Outgoing Pitkin County Commissioner Rachel Richards received top honors at the recent Colorado Counties Incorporated (CCI) winter conference.
Richards, who is leaving her post at the end of the year because of term limits, received the 2018 CCI Dedication Award.
The award is given to elected officials “who have served with distinction and given voice to the most important issues facing counties, who have provided leadership at CCI by serving on steering committees, and have extended the scope of their leadership to include the Western State Region and the National Association of Counties.”
Richards has served Pitkin County for three terms and is leaving the post due to term limits after 12 years. Her 24 years of public service also includes stints as Mayor of Aspen and Aspen City Councilmember.
“Our winner has served with great distinction as County Commissioner,” said CCI President and Teller County Commissioner, Dave Paul.” “She has given voice to the most important issues facing counties and county leaders and has provided incredible leadership at CCI, particularly through her work on our steering committees,” Paul said.
In addition to her work with CCI, Richards has served on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Land Steering Committee and is past Board member of the Western Interstate Region of NACo. Richards has also served as chair of the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG) Water Quality/Quantity Committee, has been secretary of Club 20 and a member of the Colorado Basin 1177 Roundtable.
“Rachel’s contribution to our Board of Commissioners has been invaluable,” said County Manager, Jon Peacock. “She has the uncanny ability to build supportive, strategic and cooperative partnerships. She simultaneously advocates for environmental, agricultural, human service and economic benefits bringing together unlikely partners in pursuit of the greater good. We’re going to miss her on the board,” Peacock said.
In related news,
Pitkin County Human Services Director Nan Sundeen was honored at the CCI event by the Colorado Human Services Directors Association with the Director of the Year award. It recognizes Sundeen for supporting, encouraging, mentoring and lifting up her fellow Human Services Directors.
County Manager Jon Peacock, Human Services Director Nan Sundeen and County Commissioner Rachel Richards