Kate Siegel Shimko, vice chancellor for administration and governmental relations at the Colorado State University (CSU) System, has been appointed as a commissioner on the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, serves higher education and workforce needs across 15 Western states as well as U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
Siegel Shimko will join Jim Chavez of the Community College of Denver Foundation and Angie Paccione from the Colorado Department of Higher Education as representatives for Colorado on the WICHE Commission. The commission consists of 48 members who are appointed by state governors or leaders of freely associated states. The body oversees WICHE’s direction and ensures that the Western Regional Educational Compact is implemented to benefit the region since its creation in 1953.
“Vice Chancellor Siegel Shimko brings to the WICHE Commission extensive knowledge and experience in fostering partnerships between higher education and workforce development,” said WICHE President Demarée Michelau. “Her background in state government and deep appreciation for collaboration offers valuable perspective into the intersection of policy and practice, and we look forward to working with her to strengthen cross-sector connections to better serve students and our communities.”
Siegel Shimko has more than ten years’ experience in state and national politics, including work in consulting, fundraising, and strategic development. Before joining CSU, she was director of boards and commissions in the Colorado Governor’s Office where she managed appointments for over 2,200 individuals across more than 300 state boards during nearly four years.
She began her tenure at CSU System in 2022 as assistant vice chancellor for community engagement before becoming vice chancellor for administration and government relations in 2024. In this role, she oversees system operations, advises on strategic priorities, and leads advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels.
“I am thrilled to join the WICHE Commission and am grateful to Gov. Jared Polis for this appointment,” Siegel Shimko said. “I look forward to contributing to its work expanding access to higher education across the West. Strengthening regional connections is essential to ensuring that students, no matter where they live, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”