Rick Palacio Explained

Rick Palacio
Office:Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party
Term Start:March 5, 2011
Term End:March 11, 2017
Predecessor:Pat Waak
Successor:Morgan Carroll
Birth Date:3 November 1974
Birth Place:Pueblo, Colorado, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Alma Mater:Regis University

Rick Palacio (born November 3, 1974) is an American political executive who served as Chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party from 2011 to 2017.

Early life and education

He was born in Pueblo, Colorado. Palacio graduated from Regis University in Denver.

Career

Prior to his service as Chair, Palacio worked in a variety of roles in Colorado and national politics.[1] [2] Palacio held multiple roles with then-U.S. Rep. John Salazar, including Legislative Assistant and later Deputy Communications Director.

In 2008, he was hired as Deputy Director of Member Service in the office of the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.[3] Palacio was one of the primary Congressional staffers responsible for the repeal of Don't ask, don't tell.[4]

Palacio was elected Chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party on March 5, 2011.[5] He is the first Latino in Colorado's history to hold the office of chair of a major political party, and when elected was second in the nation.[6] Palacio served as a Senior Advisor for the John Hickenlooper 2020 presidential campaign.[7]

Palacio is the founder of PSGroup, a political and corporate consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado. In April 2020, Palacio joined Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, a law and lobbying firm, in their State & Local Legislation & Policy Group.[8]

Awards and recognition

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vanessa . Martinez . Latinos Rising: A look at Colorado's most politically influential Latinos, including four under 40. . 5280 . August 2008 . October 31, 2011.
  2. Web site: Malone . Patrick . A defeat launched new Democratic leader . The Pueblo Chieftain . March 14, 2011 . October 31, 2011.
  3. Web site: Majority Leader Hoyer Announces Key Staff Changes and Additions. March 31, 2008. The Office of Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. October 31, 2011.
  4. Web site: Woman Wants Back In Army After Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal. 2011-09-20. en-US. 2020-05-06.
  5. Web site: Colorado Dems elect Rick Palacio state party chair. Lee. Kurtis. March 6, 2011. The Denver Post. October 31, 2011.
  6. Web site: Colo. Dems tap Latino chair, Pozen plays hard to get. Catanese. David. March 5, 2011. Politico. October 31, 2011.
  7. Web site: Organization of Hickenlooper 2020 - Staff, Advisors and Supporters. www.democracyinaction.us. 2020-05-06.
  8. Web site: Brownstein Adds Rick Palacio – Well-Known Political Consultant – to its Government Relations Team. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. en. 2020-05-06.
  9. Web site: Power surges through Colorado LGBT community . Out Front Colorado . October 5, 2011 . October 31, 2011.
  10. Web site: News and Events . Socoequality.org . 2011-10-21 . October 31, 2011.
  11. Web site: 40 Under 40: Latinos in American Politics. Josue Lopez. Calderon. 21 September 2015. huffingtonpost.com.