Rep. Scanlan to join Hickenlooper's staff

Rep. Christine A. Scanlan, D-Summit County, is leaving the legislature to join Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper's administration.

Scanlan, who was re-elected Nov. 2, will serve as Hickenlooper's chief legislative strategist.

"It is extremely difficult leaving a job I love representing people who I deeply respect," Scanlan said. "But I plan to continue serving the hardworking people of my district while working for a Governor dedicated to turning Colorado around and positioning the state for great things in the future."

Appointed to the House in Jan. 2008, Scanlan served as majority whip in the 67th General Assembly. She was the principal House sponsor of a major educational reform bill signed into law and was an advocate for the teacher-tenure reform law enacted earlier this year.

Scanlan also led efforts to address forest health issues caused by an infestation of bark beetles.

She is a former president of the Summit County board of education.

A district 56 vacancy committee will choose Scanlan's replacement after her resignation becomes effective.