Virginia "Ginny" Brannon, an accomplished manager of natural resource and environmental issues across Colorado state agencies, was appointed Thursday as Director of the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety within the Department of Natural Resources. She begins work at the agency April 14.
Brannon currently serves as DNR's Assistant Director for Water and Energy where she guides regulatory, policy and legislative issues related to mining, oil and gas development, and matters involving water planning and allocation. She was appointed by DNR Executive Director Mike King to replace Loretta Pineda, who is retiring from DRMS after 33 years - including as the agency's director since 2009.
"Ginny's work ethic is unparalleled, and she has proven again and again her devotion and success in managing challenging natural resource issues," King said. "Her tremendous breadth of experience in state government and an understanding of the passion people of all constituencies have for Colorado's natural resources will serve her well in regulating an industry with a long and significant history in our state."
Brannon has served as an assistant director at DNR since 2010. Prior to her current role, she worked on energy-related issues in the office of the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Between 2000 and 2007 she served as an Assistant Attorney General at the Colorado Attorney General's Office where she handled cases in the hazardous and solid waste and water rights units.
"I look forward to the privilege of working with the terrific and talented professionals at our Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety and to ensuring the important work of our mining industry is carried out with the highest degree of protection and restoration of our environment in Colorado," Brannon said.
Brannon has a law degree from the University of Denver and a master's degree in economics from the University of Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree in economics at Colorado College.
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Todd Hartman, 303-866-3311 x-8665, todd.hartman@state.co.us
