(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Natural Resources announced today the retirement of long serving Director of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), Ginny Brannon, the installation of an Interim Director and posting to hire a full time DRMS Director.
After thirty years of distinguished State service, Ginny Brannon recently announced her retirement from the position of Director of the Division of Reclamation, Mining & Safety (DRMS). Before leading DRMS, Director Brannon worked in the Executive Director’s Office at the Department, and in the State Attorney General’s Office. Throughout her career, Director Brannon inspired others to take up natural resources as a career path, and was instrumental in establishing work-based youth learning opportunities, exemplified in DNR’s partnership with Arrupe Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program. Michael Cunningham, Senior Environmental Protection Specialist at DRMS, is filling in the Acting Director role until a permanent Director is hired.
“Ginny Brannon has been a tremendous public servant to the State of Colorado and the Department of Natural Resources during her illustrious 30 year career. Ginny brought incredible leadership, legal acumen, and political savvy to the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “She has helped the Division navigate incredible change and challenges and was also personally helpful through sage advice and guidance in my role as Executive Director. Ginny will be greatly missed and we wish her well in her well deserved retirement. As Interim Director, Michael Cunningham is highly skilled and has my full support as we move to hire a full time director for the Division.”
DRMS’s mission is to protect the public, miners and the environment during current mining operations, restore abandoned mines, and to ensure that all mined land is reclaimed for beneficial use. The Division is committed to balance the need for mineral resource production with protection of the public, environment, and Colorado’s natural resources.
Applications for the position of DRMS Director are being accepted online through Colorado's online jobs portal. The application window closes on November 7, 2023. Applications will be considered from both residents of Colorado and non-residents. The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to apply.
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