Strategic Issues Program

Who We Are

Dr. James Griesemer

Director Email

Jim Griesemer is professor and dean emeritus at the University of Denver and serves as director of the University's Strategic Issues Program. His background includes extensive public sector executive experience and nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. During his career he has taught management and strategy at the University of Denver, the University of Colorado and Aurora University in Illinois.

From 1994 to 2004 Dr. Griesemer served as dean of the Daniels College of Business. During his tenure the College increased its enrollment by 70 percent, quintupled its endowment, constructed a new state-of-the-art building, saw a major expansion in degree programs and gained a national reputation for excellence.

The Daniels College was recognized as one of the top 50 business schools by the Wall Street Journal in 2003; in 2004 the Journal ranked Daniels as one of the top 10 regional schools in the U.S. and ranked its business ethics program one of the top five in the world.

Before becoming dean, Dr. Griesemer served as chief financial officer of the University of Denver, where he helped lead the financial turnaround of the University.

Prior to joining the University of Denver, Dr. Griesemer had extensive experience in public administration serving as city manager of several cities across the U.S. including Aurora, Colo. from 1984 to 1990. During his city management career he was the recipient of national and regional awards for excellence including, among others, the National Innovation Award in public finance. He was named Outstanding Public Administrator in Colorado by the University of Colorado's School of Public Affairs.

Dr. Griesemer is active in the community, recently having served as chair of the Finance Committee of the Denver Infrastructure Task Force and chair of the Colorado Economic Futures Panel. He has served as a trustee of the Colorado Symphony and is a trustee of the Iliff School of Theology.

Dr. Griesemer is the author of two books and is a frequent speaker on strategic management for businesses and institutions. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Illinois University and a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.

Jennifer Superka, JD

Program Manager Email

As a Colorado native, issues of public policy in the state are of special interest to Jennifer Superka.

Before joining the Strategic Issues Program, Jennifer was a Denver attorney specializing in business and estate planning. She graduated from the College of Law at the University of Denver in 2002, and passed the Colorado bar in February 2003.

Jennifer attended Colorado College in Colorado Springs and obtained her B.A. in History with a Minor in Southwest Studies.

In addition to lending her research, writing and analysis skills to the SIP, Jennifer coordinates SIP panel meetings and oversees the day-to-day operations of the SIP office.

Rebecca Swanson, MPP

Research Administrator Email

Rebecca Swanson is charged with research, policy and strategy development for the Strategic Issues Program.

Prior to joining the University of Denver, Rebecca served as a Senior Policy Analyst for Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. Her primary areas of focus included natural resources, energy, agriculture, local government and environmental issues. She also represented the governor on the Western Governors Association Staff Council, and chaired or served on several gubernatorial boards and task forces.

Rebecca obtained a Master's degree in Public Policy in 2005 from the University of Denver, where she worked as graduate research assistant for former Governor Richard D. Lamm and for professor of political science Andrew E. Busch.

Additionally, after studying Neuroscience at The Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Rebecca spent more than ten years educating youths and adults. Her work included five years in the Minnesota public k-12 school system, and many enjoyable years planning and leading national and international-based wilderness and service learning trips.