Named Colorado commissioner of education in December 2016, Dr. Katy Anthes is widely respected for her commitment to listening to diverse perspectives and developing solutions that are founded on productive middle ground. Keeping students’ best interests as her top priority, she focuses on providing high-quality support to districts and educators working to enhance student outcomes.

Anthes has been with the Colorado Department of Education since 2011, serving as interim commissioner, chief of staff, interim commissioner for achievement and strategy, and executive director of educator effectiveness. In that role, she led the state’s effort to evaluate, support, and retain highly effective educators. In addition, Anthes was responsible for rolling out the state’s educator evaluation and development system.

Previously, as a partner with the Third Mile Group, Anthes led and researched major education initiatives for state, district, and national organizations, including the Colorado School Leadership Academy Board, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Commission, and others. Anthes also worked alongside groups such as the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Governors Association, National Commission for Teaching & America’s Future, and American Institutes for Research.

Prior to founding the Third Mile Group, she had seven years of research, policy, and leadership experience at Education Commission of the States, with a focus on school and district leader effectiveness. Anthes holds a Ph.D. in public policy and a master’s in public affairs from the University of Colorado Denver. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Oregon.

Anthes is Colorado’s first female commissioner in 65 years, preceded only by the state’s inaugural commissioner, Nettie S. Freed, in 1950-51.