~ Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has announced two significant leadership changes within the city today. The first change involves the retirement of Municipal Court Presiding Judge HayDen William Kane II, who has served the city for over two decades. The second change is the departure of Economic Development Director Jessie Kimber, who will be replaced by current Economic Development Manager Shawna Lippert on an interim basis while a national search is conducted for a permanent successor.

Judge Kane has been a dedicated public servant for the City of Colorado Springs since 2007, when he was appointed as Presiding Judge. He also served as Municipal Court Administrator since 2014 and was initially appointed as an Associate Municipal Court Judge in 2001. During his time with the city, Judge Kane has not only overseen the operations of Colorado Springs Municipal Court but also played a crucial role in shaping the municipal judiciary across Colorado through his leadership with state and local bar associations.

"It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve this city as Presiding Judge," said Judge Kane upon announcing his retirement.

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Pending confirmation by the Colorado Springs City Council, Associate Judge Kristen Hoffecker will take over as the next Presiding Judge. She has been serving as an Associate Municipal Court Judge since 2016 and is also currently a Magistrate Judge for Colorado's Fourth Judicial District and a Municipal Judge for the Town of Calhan. With over two decades of experience in municipal, county, district, and private practice, including serving as a prosecutor for both the City of Colorado Springs and the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office, Judge Hoffecker is well-prepared to lead the court into its next chapter.

The second leadership transition announced by Mayor Mobolade involves Economic Development Director Jessie Kimber's departure from her position. Kimber joined the City in January 2024 after serving as vice president of defense development for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and previously working as a special assistant to former Mayor John Suthers. During her time with the city, she played a crucial role in advancing the City's economic vitality priorities and strengthening partnerships with the local business community.

"Serving the City of Colorado Springs has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Kimber. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside incredible public servants, our military community, and business leaders to help strengthen the place we all call home."

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While Kimber is stepping away from her full-time role, she remains committed to serving the community through volunteer work and civic engagement. She explained that her decision to leave her position was driven by a desire to spend more time with her two teenage daughters before they grow up.

In her absence, Economic Development Manager Shawna Lippert will serve as Acting Economic Development Director. Lippert has been with the City for four years and has proven herself as a capable leader in economic development. Mayor Mobolade expressed his confidence in Lippert's experience, leadership, and commitment to ensuring continuity as they continue to advance their vision of an economically prosperous Colorado Springs.

"These leadership transitions reflect both the strength of the extraordinary people who have faithfully served Colorado Springs and the remarkable depth of talent we have within our organization," said Mayor Mobolade. "Judge HayDen Kane has been an integral part of our community for over two decades, and his leadership has left a lasting mark on our Municipal Court and our city. I am deeply grateful for his service. Judge Kristen Hoffecker is a highly respected jurist and proven leader who is exceptionally well prepared to lead the court into its next chapter. I also want to thank Jessie Kimber for her dedicated service and wish her every success in the future."

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