Hutfless named next Garfield County Attorney
PRESS RELEASE
August 23, 2012
GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners this evening unanimously approved a contract with Frank Hutfless to be the next Garfield County Attorney. The engagement of services letter calls for Hutfless to begin October 8 and serve through December 31, 2013 with an annual base salary of $130,000.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity the commissioners have given me to share in their vision for the county,” Hutfless said. “I was positively impressed by them, and I look forward to becoming part of their excellent team.”
“Over the years, Garfield County has been one of my favorite destinations for fishing, cycling, golfing, and exploring the outdoors,” Hutfless added, “so in addition to everything else, this really is a dream location for me.”
A resident of Golden, Hutfless has considerable trial and appellate experience with over 400 trials and appeals in the following courts: Colorado and Nebraska state trial courts, United States District Courts in Nebraska and Wyoming, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and extensive appearances before the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Hutfless has a distinguished public service career, including substantial experience in the law pertaining to Colorado counties. He served as Jefferson County Attorney from 1994-2001 and returned to the role from 2003-07 at the request of Jefferson County commissioners. In 2007, he accepted a position as executive vice president and general counsel for Bullion River Gold Corporation of Reno, Nevada.
He is experienced in administrative law and procedure for county elected officials and county departments, elections, airport operations, intergovernmental agreements, land use, environmental law, water conservation, finance and public contracts, and many more topics. Private sector experience includes corporate law, real estate development and transactions, and finance pertaining to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses across the country. Hutfless also provided legal advice and regulatory support for the Nebraska Oil and Gas Commission.
The decision was announced during a joint meeting with the commissioners, Parachute Town Council, and representatives of the Battlement Mesa community.
“With Frank aboard, our strong team will soon be complete,” Board Chair John Martin said.
“Frank will be an immediate asset to the county and its elected officials,” Garfield County Manager Andrew Gorgey said. “He is an excellent complement to our attorneys and legal staff, and I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
Hutfless succeeds Gorgey, who was named county manager on June 1. Assistant County Attorney Carey Gagnon will continue serving as Acting County Attorney until Hutfless arrives.