CONTACT:
Alicia Economos | 303.596.0634 | Alicia@dfer.org
Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Democrats for Education Reform Colorado Names New State Director
Former Denver Public Schools Superintendent Chief of Staff Jennifer Walmer to lead organization
Denver, CO, July 22nd, 2013 – Today, Democrats for Education Reform Colorado (DFER-CO) announced Jennifer Walmer, former Chief of Staff for Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Tom Boasberg, as the branch’s new state director effective August 12. Walmer brings extensive experience to her new role with deep ties to Colorado Democrats and education reform organizations. She most recently helped pass the voter-approved $500 million bond and mill initiative for DPS in November 2012.
“Jen is a fantastic leader who will take DFER-CO to its next level,” said State House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, a DFER-CO Board member. “Not only is she highly respected in and outside the Capitol, she was the unassuming force behind several key education reform initiatives locally and statewide,” continued Ferrandino.
“I am delighted to see someone of Jen’s caliber become the next leader of DFER-CO and we are fortunate to have her taking the helm,” said founding DFER-CO State Director Moira Cullen.
Prior to her tenure with DPS, Walmer served as former State House Speaker Terrance Carroll’s chief of staff, where she was instrumental in negotiations passing landmark education reform legislation.
“Simply said, Jen Walmer is a rockstar,” stated Carroll, a founding DFER-CO Board Member. “She was responsible for brokering agreements between key stakeholders on SB-191. Without her, we would have had an even tougher time passing this major piece of legislation.”
DFER-CO has been one of the leading state advocacy organizations since its inception in 2008, starting with the passage of SB-191 in 2010. They continue their advocacy through work on the ASSET bill, school finance reform legislation (SB-213), and by fundraising, recruiting and electing Democrats into office—one of Walmer’s strongest skill sets.
“I see this opportunity with DFER as the perfect melding of two career passions—politics and education,” Walmer said. “I plan on using my expertise and relationships in both arenas to work tirelessly toward one goal: to ensure the highest quality public education system for Colorado’s children.”
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