News & Alerts
June 22, 2020 GOVERNOR POLIS APPOINTS 5-MEMBER PROFESSIONAL COMMISSION; JULIE MURPHY TO REPLACE JEFF ROBBINS AS DIRECTOR
On June 22, 2020, Governor Polis announced the appointment of the 5-member Professional Commission. The press release can be found here: https://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/media/Press_Release_Gov_Polis_Announces_COGCC_Appointments_20200622.pdf. In addition, DNR Director Dan Gibbs announced that Julie Murphy, currently Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor at the COGCC, will replace Jeff Robbins as Director. A brief summary of the new Professional Commission is below:
Priya K. Nanjappa of Lakewood, Colorado
- To serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in environmental protection, wildlife protection, or reclamation appointed;
- Nanjappa has experience in biodiversity, conservation, environmental and wildlife management policies. She has worked as the Director of Operations at Conservation Science Partners, Inc. and Program Manager for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA).
- Term effective July 8, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2022
Karin L. McGowan of Lakewood, Colorado
- To serve as a member with formal training or substantial experience in public health appointed;
- McGowan has worked at the Department of Public Health and Environment since 2009 and currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director. McGowan has experience in public health, health equity, air, and water policy.
- Term effective July 8, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2024
John August Messner of Gunnison, Colorado
- To serve as a member with substantial expertise in planning or land use appointed;
- Messner has served as Gunnison County Commissioner and has experience in public policy related to outdoor recreation, land use, and local government. Messer has served on the volunteer commission since 2019.
- Term effective July 8, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2024
Bill Gonzalez of Denver, Colorado
- To serve as a member with substantial experience in the oil and gas industry appointed;
- Gonzalez has worked as Land Manager with Occidental and holds a Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law.
- Term effective July 1, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2022
Jeffery Philip Robbins of Durango, Colorado
- To serve as a member with professional experience demonstrating an ability to contribute to the commission’s body of expertise that will aid the commission in making sound, balanced decisions, and as Chair, appointed;
- Robbins was previously appointed as Director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2019 by Governor Polis and has worked as an attorney, partner, and shareholder with Goldman, Robbins, Nicholson & Mack, P.C. in Durango.
- Term effective July 1, 2020 for a term expiring July 1, 2024