Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is Thomas Kurek, director of public-private partnerships (P3) in the Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration.
Public career highlights: Prior to my service as director of the P3 Office at DPA I worked with the Economic Development Administration, where I managed a portfolio of multi-million dollar grants and led the Denver region’s data strategy.
In addition, I served as the senior program manager for the Superstorm Sandy recovery effort at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, where I led the coordination of federal, state, local governments, consultants and private contractors to streamline the reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 8,000 homes in the state of New Jersey.
What I like best about public service is: The ability to improve people’s lives through actions. My office’s mission is to improve access to affordable housing, childcare, behavioral and mental health and broadband. Every time we accomplish one of those main pillars we are improving the life of a Coloradan, and that is a really cool feeling when we can do that.
The best advice I’ve received: One piece of wisdom that I actually held onto was something Anthony Bourdain had said: “The Journey is Part of the Experience.” To me it is just so true, and you can apply it to a whole bunch of things, especially life.
People might be interested to know that: I love to travel and experience other people’s cultures. It really keeps me invigorated and happy.
One thing I wish more people knew about the P3 Office: My department oversees the development, construction, planning, design and expansion for state P3 projects that accommodate some of Colorado’s foundational needs. Public-Private Partnerships at their best are a way to effectively and efficiently provide a service that the taxpayer ultimately demands of us. They are not a cure all, they are not a corporate giveaway, they are a service solution to complicated issues.
