Kate Siegel Shimko, CSU Vice Chancellor, to Represent Colorado on WICHE Commission

Siegel Shimko has a decade of experience in state and national politics

Boulder, Colorado — Kate Siegel Shimko, the vice chancellor for administration and governmental relations for the Colorado State University (CSU) System, has been selected to serve as a commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Based in Boulder, Colorado, WICHE is a regional interstate compact serving the higher education and workforce needs of 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.

Siegel Shimko joins Jim Chavez, executive director of the Community College of Denver Foundation and Governmental Affairs, and Angie Paccione, executive director at the Colorado Department of Higher Education, in representing the state on the WICHE Commission. WICHE’s 48 commissioners are appointed by the state’s governors or, in the case of the freely associated states, the leader of those three sovereign nations. The Commission guides WICHE’s direction and assures that the Western Regional Educational Compact is carried out for the benefit of the West since its establishment in 1953.

“Vice Chancellor Siegel Shimko brings to the WICHE Commission extensive knowledge and experience in fostering partnerships between higher education and workforce development,” said WICHE President Demarée Michelau. “Her background in state government and deep appreciation for collaboration offers valuable perspective into the intersection of policy and practice, and we look forward to working with her to strengthen cross-sector connections to better serve students and our communities.”

With over a decade of experience in state and national politics, Siegel Shimko has worked across consulting, fundraising, and strategic development. Prior to joining CSU, she served as director of boards and commissions in the Colorado Governor’s Office, where she managed the appointment of more than 2,200 individuals to over 300 state boards and commissions during her nearly four-year tenure.

Siegel Shimko joined the CSU System in 2022 as the inaugural assistant vice chancellor for community engagement. She was appointed as the vice chancellor for administration and government relations in 2024 where she oversees system-wide operations, advises the chancellor on strategic priorities, and leads state and federal advocacy efforts.

“I am thrilled to join the WICHE Commission and am grateful to Gov. Jared Polis for this appointment,” she said. “I look forward to contributing to its work expanding access to higher education across the West. Strengthening regional connections is essential to ensuring that students, no matter where they live, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”