Steve Schleiker, Clerk and Recorder

Steve Schleiker took office as El Paso County Clerk and Recorder in January 2023. Previously he served two terms as the El Paso County Assessor and worked in the Assessor’s Office since 1999. Steve’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to innovation, service excellence, and transparency, with a focus on meeting the needs of the community through cutting-edge initiatives and strategic partnerships.

These innovative contributions include greater election security and transparency. Steve pioneered the first program of its kind in Colorado to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter rolls through advanced credit data verification methods. He updated all 41-county ballot drop boxes, becoming the first in the state to livestream the security camera footage for enhanced election integrity. The office also created an innovative online “GIS” platform for real-time tracking of voter registration and election activities, setting a national precedent for transparency and accessibility. Citizens can be assured that Steve will protect their democratic right to vote and reinforce the commitment of the Clerk’s Office to conduct transparent, accurate, fair, and secure elections.

Fiscal responsibility and government efficiency are two key initiatives in Steve’s portfolio. He introduced upgrades benefiting property owners, referees, and staff during County Board of Equalization property appeals, streamlining the process and improving fairness. For the Recording Department, he developed a robust program to protect property owners from fraud, enabling proactive alerts for unauthorized changes to property records.

Steve has garnered statewide recognition for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to public service. His ability to implement transformative programs has set benchmarks across Colorado and the nation. He will continue to liaison with the state legislative branch of government to ensure laws impacting the Clerk’s Office are in the best interest of our citizens and support the local and state structure.

Steve has served the public throughout his career. After graduating from Widefield High School in 1987, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he received numerous awards and was a decorated veteran from Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Deny Flight. In 1993, Steve was named first runner-up for the John W. Finn Aviation Ordnance Man of the Year award for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology Management, a Master’s Degree in Project Management, and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration.

Steve is active in the community and enjoys living on the west side of Colorado Springs, where he is a member of the Air Force Academy Catholic Community Chapel. He serves on several local boards, including the State’s Electronic Recording Technology Board, which contributes to advancing recording technology statewide, and the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments – Commission on Aging Board, which advocates for the senior community and supports initiatives addressing aging-related issues.

Steve continues to exemplify dedication to public service, combining innovation and collaboration to elevate the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to new heights. His visionary leadership ensures El Paso County remains a model of excellence and transparency in Colorado and beyond.

Kristi Ridlen, Deputy Chief Clerk and Recorder and Public Information Officer

Kristi Ridlen demonstrates her commitment to the Clerk and Recorder’s Office by her service as both Deputy Chief Clerk and Recorder and Public Information Officer (PIO). She joined the Clerk’s Office in 2018 as PIO and was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2023. The responsibilities of the two positions are well aligned. They ensure the public receives accurate, professional communications, the office operations are efficient and structured, and the Clerk’s staff delivers experienced, empathetic customer service.

Working with the Clerk, Kristi develops strategic goals and programs that are integrated within the office’s fiscal guidelines. She is integral to the decision-making process that impacts the operations of all departments (Motor Vehicle, Elections, Recording, and Clerk to the Board). Kristi ensures the Clerk’s Office is in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Her participation on boards and committees that includes the El Paso County Strategic Planning Team, ensures we support county initiatives and that we have a voice in matters which impact our office and you, our customer.

Kristi is responsible for all aspects of communications from the Clerk’s Office. This includes websites, social media, presentations, email marketing, media/news releases and video productions and podcasts. She develops and initiates innovative methods to educate the public and decision-makers on issues relevant to the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

Being immersed in the legislative process of the Colorado General Assembly, Kristi and the Clerk monitor regulations and laws and offer insight into the possible impacts related to our Office. Kristi is very involved in managing our office’s Colorado Open Records Request (CORA) program. By investigating, analyzing, and preparing responses, she provides the public with timely, orderly, and efficient access to pertinent public records.

Kristi is well versed in election management and is a graduate of the Election Center (National Association of Election Officials) Certified Elections Registration Administrator Program. Her engagement in the election process and coordination with the Election Department help guarantee our office successfully conducts transparent, accurate, fair elections.

A graduate of Colorado State University-Pueblo, Kristi holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications / Public Relations / Marketing.