DENVER – Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday nominated Donna Lynne, hailed as a business leader, to be the state’s next lieutenant governor.
Lynne is the executive vice president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals. She would take over as lieutenant governor on May 2.
“I am so committed to making sure that this state continues the path towards excellence that you’ve seen in this administration,” Lynne said inside a quiet Capitol that closed Wednesday because of a heavy spring snowstorm raging outside.
Lynne must be confirmed by both houses of the Legislature.
Leadership for the Democratic-controlled House attended the news conference, expressing support for the governor’s nomination.
Leadership for the Republican-controlled Senate did not attend. But in a statement, Senate President Bill Cadman of Colorado Springs signaled support.
“As a longtime community leader and activist, she certainly would bring valuable experience and perspective to the job if confirmed,” Cadman said. “At a time when health care is such a significant focus of public concern for government, business and individuals, hopefully, she’ll be just what the doctor ordered.”
It’s been more than four months since Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia announced that he would step down. Garcia also serves as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. He will take over as president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, and expects to step down from his post as lieutenant governor at the end of April.
Lynne also would serve in a dual capacity, coming in as a new chief operating officer.
“When you have such talent, you want to make sure you get the right person,” Hickenlooper said.
“It is such an exciting notion to be able to have someone like her who really does recognize the importance of public service and also has the heart and the willingness to commit herself.”
The governor – who has been mentioned as a choice to fill a presidential Cabinet position – added that Lynne would be an acceptable replacement as governor.
“If a lighting bolt came down and struck me dead, I think Donna Lynne has the background and skills. She could certainly be governor from day one,” Hickenlooper said.
“If I were offered something in Washington I would certainly look at it, but ... right now I could not be happier to be the governor of Colorado.”
Lynne is responsible for Kaiser’s Colorado, Pacific Northwest and Hawaii regions.
From 1998 to April 2005, she was the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Group Health Inc., a $2.5 billion managed-care organization.
In the mid-1990s, she was the head of the New York Business Group on Health.
Lynne also spent 20 years in various positions in New York City government.
She serves on several high-profile boards, including the Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado Regional Health Information Organization, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Public Schools Foundation, Teach for America-Colorado, U.S. Bank Colorado Advisory Board and is the former chairwoman of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
Her nomination was hailed by the Colorado business world on Wednesday.
“When Donna Lynne sets her mind to do something, it’s never halfway,” said Kelly Brough, president and chief executive of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. “To have that kind of leadership, that level of commitment, be delivered to the entire state, is an incredible gain for all of Colorado.”
Garcia offered parting words, stating: “I am flattered that the governor thought to pick someone of Donna Lynne’s incredible experience to replace me.”
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