Jane R. Best

About Jane R. Best

Demonstrated leadership experience across the public policy landscape: government relations, leading large networks, state and federal policy, creating partnerships, developing and managing advocacy campaigns, proposal writing, using and translating research analytics for multiple audiences to understand impact and policy implications.• Experience working directly with state and federal agencies, engaging business and community coalitions & philanthropy.• Skilled at designing and executing strategic plans and government affairs strategies and messaging to diverse stakeholders. Proficiency initiating special projects to address diversity, equity and inclusion.• Natural ability to set priorities, coordinate with communications and marketing, and build consensus. Accomplished with budgets, online platforms, staffing, media, and writing.

Experience

1. Senior Advisor for Legislative and Government Affairs

   Adams County Government

   Jan 2026 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Lead the Legislative and Government Affairs function on behalf of Adams County, Colorado and the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and County Manager-Develop and maintain relationships with Colorado legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and municipal partners to advance the County’s public policy goals, in alignment with applicable laws-Propose, solicit, or prepare legislative and regulatory changes while identifying and addressing affected interests-Plan and coordinate the County’s political and legislative strategy in collaboration with the BoCC and Adams County staff-Work with federal and state contract lobbyists to advance the interests of the county-Engage in coalitions with other Colorado counties across the state to address proposed concerns or opportunities in Colorado legislation-Supervise the Human Services Legislative and Policy Analyst and convene other departmental policy staff.

Education

• Vanderbilt University

  Ph.D., Public Policy

• The Ohio State University

  M.A., Education, English and French

• Indiana University Bloomington

  B.A., Communications w/ minor in Art History

Skills

• Politics of Education
• Strategic Communications
• Strategy
• Grants
• Politics
• Policy
• International Development
• Proposal Writing
• Nonprofits
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Research Design
• Policy Analysis
• Quantitative Research
• Program Development
• Staff Development
• Data Analysis
• Policy Research
• Research
• Educational Governance
• Educational Leadership
• Program Evaluation
• Education Management
• Community Outreach
• Legislative Relations
• K-12 and Higher Education
• K-12
• Survey Design
• Qualitative Research
• Education Policy
• Fundraising
• Public Policy Research
• Strategic Planning
• Workshop Facilitation
• Federal Government Relations
• Public Policy
• Higher Education
• Government Relations
• Public Speaking