Holston brings decades of business, civic, and academic leadership experience to ensure higher education properly prepares students with skills for the careers of today and tomorrow
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced JB Holston as the next Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Holston will succeed Dr. Angie Paccione whose last day is January 9, 2026 and will shadow her starting on December 15.
“I am thrilled to announce JB Holston as the next Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. JB’s decades of academic, business, civic, and community leadership will ensure the Department’s success as we chart a new era for Coloradans seeking higher education. JB’s deep breadth of experience and energy will drive forward our vision to better connect Higher Education with the needs of our workforce, ensuring that students who seek higher education leave with the skills needed for high-paying, in-demand careers. As Colorado enters our next chapter of higher education innovation, I know JB will ensure that more Colorado students achieve success and that our higher education system delivers real value,” said Governor Polis.
JB Holston will be the newest member of Governor Polis’s 21-member cabinet. Holston received a BA and MBA from Stanford University and comes with a wide range of business, civic, and academic leadership experience. Holson served for five years as Dean of the University of Denver’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, and developed Colorado’s TechHubsNow! Initiative, which led to the State’s designation as one of 31 national Department of Commerce Regional Innovation Hub finalists, co-founded the Colorado Mass Timber Coalition to address the state’s healthy forest and watershed needs, and engaged in important state housing and workforce development initiatives.
“I am grateful for the trust Governor Polis has in my ability to join his cabinet and enact his bold vision to bridge the gaps between Higher Education and the growing and dynamic needs of our changing workforce. As the next Executive Director of the Department of Higher Education, I will work diligently to ensure every student seeking Higher Education receives the skills, experience, and training necessary to fill in-demand, high-paying jobs in Colorado’s innovative economy. The success of our students and economy rests on education, and I am thrilled to join this historic team of leaders to build a stronger future for all students,” said JB Holston.
In response to the Governor’s Executive Order 2025-006, last week Governor Polis, legislators, educators and workforce leaders unveiled a new report that outlines recommendations to streamline higher education and workforce development under one roof, expanding opportunity for all Coloradan learners, employers and jobseekers. This innovative collaboration will create one agency to serve as a one-stop shop to resources for Colorado learners, jobseekers, and employers, outline clear educational pathways, connecting Coloradans to good careers and more opportunities, streamline support for employers to engage with future employees, and strengthen Colorado's workforce and economy.
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