Press Releases & Announcements
Commissioner Julie Duran Mullica Elected Board Chair for 2026; Kathy Henson Elected Vice Chair
At its first meeting of 2026, the Adams County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) elected the new chair and vice chair to preside over board matters for the year. Commissioner Julie Duran Mullica, who represents District 1, was voted unanimously as chair.
“It’s an honor, privilege, and joy to be chosen to serve as the chair of the board. I’m excited to begin a new year of work dedicated to improving the lives of our residents,” Mullica said. “As both someone who grew up in Adams County and is now raising my own family here, serving this community truly feels like serving home.”
Mullica was elected as a commissioner in 2024 and previously served on the Northglenn City Council and the Tri-County Board of Health, on which she sat during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a lifelong Adams County resident and a proud graduate of Mapleton Public Schools and the University of Colorado. Mullica brings her strong background in and passion for public health and evidence-based strategies to the BoCC, where she advocates for innovative solutions to some of the biggest issues facing the county, such as affordable housing and childcare, smart growth, transportation, and the need for safe and clean environments in which Adams County residents can thrive. She is a mother of three and is proud to be raising her children alongside her husband, Colorado State Senator Kyle Mullica.
Commissioner Kathy Henson, representing District 2, was voted unanimously as vice chair. Henson was elected as a commissioner in 2024, following service on the Thornton City Council and Finance Audit Committee at Adams 12 Five Star Schools, where she oversaw a $560 million annual budget. Kathy’s early career was spent in the performing arts, working as an actor, choreographer, and director for more than two decades. That experience honed her skills in collaboration, communication, leadership, and flexibility. Her priorities for Adams County include expanding affordable housing, strengthening small businesses, protecting the environment, enhancing public safety, and fostering vibrant arts and cultural opportunities. Born and raised in Colorado, Henson now lives in Thornton with her husband, Dennis. Both of their sons are Adams 12 graduates and, now, college students.
“I’m so proud of the work I’ve done on this board since my election in 2024, and I’m honored to get to continue it as vice chair of the BoCC,” Henson said. “Adams County has been my home for more than 20 years and to be a part of shaping the story of this extraordinary, vibrant place means the world to me.”
Henson assumes the vice chair role from Mullica, while the chair role passes to Mullica from Commissioner Lynn Baca.
“This last year was full of ups and downs for every member of the Adams County community. Our county’s residents showed incredible resilience through challenges, and for me, it was a tremendous privilege to be the Chair of the Board and to lead not only for but with every single person in our community,” Baca said. “I’m grateful my fellow commissioners chose me to be the chair for 2025 and have steadfast confidence in Commissioners Mullica and Henson to lead the Board into 2026 with grace, skill, compassion, and dedication.”
