Deputy Secretary of State announces retirement

Gessler calls Hobbs’ 31-year service to the state “impactful”

Denver, November 3, 2011 – After 12 years in the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, today Deputy Secretary of State Bill Hobbs announced his plans for retirement.

“It is with a great deal of excitement — and a little sadness — that I announce to you my plan to retire from state government,” Hobbs said in an email to friends and colleagues. “After 31 years with state government, including the last 12 years with the Secretary of State’s Office, the timing feels right for me to try some new adventures, both personal and professional.”

Originally appointed by Secretary of State Donetta Davidson in 1999, Hobbs has been a mainstay of the office serving five secretaries and overseeing major innovations in business filings and elections administration. In fact, Hobbs also served as interim Secretary of State twice between administrations.

“I’ve known Bill a long time and trying to imagine this office without him is difficult, to say the least,” Secretary of State Scott Gessler said. “His 31-year service to state government and to this office has had an incredible impact that will be felt for years to come.”

Hobbs is most publicly known for drafting hundreds of ballot initiative titles during his time on the state’s Title Board. Joined by deputies from the Attorney General’s office and the state legislature’s legal services, Hobbs’ stoic and patient demeanor consistently represented the Secretary of State’s office as its only deputy.

“Bill is a person who really lives the words, ‘public service,’” Mark Grueskin, an attorney with the firm Heizer, Paul and Grueskin, said. “The State’s been fortunate to have his commitment for so many years, and those of us who have worked with him wish him well in his next chapter.”

Hobbs first demonstrated his commitment to service when he joined the Peace Corps after college. His service took him to The Gambia before returning to Boulder to attend law school at the University of Colorado. He then took his legal expertise to work at the legislature drafting bills and staffing the Joint Budget Committee.

The Secretary of State is entitled to one political appointment and Hobbs has filled that role through five administrations. Though an official retirement date has not been set, Hobbs will lead a search committee to identify his replacement and ensure a smooth transition.

“I am truly fortunate to have worked with so many outstanding individuals in my career with state government,” Hobbs said. “I will miss the camaraderie and the wonderful colleagues I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”