Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens today appointed Gigi Dennis Secretary of State. "I am proud to appoint Gigi Dennis to serve as Secretary of State," Owens said. "She brings valuable management experience, as well as a proven record of public service to citizens of Colorado."

Dennis currently is the State Director in charge of rural development in Colorado for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, appointed to that position by President George Bush in 2001. In that position, she developed and implemented a major reorganization of the USDA's rural development efforts in Colorado, improving citizen access to the agency's services. As State Director, she was responsible for over $308 million in housing funds and $1.2 billion in business, community and electric utilities program funds.

"I accept this appointment from Governor Owens with great pride and enthusiasm. It is my promise to the citizens of Colorado that I will diligently and tirelessly carry out my duties as Secretary of State," Dennis said.

Prior to rural development, Dennis was the first woman to be elected to the state Senate from Pueblo County. During her tenure in the State Legislature from 1995 to 2001, she served on several committees, including Local Government, as chair, and as a member of committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources, Energy, Judiciary and Transportation.

She also has attended Harvard's JFK School of Government and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

Dennis succeeds Donetta Davidson as Secretary of State, following Davidson's appointment as Commissioner with the United States Election Assistance Commission.

The appointment is effective September 26, 2005.

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