About
About Gerald “Jerry” DiTullio
Personal & Educational Background
I am a proud first-generation American on my father’s side. He immigrated from Italy to Boston at the age of eight, accompanied by his mother and siblings in search of a better life. I was born in Denver and have been a lifelong resident of Colorado, now calling the City of Wheat Ridge home. My roots run deep—born in North Denver near the historic Elitch Gardens, I was raised in the very home my parents built in the early 1950s.
My educational journey began in the heart of our community, attending Edison Elementary, St. Mary Magdalene Middle School, and graduating from Holy Family High School. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Management from Metropolitan State University (MSU), followed by both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Regis University, completing the latter in 2016. I also hold a Colorado teaching license in Special Education, with endorsements in English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Career & Technical Education (CTE, ACE, Business Pathways), Business & Marketing, and Elementary Education.
Career Journey & Philosophy
Throughout my life, I’ve embraced change as a catalyst for growth, guided by the belief that “it is always in one’s best interest to keep re-inventing yourself—it helps keep your mind clear and open.”
My professional path has been as diverse as it has been purposeful. I’ve founded a software consulting firm, owned and operated a local coffee shop in Wheat Ridge, worked in the banking sector, and served as a special education teacher at Wheat Ridge High School within Jefferson County Public Schools. I concluded my chapter in education on December 31, 2018, following my election as Jefferson County Treasurer in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
Public Service
Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s enduring call—“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”—I began my journey in public service in 1995 with my election to the Wheat Ridge City Council. I was honored to serve as Mayor beginning in 2005, elected City Treasurer in 2015, and, in 2018, entrusted by voters to serve as Jefferson County Treasurer.
Experience:
City of Wheat Ridge Elected Offices (1995-2018):
- Council – 1995-2005
- Mayor – 2005-2013
- Council – 2013-2015
- Treasurer – 2015-2018
Jefferson County Elected Offices (2018-Present):
- Treasurer – 2018-Present
I enjoy working with stakeholders on win-win public policy. Some of the groups/projects that I have worked on include:
- Former Board Member, Urban Drainage and Flood Control, appointed by the Governor
- Metro Mayors Caucus, past Executive Committee Member
- Working cooperatively with Colorado House and Senate representatives
- Working cooperatively with Colorado Department of Transportation on transportation issues in Wheat Ridge
- Working cooperatively with Jefferson County Commissioners
- Organized joint Council Study Session meetings with Arvada and Lakewood Mayors and City Councils
- Organized speakers at City Council Study Sessions such as the Public Works Director from Loveland, Colorado
- Proactively has taken stances on regional and state issues for the betterment of Wheat Ridge and Colorado
- Member of the Wheat Ridge Rotary
Vision, Leadership, Experience and the Proven Ability to Get Things Done!
“Ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy
JeffCo Treasurer Success Stories
As you know, I was elected Jefferson County Treasurer in the November 2018 election, and re-elected in the November 2022 election. Since taking office, my staff and I have been making great strides in improving several areas of the JeffCo Treasurer’s Office. Due to the 2020-22 pandemic, it has taken resiliency to assist JeffCo taxpayers and to keep our County and special districts funded to provide vital services. The virus has affected taxpayers physically, mentally, and financially. Many citizens have lost their jobs, their businesses and/or have been furloughed causing a financial strain on personal budgets. Thanks to House Bill 20-1421 and Senate Bill 21-279, which I supported and testified on, my department and I worked with taxpayers in 2020 and 2021 on waiving interest on late payments and accepting payment plans on property taxes for residential and commercial properties.
We made every effort to assist property owners in paying their property taxes in JeffCo. In 2020, my department distributed CARES Act Funds and other COVID grants to local businesses and non-profits based on the criteria from the federal government and the Jefferson County Commissioners. I will continue to support and work with all taxpayers and our special districts in 2022 and beyond. We are all in this together. Let’s do our best to protect each other and each other’s mental and financial health – shop local and live local.
Fiscal Transparency
The new Treasurer’s Office financial reporting system, which includes the General Fund, Treasurer’s Budget and Quarterly Investment Portfolio, is now available on the JeffCo Treasurer’s webpage under “Financial Reports” and “Treasurer’s Notes”.
Efficiency
I have reduced the Treasurer’s Office expenses by $107,000 in 2020 and by $100,000 in 2021. Beginning in 2020, to save taxpayer dollars on mailings (and some trees), my office mails out one, not two, annual Property Tax Notices. We continually cross-train within the Treasurer/Public Trustee Department to enhance customer service for the public.