Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper gave another hint of how he might transform state government when he announced today that Larry Trujillo will continue to oversee homeland security efforts.
Trujillo will stay in the job for six months while the new administration “evaluates the organizational structure of the agency and other emergency management operations,” according to Hickenlooper spokesman Eric Brown.
The announcement comes on the heels of Wednesday’s appointment of Dr. Chris Urbina to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and announcing that Urbina would also serve as the state’s chief medical officer.
Previously, the department director and medical director have had two separate, high-profile and high-paying jobs in state government.
Trujillo, former chief of the Denver Fire Department, was appointed homeland security director last September by Gov. Bill Ritter, who leaves office Tuesday.
Hickenlooper also announced that FBI agent Jim Davis will be the executive director of the Department of Public Safety. Davis now oversees the Denver division of the FBI.
“Certainly I will miss the FBI but I have had a great career and I am ready to move on and try some new challenges,” Davis said.
“My dad retired last year after 50 years as a police officer so this kind of work is in my blood and I am happy for the opportunity to keep doing it.”
The Department of Public Safety includes the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Hickenlooper also announced Barbara Kelley will remain executive director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Ritter appointed her to that post in November 2009.
The Department of Regulatory Agencies — nicknamed Dora — works to promote a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. It includes the insurance and civil rights divisions, as well as the Public Utilities Commission.
Key slots yet to be filled by Hickenlooper include the directors of transportation, revenue, economic development and personnel.
Hickenlooper and his lieutenant governor, Joe Garcia, take office Tuesday.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona contributed to this report.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327 or lbartels@denverpost.com
