Barbara Kelley, Executive Director

Date appointed: 1/6/11

Senate Committee hearing date: 1/26/11

Senate Committee hearing vote: Passed Committee vote

Senate vote date: February 3, 2011

Senate vote: Confirmed - 33-0-1-1

Salary: $146,040

"Barbara Kelley knows how to support business and protect consumers,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “She is a leader who understands the complexities of our state’s rules and regulations and the importance of strong customer service. We are fortunate to have her on our team."

Kelley was appointed to the position by Gov. Bill Ritter in November 2009.

Barbara Kelley is widely known and respected for her commitment to promoting an equitable and fair economic environment throughout Colorado where professionals and businesses can thrive, and consumers feel confident and protected. Kelley brings a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of rules and regulations, a continuous focus on transparency and unparalleled customer service, and an unwavering commitment to the Governor’s three “E’s” of good government - effectiveness, efficiency and elegance.

As the business face of Colorado state government, DORA is comprised of nine divisions: Real Estate, Insurance, Banking, Securities, Financial Services, Civil Rights, Professions and Occupations, the Public Utilities Commission and the Office of Consumer Counsel--with a unified mission of consumer protection. Kelley’s background, which includes 30+ years of a diverse, corporate legal practice in the private sector, provides a solid foundation for her service as Executive Director of DORA.

Since her reappointment to the Executive Director position by Governor Hickenlooper upon his inauguration, Kelley has led several high priority departmental and Administration initiatives. Kelley leads the “Pits and Peeves” Initiative,hosting on-going roundtable discussions statewide, to create partnerships with businesses and communities to identify systemic ways to eliminate red tape, and streamline the State’s broad array of regulatory regimes. She is chairing the Governor’s Task Force on Wildfire Insurance and Forest Health, and hosted the Veterans License, Credential and Employment workshop, continuing to increase employment and training services for Colorado’s veterans.

Kelley is on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation; the Board of Trustees for Mercy Housing, Inc; and continues her commitment to high professional standards and ethics as a member of the Attorney Regulation Committee. Additionally, she was honored as one of Law Week Colorado’s Top Women Lawyers, and was instrumental in DORA being the only State government agency identified in the 2012 Denver Post Top Workplaces, ranking 14th in the Large Employer category.

 
Kelley has a Bachelor’s degree and J.D., cum laude, from Indiana University, and has received numerous community and professional association awards and recognitions.