Congressional District 6 hopeful Andrew Romanoff graciously receives condolences Nov. 4 at an election night watch party at Moe's Original BBQ. Democrats were losing heavily across the state in what appeared to be a rout. (Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel)

DENVER | President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, Andrew Romanoff, has been named the 2017 Leader of Democracy by the League of Women Voters of Colorado.

Recipients of the award must demonstrate, through a public position, professional or volunteer work that they’ve made significant, positive contributions to democracy, according to a news release from Mental Health Colorado Communications Director Jen Marnowski.

The League of Women Voters of Colorado President Barbara Mattison calls Romanoff one of Colorado’s premier public servants.

Romanoff served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009, and as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009. He is currently president of the state’s leading advocacy nonprofit, Mental Health Colorado.

Among other achievements while he was in the House, Romanoff authored the Colorado Economic Recovery Act (Referendum C) and Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST), the largest investment in school construction in state history. He also sponsored laws to expand screening, diagnosis and treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

In 2008, Governing Magazine named Romanoff “Public Official of the Year.” And more than 50 state and national organizations, including Advocates for Recovery, the Colorado Association of Alcohol and Drug Service Providers, the Colorado Medical Society, the Colorado Psychological Association and the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social workers have honored his legislative and advocacy leadership.

Romanoff will accept this award at 6:15 p.m. June 12 at the League of Women Voters Leader of Democracy event at Denver’s Crawford Hill Mansion, 150 E. 10th Ave.