Denver, Colo. – Gov. Jared Polis has appointed three new members to Connect for Health Colorado’s board of directors.
Kristin Harding, chief marketing and communications officer for Children’s Hospital Colorado; former state Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, president of the Bell Policy Center; and Toni Sarge, director of health policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign will begin four-year terms on the board effective immediately.
“I’m happy to welcome Kristin, Chris, and Toni to our board of directors,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “They’ve done incredible work in their respective careers to protect, expand, and promote access to affordable health coverage for every Coloradan—and their collective expertise will be extremely valuable to us as we continue to do the work to improve the health of Colorado’s communities.”
Connect for Health Colorado’s board meets monthly to discuss and vote on a range of issues related to the organization’s policies and operations. The board includes nine voting members and three ex-officio members, who serve in an advisory capacity.
Harding, deGruy Kennedy, and Sarge will replace outgoing board members Mara Baer, Christy Blakely, and Lorez Meinhold.
“I am extremely grateful to Mara, Christy and Lorez for their service,” Patterson said. “As members of the board, they have provided valuable perspectives, helping guide Connect for Health Colorado through years of significant transition and record-breaking enrollment. I appreciate their willingness to share their time, talent and expertise.”
About Kristin Harding
Kristin Harding is the chief marketing and communications officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She leads the organization’s marketing and communications strategy, including modernization of its marketing engine. She also oversees the hospital’s enterprise-level crisis communications program, shaping strategy and response during high-stakes situations, and strengthening organizational readiness. Previously, as chief marketing officer for Individual Solutions at Transamerica, she led marketing and customer experience capabilities across insurance and annuities business lines, and orchestrated high-performing go-to-market strategies. Harding holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
About Chris deGruy Kennedy
Former state Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy is president of the Bell Policy Center, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic mobility for every Coloradan. Prior to joining the Bell in July 2024, he served four terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing Lakewood, Edgewater, and parts of Jefferson County, and concluded his tenure as Speaker Pro Tempore. During his time in the legislature, he led efforts to address the high costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, and to expand access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare. A lifelong Coloradan, deGruy Kennedy holds degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Denver.
About Toni Sarge
Toni Sarge is director of health policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, where she works with partners and lawmakers to ensure all children have access to health coverage and high-quality care. She leads multiple statewide coalitions focused on child well-being, including the Cover All Coloradans coalition and the All Kids Covered coalition. Prior to joining The Campaign, she worked in marketing and communications at Boulder Community Health and served as director of public affairs for WestSide Baby in Seattle. Sarge holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, San Diego.
About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.
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