OEDIT head Markey stepping down

DENVER — Betsy Markey, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, will leave her governor-appointed position at the end of the month.

“I am grateful to Gov. [Jared] Polis for the special opportunity to lead Colorado’s economic development in what has proved to be such an important chapter in our state’s history,” Markey said in an OEDIT news release. “Colorado’s resilient and nationally ranked economy can be traced to the dedicated service that OEDIT provides our state, and it has been especially rewarding to be part of the team that led the tireless mission of stabilizing our economy through this unprecedented challenge and supporting our recovery. Now that our economic momentum continues its path back to full strength, conditions support a successful transition to new leadership.”     

The former U.S. congresswoman and U.S. Small Business Administration regional administrator, named to North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2021 list, has served in the top OEDIT role since 2018 and will have her successor appointed by Gov. Polis.

“Betsy Markey is an exceptional person and public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado is inspirational,” Polis said in the release. “Betsy’s unending energy and positivity have always met the challenge at hand, and she leaves the public arena with an enduring legacy of deep integrity and effective service.” 

The state’s announcement does not indicate what’s next for Markey but does say she intends to leave public service after four decades in government. 

Her private sector experience includes co-ownership of Fort Collins coffee shop Huckleberry’s and web consulting firm Syscom Services Inc.

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