Business leader joins Gessler’s office as Chief Admin Officer

Zimmerman called a “rare find”

Denver, February 24, 2011 – Today Secretary of State Scott Gessler announced the hiring of Gary Zimmerman as the office’s new Chief Administrative Officer. Zimmerman brings more than two decades of corporate management experience in Fortune 500, technology and non-profit sectors.

“I am fortunate to welcome a seasoned business professional of Gary’s caliber to the office and appreciate his willingness to serve the state,” Gessler said. “His proven ability and broad experience will provide a fresh perspective to ensure our customer service goals are being met and that we’re maximizing every dollar.”

The Secretary of State’s office oversees 130 employees who handle everything from elections to non-profit regulation. Gessler was particularly attracted to Zimmerman’s private-sector management experience and believes he will help improve customer service throughout the office. For instance, Zimmerman’s leadership roles in the corporate sector have taken him to executive roles throughout the Midwest, Texas and Western United States for companies like Georgia-Pacific (Unisource Worldwide division), International Paper (xpedx division), and All Covered, Inc. Gessler is looking to tap Zimmerman’s vast business experience to implement private sector best practices for the state.

Steve Lewis, operating partner with venture capital firm HighBAR Ventures, agrees Zimmerman has the skill-set to serve the state. “He is expert in achieving organizational efficiencies and cost reduction through personnel, technology and work-flow development. In a time when the frequent mantra is ‘Do more with less,’ Gary’s range of ability and experience are a rare find. The State of Colorado is fortunate to have him aboard and I expect the state will see tremendous forward progress under his stewardship.”

Zimmerman’s recent leadership roles focused on modernizing organizations and aligning operational functions with customer service needs. He served most recently as the Executive Director of the Independent Auto Dealers Association and held similar positions with the Arabian Horse Association and the American Water Works Association.

“As our Association’s Executive Director, Gary helped restructure a 160-employee operation through IT re-engineering and human resource efficiencies,” said Mike Leonard, former Board President from the American Water Works Association. “He successfully managed these feats with no loss of efficiency or productivity.”

Similarly, former Board Director for the Arabian Horse Association Bob Fauls agreed saying, “Gary has a keen sense of operations and information systems and their applicability to real world functions. He helped modernize an out-dated system and processes, resulting in a streamlined and more effective non-profit organization.”

As a cash funded agency, the Secretary of State’s office receives no state general fund dollars and is supported almost exclusively through business filing fees. The office acts as the first stop for business owners looking to form and conduct business in the state.

The Chief Administrative Officer post has been vacant since January 2009. Zimmerman was selected following a competitive hiring process in accordance with the state’s personnel rules. His first day will be March 7.