Arndt, who served as mayor of Fort Collins from 2021 to 2026 and spent seven years in the Colorado House, said she is eager to take on the role.

"I am absolutely honored to be entrusted with this position, to build trust in government and help build a trustworthy government," Arndt said.

The position was originally created by then-Gov. John Hickenlooper but was discontinued under Gov. Jared Polis. Weiser intends to ask the legislature to make the position statutory, according to his campaign.

Arndt told Colorado Politics that her legislative experience, including service on the agriculture committee, has prepared her to bridge divides.

"I've learned Arabic and Portuguese in a quest to understand how people think and work and build strong communities," she said. "This appointment is an extension of my life's work to do that, whether different countries, languages or abilities. I'm trying to bring us together to have the kind of Colorado we want."

John Swartout, who held the position under Hickenlooper, explained the rationale behind its creation. He recalled traveling with Hickenlooper to Craig to discuss the sage grouse issue, where residents expressed that rural Colorado felt abandoned. That prompted Hickenlooper to establish the office, with the director reporting directly to the governor and chief of staff.

"I was able to advocate for and find solutions, with most of them at the legislature," Swartout said. More importantly, he added, agriculture and local governments had a seat at the table before decisions were made.

Swartout said he believes Arndt understands that message from rural Colorado.

Gaspar Perricone, who represents the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, praised the appointment.

"She will be a great fit for this role," Perricone said. "Jeni brings proven policy acumen with practical appreciation for the realities facing rural Colorado. Her thoughtful solution-driven approach will deliver the transparency, accountable leadership necessary to strengthen rural economies across the state."

Wade Harle, director of the Western Slope's Club 20, also applauded the pick, saying he is not concerned that Weiser chose someone from the Front Range.

"She is tough but also practical and that's what we need," Harle said. "We need someone who understands rural issues and can be on the [legislature's] second floor advocating for rural people."

Arndt holds degrees from Colorado College, the University of Colorado-Boulder and Purdue University. Her appointment comes as Weiser, the governor-elect, begins assembling his administration following the November election.