Joan Coplan

Joan Coplan

Policy Director

Background

More than 20 years of experience in state government relations. Held important roles on four different political campaigns and in the Clinton administration. Leads comprehensive government relations campaigns in Colorado, Montana and New Mexico. 

Joan Coplan develops public affairs strategies for local and national clients. From executing grassroots outreach and special events to crafting fundraising programs, she manages all aspects of government relations programs and coordinates multistate strategies to target various levels of government. Her strong relationships with both the Democratic Governors Association and the Democratic Association of Attorneys General are a great resource. Joan brings deep relationships with community, business and government leaders at the local, regional and national levels built through her over three decades of work in communications and on political campaigns. In addition to roles on five different presidential campaigns, she has served senators, congressmembers, governors and others, including Ken Salazar, Tom Strickland, Roy Romer, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Michael Dukakis and Gary Hart. 

Appointed by President Clinton to serve as the regional advocate at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Joan helped connect small businesses, state and local governments and trade associations in a six-state region that included Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Utah. She also served as the acting regional administrator overseeing the delivery of SBA services and leading a strategic media strategy to give small businesses a greater voice in Washington and in the states.

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • M.S.J.A., 1973, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
  • B.A., 1972, University of Denver