Transition Advisory Committee for Reimagining Colorado's Postsecondary Talent Development System

Earlier this summer, I was honored to be appointed vice-chair of the Transition Advisory Committee (TAC), established by House Bill 26-1317. The TAC’s work stems from a 2025 executive order and a subsequent report recommending ways to reimagine Colorado’s higher education and workforce systems to address our state’s talent gap. Our goal is to help create a more connected, outcomes-oriented system that leads to good jobs for Coloradans while meeting the talent needs of businesses.

By November 30, the TAC must develop a transition plan with recommendations for a restructured state agency that streamlines higher education and workforce development efforts. I’m grateful to work alongside 26 other members representing state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, nonprofit associations, and the business community. This breadth of perspective and expertise is essential to the work ahead.

While we will address important tactical components, we recognize that large-scale systems change takes time. I want our plan and recommendations to provide a strong, supportive foundation that policymakers, educators, workforce development professionals, employers, and opportunity seekers can carry forward beyond 2026 as we continue building an outcomes-oriented system.

The Governor’s Office and TAC members are also conducting extensive stakeholder engagement, and I hope you’ll be part of the conversation. You can:

Complete the Postsecondary Talent System Feedback Survey
Share how you’d like to stay engaged with the work of Reimagining Colorado's Postsecondary Talent Development System initiative
Visit the TAC webpage for information on past and upcoming TAC meetings, sign up to provide public comment, and see a full list of all TAC members.

You’re also welcome to reach out to me at michelle@attainmentnetwork.org, and I can connect you with available members and resources.

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While we’re busily planning the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference with our partners, we’re also looking at a busy month ahead of connecting, listening and collaborating across Colorado. From strengthening career advising and navigation to advancing regional workforce strategies, improving the use of education and workforce data, and helping shape Colorado’s evolving postsecondary talent development system, The Attainment Network team will be in conversations across the state this month. Here’s a look at where we’ll be: 🔹 Sept. 1-2 | Construction Collaboration Event | Alamosa Ashley Maestas and Wes DeVaul will connect with regional partners as the Colorado Attorney General’s Office visits the San Luis Valley to learn more about the work underway across Southeast Colorado. 🔹 Sept. 2 | Economic Summit | Monte Vista Wes will join regional leaders for conversations focused on economic opportunity and the future of the San Luis Valley. 🔹 Sept. 10 | Homegrown Talent Coalition Steering Committee Michelle Camacho Liu and Stefan Richarz will join partners working to strengthen Colorado’s homegrown talent pipelines. 🔹 Sept. 11 and Sept. 24 | Postsecondary Talent Development System Transition Advisory Committee | Denver Michelle and her fellow TAC committee members will continue working on recommendations for Colorado’s reenvisioned unified postsecondary talent development system. 🔹 Sept. 16 | Welcome for Dr. Keith Richard, CCCS | Denver Rana Tarkenton will join education and workforce leaders in welcoming Dr. Keith Richard to Colorado as he steps into his new role as the Vice Chancellor for Workforce Solutions and Innovation at CCCS. 🔹 Sept. 16 | Rocky Mountain Partnership Community Leadership Council Rana will join leaders from education, business, government and community organizations working toward a shared regional goal of putting 71,000 more young people on track for economic mobility by 2030. 🔹 Sept. 17 | Better Data for Better Decisions Coalition Stefan will lead the coalition’s bi-monthly meeting as education and workforce partners continue working toward a more relevant, accurate and user-centered longitudinal data system for Colorado. 🔹 Sept. 18–19 | SLV Collaboration Summit | Monte Vista Ashley and Wes will join leaders and community partners from across the San Luis Valley to strengthen connections, celebrate progress, and align around shared priorities that create greater opportunity for learners, earners, employers, and communities. 🔹 Sept. 24 | At the Center: Education in the Pikes Peak Region | Colorado Springs Emily Chatburn will join Peak Education and community partners to explore the challenges and opportunities facing local students and the future of education in the Pikes Peak region. We’re looking forward to the conversations ahead this month. Be sure to reach out to us if you’ll be at any of these events. We’d love to connect.