Group honors Commissioner Beckman

Arapahoe County Commissioner Susan Beckman recently was honored by Colorado Counties Inc. with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to counties across the state.

The Distinguished Service Award annually recognizes a commissioner for selfless service and commitment to the statewide organization representing Colorado’s 64 counties. The award was presented to Beckman Nov. 29 at CCI’s annual winter conference in Colorado Springs.

Beckman, who has been an active participant in CCI since she was first elected to the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners in 2000, was recognized for her work on CCI’s new REAL Colorado initiative, her service as Chair of the CCI Health and Human Services Steering Committee and her leadership on the Colorado Works Allocation Committee.

“Commissioner Beckman has been a leader in the positive transformation effort to change the working environment with our state partners and community advocates and to create a more collaborative and productive relationship,” said El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark in her nomination of Beckman for the award. “She is a tireless advocate for Colorado Counties Inc. She leads by example and helps the organization transcend the barriers of partisan politics by continuously reminding other commissioners and the Health and Human Services Committee of our responsibility to the clients we serve and the taxpayer.”

Beckman spearheaded CCI’s REAL Colorado initiative, which is leading a collaborative, strategic reform of Colorado’s human services system. REAL, which stands for Responsive, Efficient, Accountable Services delivered through Local-State Partnership, involves driving legislative and policy decisions based on data and measurable outcomes; improving relationships with state and local stakeholders; reducing unnecessary and unfunded mandates; protecting local flexibility; and streamlining processes.

REAL Colorado is currently partnering with state agencies to undertake an extensive review of federal, state and local mandates on the human services system, seeking to improve and streamline how services are provided in the state. CCI also is working to expand REAL Colorado beyond human services to other government services at a local and statewide level.

Beckman is serving her third term representing District 1, which is located in western Arapahoe County.

As commissioner, Beckman serves as the county’s financial officer and oversees the Human Resources department. She is past chair of the board, serving in 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009. She has been recognized regionally and nationally for her leadership roles with the National Association of Counties, Denver Regional Council of Governments, the Metro Area County Commissioners and the Metro Area Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. This year, she was appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to serve on the Colorado Benefits Management System Executive Committee.