Windi Padia has been named Deputy Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR), according to an announcement from the department.
Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of DNR, commented on the appointment. “I am excited to continue to work with Windi in her new role,” said Gibbs. “Our Department has an important mission to manage and conserve natural resources for the people of Colorado, and in Colorado we have a history of coming together around natural resources issues that directly affect our quality of life. Windi will work alongside our dedicated staff and our partner organizations to continue to advance our mission, and provide leadership to further our policy goals.”
Gibbs also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Deputy Executive Director Tim Mauck. “I also want to take this time to thank and congratulate our former Deputy Executive Director, Tim Mauck,” said Gibbs. “Tim’s leadership on so many initiatives including the Colorado Outdoors Strategy will leave a lasting mark on the Department. My congratulations to Tim as he begins his new role as Deputy Director of Operations for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.”
Padia began her career as a high school member of the “Youth in Natural Resources” team at what was then known as the Division of Wildlife, now called Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Over more than two decades at DNR, she has served in various positions, including 16 years as a wildlife officer with roles such as District Wildlife Manager; Education, Partnerships and Volunteers Section Manager; and Deputy Regional Manager. In addition, she worked in the Executive Director’s Office as Human Resources Director before most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer.
Padia earned a bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado – Denver.
