Colorado Youth Services Director Resigned
The state department head's departure occurs as the agency manages a federal investigation into facility conditions.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
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Colorado Division of Youth Services Director Alex Stojsavljevic has resigned to pursue an opportunity in Ohio, effective October 23, 2026. Deputy Director Natalie Chrastil will lead the department as interim director during the leadership transition.
Why it matters
The change in leadership follows a period of internal volatility for the agency, which currently employs 1,000 people across 10 detention centers. Operational stability remains a concern as the department navigates a federal investigation into youth prison conditions.
The agency maintains a workforce of 1,000 employees across 10 detention centers. This turnover follows the termination of two leaders at the Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center in September 2026.
The players
Alex Stojsavljevic
The outgoing director of the Colorado Division of Youth Services who served for one year.
Natalie Chrastil
The current deputy director who will assume the role of interim director.
The details
Alex Stojsavljevic, who was hired in mid-October 2025, will conclude his tenure late this month. Deputy Director Natalie Chrastil is tasked with managing the agency's daily operations during this transition period. The department continues to operate under the pressure of an ongoing federal inquiry regarding its standards and safety protocols.
Timeline
Alex Stojsavljevic was hired as director in mid-October 2025.
Two leaders at Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center were fired in September 2026.
Alex Stojsavljevic will officially leave his position on October 23, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership departure follows the recent pattern established by the 2026 federal investigation into Colorado youth prison conditions. The exit reflects broader administrative volatility that often accompanies high-stakes federal oversight and facility management crises.
Operators in the public services and corrections space should monitor how the transition affects procurement cycles and compliance reporting. The appointment of a permanent director will be the next key signal for shifting departmental priorities.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions during active federal investigations often signal upcoming changes in operational compliance standards. Business owners providing services to state agencies should prepare for potential shifts in service requirements or contract auditing once the new director is seated.
Further reading
For more updates on state leadership changes, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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