Jim Lochhead recently began private consulting after 13 years as the chief executive officer for Denver Water, the public utility providing water service to over 1.5 million customers in the Denver metropolitan area. During Jim’s tenure, Denver Water saw historic accomplishments in service to its customers, including the completion of the largest capital development program in Denver Water’s history, involving $2B in capital projects. Jim spearheaded programs to increase the resiliency and sustainability of Denver Water’s system to meet the needs of a growing population in the face of a changing climate. He also focused on enhancing organizational culture, financial management, governance, and controls.
Prior to his time at Denver Water, Jim managed a law practice concentrating on matters concerning western water rights, interstate and international water matters, public lands and natural resources, state and federal public policy, zoning, land use, and real estate development. He was named as one of the top water rights litigators in the United States by Chambers & Partners, and as one of the Best Lawyers in America by the National Post.
Jim served under Governor Roy Romer as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, overseeing the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Minerals and Geology, Water Resources, Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Soil Conservation Board, State Land Board, and Wildlife. He also served as the governor’s representative on interstate Colorado River operations and Colorado’s Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission.
Jim is a recipient of the “Water Leader of the Year” award from the Colorado Water Congress, the President’s Award from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education, and the Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.