the Polis administration, serving as Deputy Counsel. She's been serving as Chief Legal Counsel since Kara Veitch departed earlier in July.

"Jenna is a brilliant lawyer, wise counselor, and dedicated fighter for the people of Colorado. As a deputy she has counseled my office through COVID, responding and recovering from natural disasters, strengthening Colorado's gold standard elections, and protecting the state from countless actions from the current administration meant to harm our state. I am excited for Jenna to be stepping into the role of Chief Legal Counsel," said Governor Polis.

"I am excited and honored to serve as the Chief Legal Counsel for Governor Polis. Having served as Deputy Counsel throughout the Polis administration, I have worked closely with Governor Polis, executive leadership and the cabinet to deliver for Coloradans and I look forward to serving the state in this new role. I thank the Governor for the confidence he has placed in me to serve," said Jenna Goldstein.

Governor Polis also announced Seth Walter will serve as the Chief of the Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives (OFFSI), succeeding Sam Taylor. Seth recently served as the Deputy Director of Operations for Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives. Sam is departing to join the Behavioral Health Administration as the Deputy Commissioner of Administration.

"Colorado's Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives is on the front lines as this federal administration has tried to weaponize grant funding and works with state agencies and local governments to ensure Colorado receives every federal dollar we deserve. I am excited that Seth is stepping into this role using his years of experience and expertise to bring federal funding to the state. I also thank Sam Taylor for her leadership and dedication and am excited she will be joining the Behavioral Health Administration as the Deputy Commissioner of Administration," said Governor Polis.

"The Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives helps Colorado get and keep the federal funding every Coloradan pays their taxes for. I am excited and proud to lead this office as we bring every eligible federal dollar to communities across Colorado. I am grateful to Governor Polis for the opportunity to serve as Chief of OFFSI," said Seth Walter.

"Serving as the Chief of OFFSI has been a true honor. I am proud of our success in defending more than $1.2 billion in federal funding for Colorado, while fostering meaningful and effective statewide collaboration. Seth brings exceptional leadership to this team, and I am confident he will build on our strong track record of protecting Colorado. As I join the Behavioral Health Administration, I look forward to partnering across the state to ensure every Coloradan has access to the behavioral healthcare support they need to thrive," said Sam Taylor.

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