Williams names Lynn Bartels as Communications Director

DENVER, July 15, 2015 - Secretary of State Wayne Williams today announced the hiring of veteran Denver Post reporter Lynn Bartels as the new communications director for the Colorado Department of State. Tim Griesmer, who has been serving as both the Department’s communications director and legislative liaison for the last several months, will now work full time as the Department’s legislative liaison.

"I am thrilled that Lynn has decided to join our team," said Williams. "When Coloradans think of Lynn Bartels they think of experience, professionalism, and humor."

Bartels has worked in Colorado since 1993 when she was hired by the Rocky Mountain News, where she won numerous awards for a variety of stories, ranging from the one-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing to Denver's 2003 mayoral race. The Denver Post hired Bartels in 2009 after the Rocky closed. She worked in New Mexico before moving to Denver. In 2015, The Washington Post named Bartels as one of Colorado’s best state political reporters.

"I am forever grateful that The Denver Post gave me a home when the Rocky closed," Bartels said. "It's hard to imagine a life outside of journalism but my dog is very happy that I'm going to give it a try. I am very excited for this new opportunity." 

Bartels said she was impressed last year when the left-leaning Colorado Springs Independent and the only two Democratic mayors in El Paso County endorsed Williams, a Republican, for Secretary of State because of how he ran the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office.

Bartels added, "I've liked Wayne ever since he lent me $20 at the Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities in 2008 after I left my billfold at the hotel. By the way, I paid it back."

Current and former members of the state legislature have reacted positively to the news of Bartels’ selection.

"The Denver Post’s loss is the Secretary of State’s gain," said Senator Pat Steadman, D-Denver. "Lynn is a well-known figure in Colorado political circles, and I know she’ll make sure the Department’s perspective is heard."

"One of the first people you get to know while serving in the legislature is Lynn Bartels," remarked former House Speaker Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. "She is well known, well liked, and most importantly, she's well respected by Republicans and Democrats alike.  She will be a tremendous asset to the Secretary of State’s office and to the State of Colorado."

Bartels was born in South Dakota and for years watched her father, a Republican, cancel out her mother, a Democrat, in most elections. She later would say it turned out to be perfect training for covering divided legislatures. 

Bartels' last day at The Post is July 28 -- two days short of what would have been be a 35-year career as a journalist. She begins her job with the Secretary of State's office on Aug. 10 after a vacation to Vermillion, South Dakota, where she will attend her 40-year high school reunion.