Kaufmann Takes Helm of Colorado Concern
Gov. Jared Polis' longest-serving staffer will lead the Colorado business advocacy group, succeeding Dave Davia.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
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Lisa Kaufmann is becoming CEO and president of Colorado Concern, replacing Dave Davia, who led the organization for about three years. Kaufmann will take over the business group according to a biography added to its website.
Why it matters
The change puts a longtime Polis aide at the head of a major Colorado business advocacy group that has recently focused on fighting AI regulations and clashed with Democrats over property taxes. The move signals how the group's leadership connects to the state's political establishment.
Colorado Concern, founded in 1986, is changing leadership after Dave Davia's roughly three-year tenure. Kaufmann co-founded New Era Colorado in 2006 and previously served as Polis' chief of staff in his first term as governor.
The players
Lisa Kaufmann
Kaufmann is Gov. Jared Polis' longest-serving staffer and a co-founder of New Era Colorado, having previously served as the governor's chief of staff and chief strategic initiatives officer.
Colorado Concern
Colorado Concern is a business advocacy organization founded in 1986 that has focused on policy fights including AI regulation and property taxes.
Dave Davia
Davia led Colorado Concern for about three years before stepping down as its CEO and president.
Gov. Jared Polis
Polis is the Democratic governor of Colorado, first elected to Congress in 2008 before winning the state's governorship.
The details
Lisa Kaufmann, who has worked for Gov. Jared Polis as his longest-serving staffer, including as chief of staff in his first term and later as chief strategic initiatives officer, is taking over the top job at Colorado Concern. She succeeds Dave Davia, whose tenure focused on fighting AI regulations and clashing with Democrats over property taxes.
Timeline
2006: Kaufmann co-founds New Era Colorado.
1986: Colorado Concern is founded.
November 4, 2026: Kaufmann takes over as CEO and president of Colorado Concern.
Market Landscape
Colorado Concern's prior fight against state AI regulation sets the stage for its new leader's approach. Kaufmann's move from the governor's office to a business advocacy group reflects how Colorado's political and business leadership increasingly overlap.
Colorado businesses and policymakers following Colorado Concern's advocacy may see a shift in how the group engages state government under Kaufmann's leadership. The group's positions on AI regulation and property taxes could influence the regulatory and tax environment affecting Colorado employers.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at influential advocacy groups can signal shifts in how businesses seek to shape state policy. Readers tracking Colorado's regulatory and tax debates should watch how Colorado Concern's priorities evolve under its new CEO.
Further reading
Explore more business people news to follow leadership moves across Colorado's business community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.
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