Jennifer Cassell: A Game Lobbyist

Jennifer Cassell’s love of golf and politics dovetails in her role at the Colorado State Capitol.

By Judy Malone/Photographs courtesy CGA

THE ACTIVITY THAT brings so many people to Colorado cast the same spell on Jennifer Cassell. Yet, this Kansas girl’s dream of being a ski bum soon took a backseat to her first love—politics.

But how does golf fit into this?

Not long after her parents enrolled their then-10-year-old daughter in a local junior golf program, Jennifer Cassell became a competitive player who eventually earned spots on the golf teams at Wichita East High School and the University of Kansas.

But by the time she graduated from KU in 2003 with degrees in political science and international studies, Cassell had burned out on golf. She took up ski instruction for a couple winters and worked in the golf shop at Breckenridge Golf Club one summer and on the maintenance crew at the Keystone courses a year later.

Her interest in politics led to an M.A. in international studies from the University of Denver, as well as jobs as a legislative aide, campaign manager and research associate. She eventually became the legislative liaison for Governor John Hickenlooper’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade and part of his Legislative Policy staff before joining the private-contract lobbying firm of Tomlinson and Associates in 2013.

When the firm’s owner retired in 2016, Jennifer Cassell and colleague Ed Bowditch took over to create the government relations firm Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs. For the last six years, she has lobbied on behalf of the Colorado golf industry.

“Life comes full circle,” Cassell comments. “I have a wide perspective on golf, having experienced everything from playing the game to administrative and groundskeeping duties. I am very fortunate to have stayed with it because it has brought me to Colorado golf and helped to make me the person I am today.”

 

FROM A LEGISLATIVE PERSPECTIVE, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP ISSUES FACING COLORADO GOLF FACILITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

Environmental concerns—particularly, responsible pesticide usage and management—would be first and foremost. This seems to be a widespread theme for everyone right now and one we are addressing in this session. Proper and responsible pesticide usage is just one of many examples where the golf community can educate the public on how they are responsible stewards of the land. A second environmental concern is always water, both usage and conservation policies.

At the end of the day, golf courses and clubs are businesses and employers. So, we are always watching legislation that might affect the business of golf, like employee relations, paid sick leave and Family Medical Leave polices, to name a few.

Because the golf industry encompasses so many distinct and different issues from multiple associations, it is noteworthy to mention the value of the Colorado Golf Coalition (Colorado PGA, Colorado Golf Association, Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Mile High Chapter of the Club Management Association of America) coming together to show a united front and coalesce for the good of the game.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO LEVERAGE GOLF TO IMPACT YOUR CAREER?

Golf has opened up a lot of doors for me and helped me in my professional career. It has allowed me to network, to get new or prospective clients and provides an opportunity to develop personal relationships with my existing clients. Golf gives us a shared interest. And, it always brings a smile to our faces when I can remind a client that I can out-drive them!

AS A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN, DO YOU FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY TO INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN?

I would consider it a privilege rather than a responsibility to be able to inspire women and girls to play golf. Golf is a lifelong game that can take you many places, both personally and professionally. Had I not stuck with golf, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just like politics is a tough career, golf is a tough sport to play. Hopefully, I can inspire women and girls to stick with it and to persevere. By doing these two things, golf will reward you—as will politics.

WHO IS YOUR DREAM FOURSOME–AND WHY?

There are so many, but I grew up watching these three world-class golfers both on and off the course and it would be my honor to play with them–Freddie Couples, Davis Love III and Dottie Pepper. Just as importantly, we would walk the course, and my caddie would be my dad!

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This article was also featured in the May 2020 issue of Colorado AvidGolfer.

Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.