Denver – The Colorado Department of Natural Resources announced that Bill Ryan has resigned as Director of the State Land Board, the installation of current Deputy Director Nick Massie as Interim Director, and published a job posting to hire a full time State Land Board Director.
After 14 years of distinguished State service, Bill Ryan recently announced his resignation as Director of the State Land Board.
“I thank Bill Ryan for his service to the mission of the Colorado State Land Board,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “Under Bill’s leadership, the State Land Board generated record funds that benefit our public schools in Colorado, expanded stewardship and access on state lands, and established innovative uses of trust lands such as affordable housing and renewable energy. As Interim Director, Nick Massie has my full support as we move to hire a full time director for the Division.”
The Colorado State Land Board is a constitutionally-created state agency that owns and stewards 2.8 million acres of land and four million acres of mineral estate. The State Land Board leases these assets for assorted uses -- agriculture, renewable energy, recreation, mineral extraction, etc -- to help fund Colorado public schools. The agency has earned $2 billion for Colorado public schools in the past 15 years and is the primary funding for the Colorado Department of Education’s Building Excellent Schools Today Program (BEST), which has provided capital construction grants to 524 schools serving 225,000 students.
Applications for the position of State Land Board Director are being accepted online through Colorado's online jobs portal. The application window closes on March 24, 2025. Applications will be considered from both residents of Colorado and non-residents. Candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to apply.
The Director will lead a dedicated staff who work together to achieve their mission.