November 16, 2006 12:40 AM UTC

Carpenter Named Ritter Chief of Staff

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• by: Colorado Pols

A long standing rumor came true today when Jim Carpenter, Sen. Ken Salazar’s State Director, was officially named as Bill Ritter’s Chief of Staff.

Replacing Carpenter on Salazar’s staff is former legislator and deputy attorney general Renny Fagan.

Ritter also hired Mary Kay Hogan as legislative liaison and Trey Rogers as chief legal counsel.

Click below for the full press release from Salazar’s office…

United States Senator Ken Salazar today announced that he has hired Colorado Deputy Attorney General Renny Fagan to replace his current State Director, Jim Carpenter.  Jim Carpenter is leaving his position to be Chief-of-Staff for Governor-elect Bill Ritter’s administration.

Renny Fagan previously served Senator Salazar in the Colorado Attorney General’s office as Deputy Attorney General for the Business and Licensing Section and currently as Deputy Attorney General for State Services.  Prior to joining Salazar’s AG office, Fagan served several years as Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue under Governor Roy Romer, and before that served as a State Representative from the then 22nd District in El Paso County.

“I am very excited about the addition of Renny Fagan to my Denver office.  Renny and I worked together for Governor Romer, where I grew to quickly admire and respect his intellect and judgment.  I was honored when he joined our team in the Attorney General’s office, and I am thrilled to once again have him as part of my team,” said Senator Salazar. “The people of Colorado will be well served by Renny’s addition to this office.”

“This is joyous news about Jim Carpenter.  I believe he is the architect for the new direction of the American West.  Bill Ritter will be well-served by hiring him.  I congratulate them both and I can not think of anyone better for the Governor’s Chief-of-Staff,” said Salazar.  “For two years, Jim Carpenter’s wisdom, insight and energy have helped me as a United States Senator.  Jim’s steady hand leading my state office as we have fought for Colorado in the Senate has been invaluable.  Jim Carpenter will always be one of my closest friends and trusted advisors.  I and my staff will truly miss him.”