Steve Schleiker, Clerk and Recorder

Steve Schleiker took office as El Paso County Clerk and Recorder in January 2023. Before that, he served two terms as the El Paso County Assessor and worked in the Assessor’s Office since 1999. Steve reflects a strong commitment to innovation, service, and transparency. He’s focused on meeting the needs of the county through new initiatives and strategic partnerships.

These include greater election security and transparency. Steve started 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 safety. The office also created an online “GIS” platform for real-time tracking of voter registration and election data. The website set a national precedent for transparency and accessibility. Citizens can be assured Steve will protect their right to vote and enforce transparent, accurate, fair, and secure elections.

Fiscal responsibility and government efficiency are vital to Steve. He introduced upgrades for property owners, referees, and staff during County Board of Equalization property appeals. This streamlined the process and improved fairness. For the Recording Department, he started a program to protect property owners from fraud, enabling proactive alerts for false changes to property records.

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

Steve has served the public throughout his career. After graduating from Widefield High School in 1987, he joined the United States Marine Corps. 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 county 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, like the State’s Electronic Recording Technology Board, which advances recording technology statewide. He is also on the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments – Commission on Aging Board, which advocates for seniors and addresses aging issues.

Steve continues to combine innovation and partnership to elevate the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to new heights. His leadership ensures El Paso County remains a model of excellence in Colorado and beyond.

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

Kristi Ridlen serves the Clerk and Recorder’s Office 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 two roles are well aligned. They ensure the public receives accurate communications, the office operations are efficient, and the Clerk’s staff delivers great customer service.

Working with the Clerk, Kristi develops strategic goals and programs tied to the office’s fiscal guidelines. She is integral to the decision making process of all departments (Motor Vehicle, Elections, Recording, and Clerk to the Board). Kristi ensures the Clerk’s Office is compliant with local, state, and federal requirements. Her involvement on boards, including the El Paso County Strategic Planning Team, ensures we support county projects and have a voice in matters which impact our office and you, our customer.

Kristi oversees all aspects of communications from the Clerk’s Office. This includes websites, social media, presentations, emails, media/news releases, videos and podcasts. She develops innovative methods to educate the public and leaders on issues relevant to the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.

Kristi and the Clerk monitor potential state 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. She provides the public with timely and orderly access to public records.

Kristi is well versed in elections. She is a graduate of the Election Center (National Association of Election Officials) Certified Elections Registration Administrator Program. Her engagement in the election process with the Election Department helps our office conduct transparent, accurate, fair elections.

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