Rick Palacio


Rick Palacio is an American political executive who served as Chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party from 2011 to 2017.

Early life and education

He was born in Pueblo, Colorado. Palacio graduated from Regis University in Denver.

Career

Prior to his service as Chair, Palacio worked in a variety of roles in Colorado and national politics. Palacio held multiple roles with then-U.S. Rep. John Salazar, including Legislative Assistant and later Deputy Communications Director.
In 2008, he was hired as Deputy Director of Member Service in the office of the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Palacio was one of the primary Congressional staffers responsible for the repeal of Don't ask, don't tell.
Palacio was elected Chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party on March 5, 2011. He is the first Latino in Colorado's history to hold the office of chair of a major political party, and when elected was second in the nation. Palacio served as a Senior Advisor for the John Hickenlooper 2020 presidential campaign.
Palacio is the founder of PSGroup, a political and corporate consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado. In April 2020, Palacio joined Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, a law and lobbying firm, in their State & Local Legislation & Policy Group.

Personal life

He is also openly gay.

Awards and recognition