Office of the Governor
- Press Office| FOR RELEASE Wednesday, February 18, 2004 |
CONTACT: Dan Hopkins 303-866-6324 Kristen Hubbell 303-866-6323 |
OWENS ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF CHIEF OF STAFF
Praises Roy Palmer’s Leadership; Top Adviser Will Join Xcel Energy Appoints Bob Lee New Chief of Staff
(DENVER) -- Gov. Bill Owens today announced the departure of Chief of Staff
Roy Palmer, who managed his transition in 1998 and has served in the top staff
position since January 1999, to become Director, State Government Affairs at
Xcel Energy Inc.
The Governor also announced the appointment of Bob Lee, currently Director of
the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, to
replace Palmer as Chief of Staff.
“We have been fortunate to have Roy Palmer serving as Colorado’s chief
operating officer for more than five years, which is one of the longest tenures
in recent memory,” Gov. Owens said. “From helping me to build a team of
leaders in my Cabinet that ranks among the best in the nation to charting
strategies for reform that have transformed our state, Roy has been a steady
leader, a trusted adviser and a close friend.”
“The last five hears have been an amazing challenge that is hard to
match,” Palmer said. “My family
has a long history in Colorado, and the chance to stay in Colorado and work for
a respected company such as Xcel Energy is a wonderful opportunity at this point
in my career.
“I leave this administration with great admiration for Gov. Owens and what
he has accomplished.”
Owens said Lee, who he appointed to his Cabinet in 2000, is a respected
business leader, effective manager and dedicated public servant.
“Choosing Bob Lee as my next chief of staff was a natural fit,” the
Governor said. “I have known and
worked with Bob for more than 25 years. He
has done a superb job in the difficult and highly competitive arenas of economic
development, tourism promotion and international trade.
He’ll bring those same skills as he manages the day-to-day activities
of the executive branch.”
“Bob Lee has earned the respect of the Cabinet, legislators and community
leaders throughout Colorado in more than three years at the helm of our economic
development team,” Palmer said. “That
respect will only grow in his new role as Chief of Staff.”
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