CU-Denver Intern Begins Work in Kiowa County

January 23, 2004

Bill Yohey, who is studying for a Masters Degree in Political Science at the University of Colorado at Denver, has moved to Eads and will spend the next two years working with elements of local government to learn the intimate workings of governmental operations.

Yohey is a native of New Jersey where he received his basic education before graduating from Farleigh-Dickinson University with a degree in psychology. Following graduation Yohey worked in the accounting department of a large oil company, worked as a real estate broker, and then worked for many years in the computer networking industry.

An interest in government prompted Yohey to return to school in order to obtain a Masters Degree in an area involving government and governmental operations specifically in smaller or rural jurisdictions. Yohey enrolled in the CU-Denver "Center for New Directions" program and ultimately was selected to be part of the program’s elite "Best and Brightest" group of students.

Due in part to the many opportunities developing in Kiowa County, such as development of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, building of the Kiowa County Assisted Living Facility, development of the Jackson property, and the revitalization of Maine Street, Kiowa County officials became interested in the opportunity to secure an intern that would assist in the facilitation of these projects.

Kiowa County officials presented a proposal to the Department of Local Affairs, which provides substantial funding for the costs associated with having an intern at the local level, and to CU-Denver. The proposal outlined Kiowa County opportunities for an intern to enhance his or her education and experience.

Potential interns then reviewed proposals from various governmental entities and students that expressed interest in Kiowa County were then interviewed by county officials. Of those interviewed, Yohey stood out to county officials due to his enthusiasm for Kiowa County and his desire to become involved in the multiple opportunities for learning being presented by the county.

According to Yohey after reviewing the Kiowa County proposal he was keenly interested in coming to Kiowa County because of the "opportunity to experience multiple facets of government and the chance to work with various agencies on a wide variety of exciting projects".

Yohey is based in the Kiowa County Economic Development office in the county courthouse and can be reached at (719) 438-2200. Bill is single and now lives in Eads with his dog and two housecats.