Dr. Angie Paccione has been named a finalist for the 2026 9NEWS Public Sector Leader of the Year award, an honor presented by Leading Colorado to recognize individuals who contribute to shaping the state’s future through innovation, service, and impact across various sectors. The award acknowledges leaders in government who promote collaboration, amplify community voices, and work to advance policies that improve the quality of life for residents throughout Colorado.
Dr. Paccione currently serves as executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. She was appointed to this position by Governor Jared Polis on January 10, 2019, and her appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate Education Committee one week later.
With over two decades of experience in both secondary and postsecondary education, Dr. Paccione’s career began as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator at Smoky Hill High School in the Cherry Creek School District. She later earned a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University (CSU). At CSU, she spent nine years on faculty as a teacher educator within the “Project Promise” program—a nationally recognized initiative focused on preparing mid-career professionals for teaching roles.
Dr. Paccione also conducted research examining educators’ life experiences that led them to become committed to diversity and inclusion issues. Her findings informed a teacher preparation program and were published by Teacher’s College Press; this work has since been cited in more than 75 academic papers.
“Leading Colorado honors leaders who are shaping the future of our state through innovation, service, and impact across every sector,” according to organizers of the awards program.
The finalists for this year’s awards span three categories: For-Profit Leader of the Year, Nonprofit Leader of the Year, and Public Sector Leader of the Year.
The Public Sector Leader of the Year award specifically recognizes those who “champion collaboration, elevate community voices, and advance policies and systems that improve quality of life for Coloradans statewide.”
