Ellen Golombek named to head Department of Labor

Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper announced Monday that Ellen Golombek will be Executive Director of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Golombek is now the Colorado Director for America Votes. She worked for 14 years with the Service Employees International Union and Colorado AFL-CIO. She was elected the first woman president of the Colorado AFL-CIO in 2000.

"Ellen is a proven strategic thinker who has a collaborative work-style and extensive experience working with the labor and business communities," Hickenlooper said. "Her work and the work of the Department of Labor and Employment will play a key role in our effort to support those looking for or creating jobs."

"The Department of Labor and Employment is on the front line of job assistance and training, providing services to businesses and individuals," Golombek said. "It is critical that our state's workforce be trained and prepared for today's jobs and the future economy. I look forward to working with Colorado employers and individuals to meet this challenge and help with other employment-related issues large and small."