Kathryn Winn

Kathryn Winn is a Colorado local government lawyer and partner who has represented public entities since 2008. She focuses on general counsel work for special districts, municipalities, authorities, and library districts. Her practice includes governance, open records, open meetings, employment matters, the Special District Act, and HIPAA compliance. Kathryn helps boards, managers, and public officials understand legal obligations, respond to operational issues, and make informed decisions while serving their communities.

Kathryn earned her J.D. from the University of Denver and her Bachelor’s degree in English from Mary Washington College in Virginia. Her legal education, combined with her background in public-sector and conservation work, supports her ability to analyze statutes, draft clear guidance, and address governance and compliance questions. She applies that training to legal issues involving public meetings, records requests, employment concerns, board responsibilities, and other matters affecting Colorado local governments.

Before entering her current local government practice, Kathryn managed the Open Space Grant Program for Great Outdoors Colorado. In that role, she handled complex conservation easement transactions and gained experience with public funding, land protection, and negotiated agreements. Since 2008, she has advised a wide range of Colorado governmental entities and has built a practice centered on long-term general counsel relationships, practical problem solving, and day-to-day legal support for boards and public administrators.

Kathryn Winn regularly speaks at Special District Association conferences and workshops on open records, open meetings, boardsmanship, employment investigations, social media, HIPAA, and the Special District Act. She also updates the SDA Board Member Manual each year. Her continued involvement in professional education reflects a strong focus on helping local government leaders understand their responsibilities. Kathryn brings practical public-sector experience, clear communication, and a relationship-focused approach to advising Colorado governmental clients.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Collins Cole Winn & Ulmer, PLLC
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• Colorado

Education

• University of Denver
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Mary Washington College
  Bachelor’s Degree