Gov. Polis Announces Staff Updates

DENVER - Governor Polis announced staff updates today.

Kate Siegel Shimko will be departing as the Governor’s Director of Boards and Commissions and transitioning into a new role with Colorado State University (CSU) System as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement. Siegel Shimko spent the past decade working for Governor Polis in the governor’s office, during his service in Congress, as national finance director and advisor. 

Under Kate Siegel Shimko’s leadership, the boards and commissions office conducted extensive outreach for appointments. During her tenure, Kate helped increase the representation of women on boards and commissions to 50%, the representation of people of color by 10%, and the representation of rural Coloradans on boards and commissions to 23%.

“Kate was a key member of my team and advisor for the past decade and possesses impeccable judgment ensuring boards and commissions are an asset to driving transformational change for the state that we all love. I wish Kate and her family the best in the years to come,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

Niketa Patel will now serve as the Director of Boards and Commissions. Nikky Patel previously served as Deputy Director of Boards and Commissions and in the Governor’s Operations Office as the Manager of Special Projects. 

Gov. Polis also announced the hire of Shepard Nevel as Policy Director. Kara Van Stralen previously held the position and is now a principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs. Nevel brings a wealth of experience to the role having held positions of Director of Policy for Denver Mayor Wellington E. Webb, Vice President of Policy, Evaluation, and Communications, Colorado Health Foundation, and CEO, LiveWell Colorado.