Senate Finance advances gaming, racing nominees to consent calendar

The Senate Finance Committee on the first meeting of 2026 advanced two executive appointments to the full Senate on the consent calendar, clearing both nominations with unanimous committee support.

Christopher Schroeder, director of the Colorado Division of Gaming, urged the committee to confirm Michael Faber to the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, citing Faber’s more than 15 years of management experience, a master’s degree in organizational leadership and experience serving on the commission over the last six months. Faber told the committee he worked in television and financial services before moving into leadership development and nonprofit volunteer work. “I’m happy to field any questions,” he said during his remarks.

Vice Chair Marchman moved to recommend Faber to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation; the committee recorded unanimous affirmative votes and the chair said the nomination would be placed on the consent calendar.

The committee immediately followed with the reappointment of Tamika Sampson to the Colorado Racing Commission. Schroeder, introduced in the hearing as director of the Colorado Division of Racing Events, described Sampson’s business-operational experience, project-management certifications and prior service as the commission’s chair. Sampson said she had spent her first term learning about wagering, animal care and track operations and thanked the committee for the opportunity to continue serving.

Marchman moved that Sampson be recommended favorably; the committee again returned unanimous support and the chair placed the nomination on the consent calendar.

Because both nominations were put on the consent calendar, they are expected to advance to the full Senate without separate floor debate unless pulled by leadership or other senators.