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. During that time Steve served as a Personal Property Appraiser, Personal Property Manager, Office Operations Manager, and Deputy Assessor. He is currently a licensed appraiser in the State of Colorado. During his tenure as our Assessor, he was the recipient of the 2017 Downtown Civil Servant Star Award and was also named the 2019 Assessor of the Year for the State of Colorado.

Fiscal responsibility and government efficiency are two key initiatives in Steve’s portfolio. He has helped the County usher in new technologies that have provided greater transparency and efficiencies in the appraisal processes. He returned over $650,000 back to the county general fund by the end of 2022. As Clerk and Recorder, he incorporates these initiatives and others including customer service and effectiveness into the operations of Motor Vehicle, Elections, Recording and Clerk to the Board. He will identify and implement new approaches to reduce costs and continue the office’s vision for innovation.

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. While fulfilling the statutory requirements, of each department he will strive to provide efficient, personable service to customers and build relationships within the community. Steve will 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 Chapel of our Savior and serves on several local boards. Steve is a member of CATA (Colorado Association of Tax Appraisers), CAREA (Colorado Association of Real Estate Appraisers), IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers), past President of CAA (Colorado Assessors Association), and current Treasurer for the CAA (Colorado Assessors Association).

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.