Senate Education Committee advances several confirmations to full Senate on consent calendar

The Senate Education Committee voted to recommend three sets of appointments to the full Senate with favorable recommendations and to place them on the consent calendar.

The committee heard introductions and brief statements from nominees and their introducers. Mark Heller, executive director of the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECF A), introduced nominees Mary Anne Virgili (reappointment), Heather Shell and Benita Duran for confirmation; Heather Shell identified herself as general counsel at the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. Senator Marchman moved to recommend those appointments to the full Senate and the committee voted unanimously to advance them; the chair noted they would be placed on the consent calendar.

Lorna Candler, chief occupational education officer and director of the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS), introduced Jennifer Hash, who said she works with Lincoln College of Technology and has 23 years of experience in private occupational higher education. Senator Marchman moved to recommend Hash's appointment to the full Senate; the committee voted unanimously and the chair said she would be placed on the consent calendar.

Doctor Chad Kinney, director of the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) at Colorado State University Pueblo, introduced Michael Hennessy, vice president of innovation at Wanna Brands, for appointment to ICR's governing board. Senator Marchman moved to recommend Hennessy; the committee voted unanimously and placed the item on the consent calendar.

Committee members had no substantive questions for the nominees during these proceedings.