Jan 16, 2024
Andrew Romanoff Joins Disability Law Colorado as Executive Director
Former Speaker of the Colorado House, President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, and Executive Director of Great Expectations will lead Disability Law Colorado’s talented team in the fight to protect disability rights for all Coloradans.
[Denver, CO | January 16, 2024] Following an extensive nationwide search, Disability Law Colorado (DLC) is pleased to announce the selection of Andrew Romanoff as its new Executive Director. Over the past three decades, Romanoff has served as a lawmaker, policy advocate, and non-profit executive, forging strong and inclusive teams while earning bipartisan recognition as one of the most effective legislative leaders in America.
Throughout his career in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Romanoff has championed the rights of underrepresented populations and people with disabilities. As a State Representative and Speaker of the Colorado House, he spearheaded the largest investment in school construction in state history, authored a permanent fix to TABOR's ratchet effect, and helped Colorado recover from a deep recession. As President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, he transformed the organization into the state’s leading advocate for the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. As Executive Director of Great Expectations, he significantly diversified the staff and board, boosted employee retention, and delivered vital services to largely Latina-led families in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys.
“I am deeply honored to join this extraordinary organization––and to lead Colorado’s fight for disability rights,” said Romanoff. “As Dr. King put it, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Disability Law Colorado understands that discrimination impoverishes us all.”
Romanoff will oversee a roughly $3 million annual budget, ensure compliance with federal protection and advocacy (P&A) requirements, safeguard the short- and long-term fiscal and programmatic health of the organization, and implement a strategic vision for the next phase of the organization. “The Board of Directors wholeheartedly believes that Andrew Romanoff has the right mindset, passion, gifts, and expertise to lead Disability Law Colorado into its next dynamic chapter,” said Disability Law Colorado Board President, Sarah Bhagwandin. “We are very excited to see how Andrew’s experienced leadership, coupled with the passionate, committed work of the talented staff, will positively impact the rights and freedoms of individuals with disabilities across Colorado.”
DLC has represented more than 35,000 individuals with disabilities, provided technical assistance to more than 130,000 people, and reached over 100,000 Coloradans through its education programs and publications over its storied 50-year history. Building upon this track record of success, Romanoff is stepping in to lead a highly qualified team of 21 dedicated staff delivering individual services, fostering statewide self-advocacy, and pursuing strategic litigation.
Romanoff has led three organizations through periods of significant change. “DLC is incredibly fortunate to have someone with Andrew’s experience and talent coming in to lead the organization,” said Caryn Capriccioso, DLC’s Interim Executive Director. “His years of tireless work leading impactful organizations to correct injustice is just what DLC needs at this pivotal moment in its history.”
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About Disability Law Colorado: Disability Law Colorado is the Protection & Advocacy System for Colorado. We work to protect disability rights and improve the human, civil, and legal rights of Coloradans through legal representation, advocacy, and education.
Press Contact:
Lindsay Leuthold
Director of Development & Marketing
Disability Law Colorado
Email: LLeuthold@DisabilityLawCO.org
Phone: 303-862-3508
