Colorado State Archives

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

(DENVER) – Gov. Bill Owens today appointed Leroy Williams Jr. as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

"Leroy Williams' experience in the public and private sectors makes him an ideal choice to lead the state's Department of Labor," Owens said. "This department provides essential services for citizens and businesses, helping thousands of people every day. I'm confident Leroy will build on the many successful programs implemented by his predecessor, Jeff Wells."

Williams currently is serving as Colorado's Secretary of Technology, appointed to that position by the Governor in December 2003. Before that appointment, Williams had been serving as the Chief Information Officer for the state.

Brian Vogt, the director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade will be acting Secretary of Technology until Williams' permanent replacement is named.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Williams has had a distinguished career in the business and technology field, including key positions at Qwest, US West and Norwest (Wells Fargo). He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver and an undergraduate degree from Denver Technical College.

Williams replaces Jeff Wells as the executive director of Labor and Employment. Wells has been serving as the executive director of both that department and the Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA). Wells will continue as the director of DPA.

The Department of Labor and Employment is responsible for such services as operating the state workforce centers, matching prospective employees with available jobs, workers compensation and providing unemployment benefits.

There are four divisions in the department, including the Division of Labor, the Division of Oil and Public Safety, the Division of Employment and Training, and the Division of Workers' Compensation.

Williams' appointment is effective February 1.

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