Lisa Kaufmann is a seasoned executive known as one of the best strategists in the state, with a distinct specialty for building and retaining high-performing teams that achieve real impact. She has a proven track record for charting bold, innovative paths to outcomes others didn't think were possible. Her greatest strengths lie in anticipating challenges, making sound decisions in ambiguous environments, developing future leaders and earning the confidence of colleagues through integrity and thoughtful execution. Rather than simply solving problems, Lisa builds the people, the systems and relationships that enable organization to succeed over the long term. 

In addition to her years in government, Kaufmann is also a small business owner. Alongside her husband Ryan, Lisa runs and operates a restaurant and wine bar in Lyons, Colorado, dedicated to community building through regular live music, art classes, community events and a monthly wine social club. Their two kids can often be found running a lemonade stand out front. 

Public Leadership & Strategic Experience

Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer | State of Colorado
For over two decades, Lisa has worked at the center of Colorado's most consequential decisions. Currently, she drives the most ambitious infrastructure agenda in the state's modern history. As the state's lead strategist and lead negotiator with Class 1 railroads, she spearheads multiple complex, high-stakes deals to establish a new passenger rail system connecting Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Craig, and Denver to Boulder, Longmont and Fort Collins. Additionally, she leads the state's efforts on the redevelopment of Burnham Yard—a historic Denver rail yard that will become a transformative entertainment district and future home to the New Broncos Stadium. She also co-leads the strategic relocation of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder starting in 2027.

Chief of Staff | Governor Jared Polis (First Term)
Lisa successfully ran the executive branch of Colorado state government for Governor Polis' entire first term. She managed the state through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic disruptions. Lisa is widely recognized as the architect of the Governor’s successful effort to achieve free full day kindergarten and universal preschool. Her leadership style ensures strategic clarity at the top while empowering high-performing teams with the trust and authority to execute effectively.

Gubernatorial Campaign Chair & Congressional Chief of Staff
Prior to running the executive branch, she chaired Governor Polis' successful gubernatorial campaign and transition team. From 2014 to 2017, she served as his Colorado Chief of Staff during his tenure in the United States Congress.

Entrepreneurship & Civic Impact:

• Business Owner & Operator: Lisa alongside her husband Ryan, runs and operates a popular restaurant and wine bar in Lyons, Colorado, dedicated to community building through regular live music, art classes, community events, and a monthly wine social club.

• Colorado Music Hall of Fame: Serves on the Board of Directors, supporting efforts to honor Colorado's musical legacy and brand the state as a top-tier music destination to grow the local music economy.

• Civic Leadership & Nonprofits: Co-founder of New Era Colorado, a nationally recognized youth civic engagement nonprofit. 

• Member of Colorado's Supreme Court Nominating Committee.

Kaufmann will officially start as CEO and President on Nov. 4, 2026.