Mayor-elect Mike Johnston on Friday named political strategist Jenn Rider as his chief of staff as his full transition into office quickly approaches.
A top political strategist both in Colorado and nationally, Ridder will play a key role in managing the operations of the mayor’s office, coordinating the city’s agendas and advancing the Johnston’s schedule, according to a statement from Vibrant Denver.
She is also a Denver native with experience in Colorado and national politics. Ridder graduated from East High School and has skied all 33 ski mountains in Colorado.
In 2018, Ridder served as campaign manager for Jared Polis’ first campaign for governor, and this year was a senior adviser to Johnston’s campaign.
In 2020, she was the national states director for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, and in 2019, she managed Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s presidential campaign.
Most recently, she was the Executive Vice President of Precision Strategies, a national political strategy and public affairs firm.
According to the release, Ridder has worked with many prominent elected officials throughout Colorado and is excited to serve a city he loves.
“Having grown up in Denver, I’m excited to serve the city we all love,” Ridder said in the announcement. “Mike has laid out a vision for a safe, affordable and more vibrant Denver. I can’t wait to work side-by-side with community members as we deliver on this promise for the entire city.”
Ridder’s appointment is winning praise from political and community leaders, including Gov. Jared Polis and Sen. Michael Bennet, according to the release.
“Denver is so fortunate that Jenn Ridder has agreed to serve her hometown,” Polis said. “Jenn is one of the smartest and most capable leaders in Colorado today and I have relied on her counsel and strategic insights more times than I can remember.”
Ridder’s leadership style focuses on bringing people together to tackle tough challenges, Polis said.
In Johnston’s push to tackle challenges and big opportunities, Ridder is the best person to “help us steer the ship,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to bring Jenn Ridder on board as we work to transform Denver into the best city in America,” Johnston said.
