Former Denver Police Chief David Michaud has been nominated by Gov. Bill Ritter to serve as chairman of the Colorado Parole Board.

Michaud served as chief from 1992 to 1998.

During those years, he was one of the highest-profile chiefs in Denver's history, overseeing The Summit of the Eight, the Oklahoma City bombing trial and the pope's visit.

"David truly understands the reforms we are trying to initiate to lower Colorado's unacceptably high prison recidivism and repeat offender rates," Gov. Ritter said in a formal announcement today. "He is a decorated law officer who will help keep the people of Colorado safe while bringing an unmatched mixture of skills, leadership and vision to the parole board."

As chief of police, Michaud oversaw 1,400 sworn officers, 300 support personnel and a budget in excess of $100 million.

Since retiring, Michaud has worked as a consultant to the Pueblo County District Attorney's Office and the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.

The governor nominated Michaud to a three-year term as chairman of the parole board, a position that pays $91,428 a year and requires Senate confirmation.

Michaud would replace Al Stanley, who was not re-appointed by Ritter.

The seven-member board considers applications for parole and conducts all proceedings involving revocations.

The state prison inmate population is approximately 22,400 and about 7,000 people are on parole.