Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has appointed an attorney from the high-powered law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to temporarily serve as his chief of staff while his top adviser is on parental leave.
Emily Garnett — a partner in the firm who specializes in antitrust law, government investigations and securities — will serve in the role beginning in December. She will step into the job “to ensure continuity of leadership and continued momentum behind the Mayor’s agenda,” according to the release.
“She understands how city government works, knows our priorities, and shares our commitment to delivering results for Denverites. I’m grateful she’s willing to step into this role,” Johnston said in the release.
Jenn Ridder, who has been Johnston’s chief of staff since he took office in 2023, is pregnant and plans to be on parental leave until March.
Brownstein is a major lobbying firm based in Denver. The firm also has offices in Washington, D.C., New Mexico, New Jersey, Nevada, Wyoming and California.
Garnett is married to Alec Garnett, a former chief of staff for Gov. Jared Polis and a former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.
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