DENVER, CO – Michael Best Strategies expands its team in Colorado with the addition of child welfare advocate, Becky Miller Updike.

Miller Updike has 25 years of experience in policy, advocacy and research in the child welfare arena. As a Principal at Michael Best Strategies, Miller Updike will focus her efforts on assisting the Colorado Association of Family & Children’s Agencies (CAFCA) as Contract Executive Director. In her role, she will oversee administration, marketing, community outreach, programming and strategic planning at CAFCA as well as assist other Michael Best Strategies clients as they navigate their own government relations needs.

“Becky’s integrity and professional approach to solving difficult public policy challenges will benefit our team and clients tremendously,” said Rob Marchant, President at Michael Best Strategies. “We are thrilled that she has chosen to join our growing Colorado practice.”

Most recently, Miller Updike served as Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center.  Prior to that, she was Vice President of Child & Family Services for Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains. Miller Updike was Colorado’s first Child Protection Ombudsman, a state office monitoring the child welfare system established through legislation in 2011.

“Becky’s extensive background and leadership in the field of child welfare makes her uniquely qualified for this position,” said Jeff Thormodsgaard, Partner at Michael Best Strategies. “Her presence, poise and dedication serves as a great example of what it means to work for the greater good.”

“I can’t say enough about the Michael Best Strategies team and the work they have done to advocate for those who need a voice at the table,” said Miller Updike. “It is a privilege to join the firm and to continue to play a part in promoting the well-being of our children in Colorado.”

Miller Updike also served as Executive Director of the Colorado Judicial Institute. She represented Tennyson Center for Children and several other community agencies in the advocacy and policy research arenas, and was an Aide in US Congress and in the Indiana legislature. Miller Updike currently serves on the board of Colorado Children’s Alliance.

Miller Updike holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Indiana University, and an MA and PhD in Education at the University of Denver. She was recognized by the Denver Business Journal as a finalist for Top Women in Business in 2010 and 2012.