Background
Senior leadership roles in government, the private sector, higher education and outdoor recreation. Trusted advisor to C-suites, elected officials, boards of directors, and state and local agencies. Significant experience in Colorado’s robust outdoor recreation and energy economies.
Chris Castilian brings more than 25 years of experience in public policy and government relations, with a distinctive focus at the intersection of state government relations and the private sector, including the outdoor recreation and energy industries. He advises clients on complex legislative and regulatory matters across Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain West.
Chris has held senior leadership roles across government, the private sector, higher education and nonprofit organizations, building a reputation as a trusted advisor to governors, legislators, C-suite executives and boards. He develops bipartisan relationships, anticipates policy headwinds and advances large-scale initiatives that require coordination among policymakers, agencies, community leaders and industry coalitions.
His experience includes serving as executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado, where he led a transformational $300+ million strategic plan and worked closely with state and local partners to advance conservation, outdoor recreation and community investment priorities. He also spent nearly a decade with a Fortune 200 energy company, directing external affairs and government relations strategies across multiple states and advising on legislative, regulatory and policy matters.
Chris brings deep experience in Colorado state government. He served as deputy chief of staff to Gov. Bill Owens, leading his policy development and legislative strategy. He also serves on multiple statewide boards and commissions, including the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and the advisory council to the Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation since its inception.
In addition to his policy work, Chris built an academic program at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business focused on the business of the outdoor recreation industry, further strengthening his ties to one of Colorado’s most important economic sectors.
Credentials
EDUCATION
Executive Program, 2001, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
J.D., 1993, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
B.A., 1990, California Lutheran University
Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Community College of Denver Foundation Board
Colorado Public Radio
Denver County Court Judicial Nominating Commission
