DARCIE KRISTIN MAGNUSON
Mission-driven public-sector executive and attorney with more than a decade of experience leading complex regulatory, legal, and operational functions within Colorado state government. Currently serving as Deputy Division Director of Boards and Commissions, providing oversight for 22 Governor-appointed regulatory boards and leading 45 management and professional staff, with responsibility for board governance, open meetings, strategic operations, multi-million-dollar budgets, policy, stakeholder engagement, and legally defensible decision-making. Experienced in developing teams and systems, managing public resources, and empowering boards with the information and analysis necessary to fulfill their statutory responsibilities effectively and transparently. Brings a deeply personal and longstanding commitment to disability advocacy, shaped by a family legacy of statewide advocacy, legal work supporting children with disabilities, and firsthand policy advocacy and research concerning service animals in training. A collaborative and thoughtful leader committed to building trusted institutions, advancing accessibility and inclusion, and translating public resources into meaningful community impact.
Work History
Deputy Division Director of Boards and Commissions
2 Years 8 Months- Provide executive-level oversight and operational support for 22 state regulatory boards responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring professional accountability.
- Led and supervised a team of 45 management and professional staff to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Lead and supervise 45 management and professional staff.
- Built and maintained relationships with board members, government officials, and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration on sensitive, high-impact matters.
- Advised and collaborated with boards, agency leadership, and stakeholders on complex regulatory and operational challenges, driving informed decision-making.
- Participate in procurement and RFP processes.
Regulatory Analyst
5 Years 1 Month- Developed centralized position within Division, streamlining rulemaking procedures for 50 Boards and Programs.
- Managed and facilitated rulemaking activities for 50 Boards and Programs within Division, ensuring compliance and timely updates.
- Established comprehensive approach to stakeholder engagement throughout rulemaking process, enhancing transparency and collaboration.
- Received, analyzed, and produced legally defensible responses to more than 400 Open Records Requests annually.
Program Director of the Mental Health Boards
2 Years- Facilitated open meetings for six mental health boards to uphold consumer protection standards.
- Oversaw all board functions, managing budgets, supervising staff, and enforcing compliance with regulations.
- Recipient of the Tom Clements Better Government Award.
Assistant County Attorney
11 Months- Advocated for the Department of Human Services in dependency and neglect proceedings to ensure child welfare and legal compliance.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, contracts, and legal memoranda for county operations
Staff Attorney
2 Years 9 Months- Represented best interests of children in dependency and neglect proceedings appointed by the court.
- Advocated for Individualized Education Plans and disability benefits for children, ensuring access to necessary educational resources.
- Drafted motions, petitions, and correspondence aligned with court deadlines and case strategy.
Associate Attorney, General and Complex Litigation
1 Year 3 Months- Advocated for clients in criminal, labor and employment, personal injury, and domestic relations cases to protect their rights and interests.
Legislative Aide for State Representative Dianne Primavera
Education
Juris Doctorate
- Thomas More Scholar, recipient of a full-tuition scholarship for my commitment to public service
- Published Author: Service Animals in Training and the Law: An Imperfect System, 14 Scholar 987 (2012)