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Former Colorado House Speaker Romanoff Gets New Advocacy Job

DENVER (AP) - Former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff has been named president and CEO of Mental Health America of Colorado.

The advocacy group announced Monday that Romanoff will begin his new job April 1, replacing Donald Mares, who was appointed in December as Denver's executive director of behavioral health strategies

MHAC board chairman Chuck Reyman says the group was looking for a "dynamic, inspiring and seasoned professional" to fill the post.

Romanoff served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009 and as Speaker from 2005 to 2009. He lost his challenge last November to Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman.

Romanoff says MHAC's work is "literally a matter of life and death" and he's grateful for the chance to make a difference.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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