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2008 Elections : NOW PACs Profile
Betsy Markey (D-Colo., 4th District)
Entrepreneur Running to Make Her Mark
NOW PAC has endorsed successful business owner Betsy Markey in her bid for Colorado's 4th District congressional seat. For the past two years, Markey has served as regional director to U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, working to address the needs of local residents. Today, Markey is running to advance initiatives that would provide affordable health care for all, ensure reproductive rights for women, and address the needs of business owners and farmers throughout the state.
After earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida, Markey went on to complete her master's degree in public administration with an emphasis in public finance from American University. While earning her MPA, she was appointed to be a presidential management fellow and earned coveted assignments in the Treasury and State departments. At the end of this fellowship, she was recruited for permanent employment as the director of Computer Security Policy and Training in the Office of Information Systems and Security. Part of her job entailed creating computer security policies, monitoring cyber terrorism, and addressing physical threats to U.S. overseas assets. For her service, she was awarded the State Department's Meritorious Honor Award.
In the 1980s, Markey and her husband started an Internet business called Syscom Services. Under her leadership as CEO and CFO in the '80s, the business was listed as No. 99 on Inc. magazine's list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Markey's business continues to flourish and keeps her in touch with the challenges and obstacles facing industry today.
Markey founded the Northern Colorado Democratic Business Coalition in 2001. Shortly after she was elected to serve as the Chair of Larimer County's Democratic Party -- a position she held for three years. As regional director for Salazar, Markey coordinated activities, addressed issues important to the region, and worked closely with businesses, agricultural groups, elected leaders, non-profits and individuals in order to better serve constituents.
Markey and her husband, Jim, have three children. They enjoy spending time, hiking, and playing tennis at their cabin in Sedgwick, Colo.
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More about the 2008 Elections
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