Gov. John Hickenlooper on Sunday announced that his new chief of staff is Doug Friednash, an attorney who portrayed the role of Hickenlooper’s opponent, Bob Beauprez, during debate practices in last year’s re-election bid.
Friednash, a former state lawmaker, also served as the city attorney for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock before joining the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck law firm.
At Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Friednash managed government relations and public policy.
Friednash replaces Roxane White, who resigned last year to oversee a national nursing program serving first-time moms living in poverty.
White also served as Hickenlooper’s chief of staff when he was mayor of Denver.
“He could not be more perfect for this role, for this time and for this team,” Hickenlooper said in a statement.
Friednash begins his new duties on Feb. 2.
“This is an exciting time for the state, and I look forward to helping Colorado continue to grow under this administration,” Friednash said in a statement.
As chief of staff, Friednash will oversee the management of state agencies, advise the governor and Cabinet members on state issues and provide crisis management support, Hickenlooper’s office said.
