Wynetta Massey, the long-serving City Attorney and Chief Legal Officer for Colorado Springs, has declared she will retire on June 30 after a steadfast 35-year career in public service, according to an announcement by the Colorado Springs City government.
Mayor Yemi Mobolade praised Massey, expressing the city's deep appreciation for her decades of legal service. "It is difficult to capture in words the depth of gratitude we owe Wynetta for her outstanding service as City Attorney and Chief Legal Officer," Mobolade said, as per the City of Colorado Springs. Her impact on local governance includes leading a team of 61 attorneys and support staff, serving under seven different mayors, and having a reputation for strong client relationships and leadership.
Massey herself reflected on her tenure, highlighting the professional relationships and achievements she fostered. "It has been my distinct honor to have served the City of Colorado Springs, and the members of the City Attorney’s Office, for the past 35 years," Massey told the City of Colorado Springs. She also made a note of the capable team she led, confident in their continued service to the community.
Following Massey's retirement, Deputy City Attorney Marc Smith, who has served the city for 20 years, will step in as Acting City Attorney during the search for a new Chief Legal Officer. Smith's background includes various roles such as a prosecutor, corporate attorney, division chief, and legislative counsel to the City Council.
Massey is not only known locally but also as a national figure in municipal law. Wynetta Massey has addressed varied themes within the realm of municipal law, like ethics, land use, marijuana regulation, and the mayor-council form of government, as the president of the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board and a board member of the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA). Her professional accolades include receiving the IMLA Amicus Service Award in 2020 and the Epps Award for longevity in 2022.
