DENVER—Nov. 15, The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the appointment of Carly West as its new Vice President of Government Affairs. West brings a wealth of experience in fostering a pro-business environment in Colorado. Her role at the Chamber will be instrumental in advocating for the Chamber’s members and Metro Denver’s business community. She will begin her new role on Nov. 15.
“I’m very excited to begin my role as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber,” said West. “This role will be a terrific opportunity to use my previous experience working across regions and industries in advocating for pro-business policy. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish for our members with the Chamber’s reach and community roots.”
West previously worked in government affairs at Black Hills Energy, a customer-focused utility company serving 1.3 million natural gas and electric customers in eight states. Through her work at Black Hills Energy, West gained experience and skills in advocating for policy at the Capitol and working with different industry leaders to ensure stakeholders were engaged in the process.
During her time at Black Hills Energy, West also gained extensive knowledge in working across energy sectors and on public relations issues by working in the company’s Colorado Gas operations, focusing on managing communications, charitable giving and local engagement.
“We cannot wait to welcome Carly to the team,” says president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber, J. J. Ament. “Public policy is a crucial element in any community to ensure businesses and residents feel economically empowered. With the 2024 legislative session just a few months away, it is more important than ever that we have a strong voice at the Capitol to ensure the voices and needs of our members are heard by legislators. Carly and her team will be working across all levels of Colorado’s government to show the value of our member organizations and ensure their best interests are represented.”
As Vice President of Government Affairs, West will oversee the Chamber’s policy team, including the policy committees and councils, contract lobbyists and the legislative policy committee of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. West will also collaborate with advocacy organizations, policymakers and government officials to implement strategies and tactics to accomplish policy goals.
If you would like to hear from West and the Chamber about the business community’s upcoming priorities for the 2024 legislative session, reach out to Cameron Ochse to hear more about the Chamber’s annual Business Legislative Preview on Jan. 9, which will feature a panel of legislative leaders to answer questions on their plans for session.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
For 157 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has been the leading voice for Colorado’s business community. With a membership that spans the state and employs some 400,000 Coloradans, the Chamber serves the small and large businesses who create Colorado’s economy. The Chamber family includes the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, the Denver Metro Chamber’s Leadership Foundation, Denver Metro Small Business Development Center, Colorado Competitive Council and B:CIVIC. For more information, go to denverchamber.org.