DENVER (Feb. 8, 2019) - Gov. Jared Polis announced today that he has appointed Michelle Barnes as executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Coming most recently from the nonprofit sector, Barnes has held leadership positions in a variety of organizations in different sectors. In 2008, she founded Interim Leadership Solutions to lead organizations in transition by serving as the interim CEO, including Food Bank of the Rockies, Senior Housing Options and Tourette Association. Other roles were in youth development, domestic violence, environmental sustainability, getting youth active in the outdoors, and early childhood education. She currently volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate. Barnes also spent a dozen years in high-tech marketing/communications and holds an M.B.A. from UCLA and an B.A. from William and Mary.
The mission of CDHS is to collaboratively design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.
Barnes succeeds Reggie Bicha, who held the executive director's post for the last eight years.