Commissioner Leslie Summey

Serving District 4

Leslie Summey is the first African American to be elected to serve as a commissioner in Arapahoe County. She is serving her first term as commissioner representing District 4, which includes some unincorporated areas in northern Arapahoe County, the City of Glendale, and portions of the City of Aurora. She was sworn into office Jan. 9, 2023 and her current term expires January 2027. She serves as the Board’s Chair in 2025.

Representation

As commissioner, Leslie is the internal liaison for the County Attorney and Commissioners’ Office and, externally, she represents the County’s interests on a variety of boards and committees including: 

  • Arapahoe County Regional Opioid Abatement Council 
  • Aurora Economic Development Council 
  • Arapahoe County Board of Social Services  
  • Boundary Control Commission 
  • Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT): Housing 
  • Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT): All Member Meeting 
  • Colorado Counties, Inc.: Justice and Public Safety 
  • Colorado Counties, Inc.: Land Use and Natural Resources 
  • Housing Authority 
  • Metro Area County Commissioners (MACC) 
  • Mile High Flood District 
  • NACo: Justice Committee 
  • NACo: Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) 
  • NACo: Veterans and Military Services Committee 
  • Public Airport Authority – Centennial Airport 
  • Arapahoe County Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors 
  • Community Services Block Grant Advisory Committee
  • Arapahoe County Justice Coordinating Committee 

Goals

Leslie Summey is a mother, US Navy veteran, Retired Army spouse, union member, advocate, and proud Coloradan dedicated to improving Arapahoe County. As Commissioner, Summey, will focus on many issues that affect the lives of county residents, including Veterans’ services, housing affordability and insecurity, and expanding access to public and mental health services.

Background

Leslie attended Colorado College before enlisting in the United States Navy. Her duty stations included Charleston, SC and San Diego, CA. She ended her military career in Washington, DC, at the United States Navy Band. Leslie and her husband, Harold, have five children. 

Government Experience

  • Legislative Aide, Colorado—HD 6, 2020-2021
  • Arapahoe County Subcommittee on Racial Equity in the Criminal Justice System, 2021-present

Community Involvement

Leslie has always been an active parent in her children’s educations, having served on the Board of Trustees, chairing their Parents of African American Students affinity group in Virginia, and establishing another Parents of African American Students affinity group in Colorado.

  • Zonta International—Member
  • Jack and Jill of America, Inc.—Member
  • Political Workers Guild of Colorado—Member (inactive)
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