Aspen announces new director and interim leadership appointments
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
The city of Aspen has announced in a press release a series of key promotions within its Strategy and Innovation Office, as well as the transportation and parking departments, marking a shift in leadership to continue the city’s dedication to innovation and service.
John Barker has been promoted to director of the Strategy and Innovation Office, stepping into the role previously held by Patrick Quick. The Strategy and Innovation Office is critical in consulting with city departments, managing the Aspen 311 Connect platform, administering the Community Survey, and assisting with long-term strategic planning efforts.
Barker, who has been with the city since June 2016, brings extensive experience to the position, having served as deputy director since June 2023, according to the press release. Now, he will lead a team of six tasked with driving strategic initiatives and enhancing the city’s operational efficiency.
His professional background is grounded in nonprofit work within the Roaring Fork Valley, and he holds a philosophy degree from Colorado College. His approach to the new role is centered on collaboration with city staff to improve municipal services.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a team with as much dedication and expertise as the strategy and innovation office,” Barker said in the press release. “My team and I are committed to helping the city function as the best version of itself by listening and responding to community feedback, supporting continuous improvement, and improving the experience of city customers.”
He also expressed his eagerness to develop new tools for more effective communication, both within city departments and with the community.
In addition to his appointment, the city has named two interim leadership roles in the Transportation and Parking departments.
Effective Oct. 7, Lynn Rumbaugh will take on the role of interim director of transportation.
Rumbaugh, who has been with the city since 2000, brings nearly three decades of expertise in transportation management, according to the press release. Most recently serving as transportation manager, she has been instrumental in advancing the city’s Transportation Demand Management programs, which aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve sustainability.
She holds a degree in sociology with a focus on environmental studies and is dedicated to continuing her work on these community-supported initiatives.
Blake Fitch, who has served the city for 31 years, will become interim director of parking, also starting on Oct. 7.
Fitch previously held the position of parking operations manager and is a Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP). He is focused on maintaining high levels of customer service while exploring how new technologies can improve parking operations.
Both he and Rumbaugh step into their interim roles following the departure of Pete Rice, the former director of transportation and parking.
