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Pinnacol Assurance hires Wes Parham to lead Public Affairs

September 20, 2022
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DENVER, Sept. 20, 2022 — Wes Parham is joining Pinnacol Assurance as vice president of Public Affairs. Parham will have responsibility for legislative strategy, lobbying efforts, community relations and external advocacy and will build on the strong and productive business, legislative and community relationships that Pinnacol has established across the state. 

Parham is an accomplished and versatile government relations executive with relationships throughout the key regulatory, legislative, labor, business and state government organizations in Colorado.

“Wes brings experience, enthusiasm and a deep sense of purpose that aligns perfectly with Pinnacol’s mission of providing caring protection to Colorado,” said John O’Donnell, Pinnacol’s president and CEO. “His statewide relationships, passion for workforce development and successful track record of moving legislation are just some of the attributes that make him a fantastic addition to the Pinnacol team.” 

Parham spent the past seven years at Xcel Energy, most recently as director, Regional Government Affairs, where he and his team served as liaisons to the Colorado legislature, governor’s office and state agencies. He played an instrumental role in the development and implementation of numerous public advocacy campaigns that led to several successful legislative efforts. Parham began his career as a congressional staffer and has also worked on statewide political campaigns.

He is involved in various chamber and business organizations and volunteers his time serving nonprofit organizations promoting entrepreneurship, workforce and community development, youth mentorship, and public education. In addition to numerous committees and advisory councils, he serves on the board of directors for the Colorado Enterprise Fund and the Five Star Education Foundation and serves on the board of advisors for Colorado Succeeds.

Parham holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration, both from the University of Colorado. 

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