Gov. Bill Ritter announced last week that he has named Rico Munn to be the new executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Munn will fill the seat vacated by David Skaggs, who resigned in September.

Munn has served since 2007 as executive director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies, managing the business side of Colorado’s government and ensuring consumer protection. He will assume his new duties at the DHE on Nov. 2.

“This is a crucial time for higher education, as we embark on a long-term master planning process,” Gov. Ritter said. “This process will include a comprehensive discussion about how best to establish a sustainable funding model that will keep college affordable and accessible for all Coloradans. Rico’s keen intellect and strong leadership skills make him an ideal advocate for higher education and a perfect fit for this new role.”

From 2002 to 2007, Munn represented Colorado’s First Congressional District on the State Board of Education, which provides oversight for Colorado’s K-12 public education system. He also served as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. Munn earned his law degree from DU in 1996 as a Chancellor’s Scholar, and has a bachelor’s degree from Midland Lutheran College.

“The Governor is committed to ensuring the long-term success and stability of our system of higher education,” Munn said.“I share that commitment. I’m honored that he has asked me to lead the Department forward as we create a system of higher education that expands opportunities for Coloradans in every corner of the state.”