2024 End of Session Review

Kevin Bommer is the Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League. Originally hired by CML in October 1999, he has been on the League staff for over two decades and began as Executive Director in April 2019.  He reports to CML’s 21-member executive board.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Kevin served as Deputy Director for nearly seven years, Legislative Advocacy Manager for three years, and was a full-time lobbyist from 2000 – 2019. In his capacity as Legislative Advocacy Manager and then Deputy Director, he oversaw the League’s state legislative advocacy program and coordinated the development and implementation of CML’s strategic plan development and implementation.

His prior professional experience includes Local Government Coordinator for Envision Utah, a public-private partnership for responsible growth management. Envision Utah was chaired by Gov. Mike Leavitt, consisted of over 100 public and private sector members, and is still in operation today. Kevin was responsible for the recruitment and participation of 76 municipalities and 10 counties from 1996-1999.

While attending the University of Wyoming, Kevin interned in Washington, DC for U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson and subsequently staffed his Laramie, Wyoming field office. He also spent some time working for a U.S. Senate campaign in Wyoming before deciding that his future was in service to local government.

Kevin was born and raised in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming. He holds a bachelor’s degree (BS) in political science, graduating with honors and named one of the Top 20 College of Arts & Sciences Graduates, as well as being inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He also received his master’s degree (MPA) in public administration from UW. He learned to ski at a young age and is an avid runner, having completed 11 marathons – including three Boston Marathons, Chicago, New York, and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.

Kevin’s wife, Gabriella, is the Human Resources Director for the City of Arvada. They reside in Arvada with their dogs, Pistol Pete and Winchester. Their daughter, Christy Vetsch, graduated from Colorado State University in 2019 and is the foster care coordinator for the Animal Friends Alliance in Fort Collins.

Meghan Dollar joined the Colorado Chamber of Commerce as its new Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Political Operations on November 1, 2022.

Before joining the Chamber, Meghan worked for over a decade at the Colorado Municipal League, where she has served as lead lobbyist beginning in 2020. Meghan has extensive experience at the statehouse advocating for housing providers, local governments, and now businesses.

Michael is a former mayoral appointee with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. He served as a legislative liaison in the Department of Safety. He was also responsible for coordinating various public involvement strategies undertaken by departments across the city to ensure alignment with the Mayor’s priorities and goals including the Platte to Park Hill Stormwater Systems program, Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program and Covid-19 public education and community response programs and services. 

Michael’s greatest strengths are his compassion for people, work ethic, integrity, and leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Morehouse College, Atlanta GA. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Metro Water Recovery, Denver Park Trust and RISE 5280. 

Michael loves to travel, cheer for Colorado sports teams, and spend quality time with family and friends. 

Garin began her political career in Washington D.C. working for Senator Wayne Allard and ran the government affairs department at Colorado Farm Bureau before joining Colorado Legislative Services in 2007. She became partner at CLS in 2012 and effective January 1, 2023, she will become co-owner of CLS alongside Melanie Layton. Garin has dedicated the past 15 years of her career advising CLS’ clients and has achieved many successes at the Capitol. Steadfastly through her career, Garin has honed her policy knowledge on issues related to agriculture, including water and property rights. She also is highly skilled as a strategist for higher education, business, liquor, and state licensure issues.

Growing up on a ranch in southwest Colorado gave Garin a strong work ethic and her dedication to understanding an issue completely shows up when representing CLS clients. Her adeptness in many policy areas and direct manner of speaking means that she is a trusted resource for legislators on both sides of the aisle. She is regarded as a top water policy expert in Colorado and has been recognized for her work bolstering the Colorado business climate by working to align agriculture and energy-- two of the top five drivers of the Colorado economy--on a variety of issues. Garin was recognized as one of Colorado’s “Top Women in Energy” and “Who’s Who in Agriculture” by the Denver Business Journal in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

She is a proud graduate of Colorado State University where she earned an Agricultural Business degree. Garin has completed Colorado Farm Bureau’s Elite Leaders Academy, is a member of the Women’s Energy Network of Colorado and has served on the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program board and Butterfly Pavilion’s Fund Development Committee.

In her free time, Garin cherishes time with her husband and two daughters, especially during trips to the mountains. She is an avid reader, sous-chef for her husband and wine connoisseur who frequents the Napa Valley.