Former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, who lost her seat in November, is expected to be announced as Denver’s new chief financial officer, according to multiple sources.
Kennedy, a Democrat, and Mayor- elect Michael Hancock on Wednesday declined to confirm the selection, but sources expect the announcement this week.
Hancock’s transition team has made only two major position announcements so far — Janice Sinden as chief of staff and Wil Alston as communications director.
Last week, John Huggins quit as Hancock’s transition chairman.
Hancock will be sworn in as Denver’s 45th mayor on Monday.
In the June runoff election, Kennedy actively supported Hancock’s opponent, Chris Romer. But after Hancock’s decisive victory June 7, she became a general co-chair of the transition committee.
In 2006, Kennedy was elected state treasurer, beating Republican Mark Hillman. She served one term, losing in 2010 to Republican Walker Stapleton.
This week, an independent audit released to a legislative committee lauded Kennedy’s performance as state treasurer, saying her portfolios “exceeded” performance benchmarks.
Stapleton, the current treasurer, praised her performance after the committee hearing.
“I think she was a very good steward,” he said.
Kennedy holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, a master’s degree from Columbia University and a law degree from the University of Denver.
She also worked as a budget analyst for former Gov. Roy Romer and worked as chief of staff for former Democratic Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff.
On the campaign trail for treasurer, Kennedy, who is married to a native of India, once said, “I was raised with a Jewish, Protestant and Catholic background. Our kids appreciate all faiths.”
Kennedy will replace current CFO Ed Scholz, who had been the city’s budget officer and was appointed as CFO by Mayor Guillermo “Bill” Vidal in March to replace Claude Pumilia, who had held the position for four years.
Reporter Lynn Bartels contributed to this report.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
