InterimExecs RED Team Member Appointed to Lead Colorado State Department

RED Team Member, Michelle Barnes, was recently appointed by Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, to lead the Colorado Department of Human Services as Executive Director. With an annual budget of over $2 billion, the state department oversees programs ranging from the state’s child welfare division to youth corrections and mental hospitals.

A four year government appointment, the assignment has many parallels to Michelle’s work as an interim executive, where she parachuted into many challenging situations. As a expert Interim CEO, Michelle has led many non-profit and mission based organizations going through change, transition and transformation across a variety of industries from environmental, to outdoor industry, health and medical, youth leadership, entertainment, affordable senior housing, and human service.

She has worked with organizations such as the ALS Association, the Food Bank of the Rockies, and the Tourette Association where as Interim CEO, Michelle provided strong leadership and stabilization.

Interim executives are wired to quickly get up to speed, assessing operations, people, and processes, creating the roadmap to bring the organization to a higher state, then most importantly leading and implementing for best results.

We wish Michelle the best and look forward to seeing her great leadership in action on behalf of the people of Colorado.