Lisa Kaufmann is a seasoned executive and strategist with more than two decades of experience navigating complex political, regulatory, and stakeholder environments at the highest levels of state and federal government. She currently oversees a portfolio of high-impact special projects spanning arts, culture, sports, and infrastructure, including the development of a new Broncos stadium, redevelopment of Burnham Yard, and expansion of passenger rail services across Colorado. Her work includes advancing Mountain Rail service from Denver to Winter Park, Granby, and Steamboat Springs, as well as the Northern Front Range Joint Service, a passenger rail line connecting Denver to Fort Collins. She also co-leads Colorado’s efforts supporting the relocation of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder.

Previously, Lisa served as Chief of Staff to Governor Jared Polis, managing all executive branch operations, including leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing policy implementation across healthcare, education, and economic development. As a chief strategist and advisor, she played a key role in advancing landmark policies, including free full-day kindergarten, universal preschool, nation-leading renewable energy goals, and historic investments in conservation and tax reform.
Lisa is a co-founder of New Era Colorado, a nationally recognized nonprofit focused on civic engagement and leadership development, and has served as a senior advisor to Congressman Joe Neguse. She currently serves on Colorado’s Supreme Court Nominating Commission and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame Board, and is the owner of Lyons Locale a restaurant in Lyons, Colorado.