Dear friends,
For the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the Colorado Health Institute as it expanded and solidified its position as a leader in health policy research, evaluation, and implementation. I am proud of the team’s growth and its work leading change, advancing sound policies, and becoming an indispensable partner to the people and organizations working to improve the well-being of all Coloradans.
As CHI marks its 20th anniversary and looks ahead to its third decade, the time is right for me to step away. I will be leaving CHI on July 15 to become Executive Director of Partners for Children’s Mental Health, a collaboration between Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry.
Managing Director of Research, Evaluation, and Consulting Sara Schmitt will lead CHI on an interim basis while the Board of Trustees searches for a permanent leader to advance CHI’s mission in the coming years. Sara has worked alongside me for 10 years and has been a key driver of CHI’s success.
This decision is bittersweet. It’s been an honor to be part of a team that has made a meaningful difference in health and health policy. I’m immensely proud of what CHI has accomplished, and I step away knowing that our team will continue to advance our mission of improving the well-being of Coloradans through policy expertise and implementational know-how. I’m especially excited to know they will continue to drive change in our key focus areas of behavioral health, climate and health, and integrating systems of care.
Thank you for your partnership. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you, and I will continue to rely on your expertise and dedication in my new role.
Onward,
Michele Lueck