Jim Lochhead, CEO/manager of Denver Water, is recognized as one of the nation's foremost water rights and natural resources attorneys.

Denver Water is responsible for the collection, storage, quality control, and distribution of drinking water to nearly one-fourth of all Coloradans -- more than 1.3 million people in Denver and its surrounding suburbs, and millions more to visitors each year. Established in 1918, the utility is a public agency funded by water rates and new tap fees, not taxes. It is Colorado's oldest and largest water utility.

Lochhead is the former executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and former shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP. He received his bachelor's degree in environmental biology from the University of Colorado in 1974, and a law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1978.

"The Metro Denver region cannot reach its full potential without a secure water supply, well-maintained and planned infrastructure, and a financially strong water utility. Denver Water is therefore vital to the future of the Front Range. Being a part of the Metro Denver EDC gives us the platform, information, and access to key leaders to truly make us a strategic partner in the region's economic development."