Denver's Mayor Michael Hancock announced the hiring of Alan Salazar as his new chief of staff today.
Salazar is a fixture in the Democratic Party. He worked from 2011 to 2016 as the chief strategy officer for Governor John Hickenlooper, where he managed the governor's political and legislative staff. He took a leave of absence earlier this year to be part of Hillary Clinton's campaign in Colorado. Previously he was as chief of staff for Mark Udall's tenure as a congressman.
In Denver, the chief of staff is the mayor's closest adviser and also acts something like a city manager, keeping track of the city departments and helping to make decisions. Hancock's previous chief of staff, Janice Sinden, departed in August for a job at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Salazar’s salary will be $170,000 per year. He'll start work on Nov. 21. Janice Sinden’s departing salary was $158,445 per year.
“The opportunity to support Mayor Hancock as he charts a course for Denver's future is both humbling and exciting. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve a community and city I love,” Salazar was quoted as saying in a news release. “Denver is experiencing an extremely vibrant time, and with this brings many opportunities and challenges. I believe my experience and dedication to serving Colorado has prepared me to serve Denver well and I am eager to get to work.”
