CEO/Manager, Denver Water

Alan Salazar is the CEO/Manager of Denver Water. He was appointed in 2023 and is the first person of color to hold this position in Denver Water’s 100-plus year history.

He was born in Leadville, Colorado and is a fifth generation Colorado native. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, and a Juris Doctorate law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law, where he focused his elective course work on water law, mining law, natural resources and public lands policy. He was a recipient of the Phillip A. Danielson scholarship for promise of achievement in public service and a published member of the University of Colorado Law Review.

After being admitted to practice law in Colorado and the U.S. federal court system, Salazar began a storied career in public service working for federal, state and local elected office holders. As chief strategy officer for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Salazar oversaw policy, legislative and communications staff for the governor’s office and was involved with energy and natural resources policy, including the creation of the first Colorado Water Plan.

He also served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, deputy chief of staff and policy director for Colorado Gov. Roy Romer and state issues director for U.S. Sen. Tim Wirth. He started his career on the Colorado staff of U.S. Sen. Gary Hart, where his portfolio included water, public lands and environmental policy and outreach.

Immediately prior to his appointment at Denver Water, Salazar served as chief of staff for former Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, starting in 2016. As chief of staff, he oversaw operations for 24 city agencies and the mayor’s office staff. In his six years with the city, Salazar had daily responsibility for municipal operations, as well as strategic direction for the mayor’s policy agenda.

Salazar has been active in civic affairs, including prior service on the Equality Colorado Board of Directors, as a public interest trustee for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Topeka, as a board member for History Colorado, and as a Commissioner for the Denver Public Library. He currently serves as a trustee for the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Center for Performing Arts, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. He is also active as a trustee for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, as a member of Colorado Concern, and as a member of the Board of Governors for the Downtown Denver Partnership.