Heather Retzko serves as the vice president of state relations. With over fifteen years of experience in both government relations and higher education, she is an accomplished lobbyist and public policy influencer. She leads the University of Colorado’s State Government Relations team, which represents all four campuses at the capitol. The office is responsible for CU’s advocacy efforts at the state, including budget and capital requests and legislation of impact. Through building critical relationships with members of the legislature and executive branch, her team works to translate the value of the University and its distinctive campuses to state leaders so that they in turn remain committed higher education partners.

Heather’s unique background in these sectors has given her an extensive understanding of the interplay between policy and the higher education landscape. She takes special interest in issues related to operations management, Title IX, research, academic affairs and role and mission as well as removing barriers to access for students in Colorado. She recently led in advocacy efforts to eliminate the state requirement for perspective college students to submit national assessment scores during the admissions process. Heather is a trusted thought partner and strategist, both to political and higher education leaders alike. She plays a pivotal role driving higher education policy in the State of Colorado. Prior to her work on state issues, Heather also worked on CU’s Federal Relations team on critical research and policy areas.  

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. Heather was a fellow in the CU’s Excellence in Leaders Program, a President’s Employee of the Year nominee and serves on the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Board of Directors. Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, she resides in Denver, with her husband Jay and their three children Ryker, Mila and Bryson. She enjoys camping in Colorado’s great outdoors, is an avid cycler/Pelotoner and a lifelong Bronco fan.