The Playworks Colorado Fundraising Board is a group of change-makers who believe in the power of play and are active ambassadors for Playworks. These playful professionals contribute their personal time to share the mission of Playworks: to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Are you interested in joining the Playworks Colorado Fundraising Board? Check out this packet with information about board membership.
Trever Ackerman
Chief Marketing Officer
Fitness Connection USA
Currently the Chief Marketing Officer of Fitness Connection USA, Trever is a veteran of the Fitness, Health & Wellness industries bringing more than 20 years of experience to Playworks. He has been involved with the non-profit organization in a variety of capacities since 2007. His proven methodology of identifying opportunities for scalable and predictable revenue growth and differentiating brands through consumer and market insights have helped create category-leading brands throughout his career.
He is passionate about building high-performing teams, helping people move more on their terms, and providing opportunities to give back to our communities. Trever holds an MBA from Georgia State University and a BSBA from the University of Denver.
Tom Brinegar
Vice President & CFO
Peak Resources
Tom Brinegar is the Chief Financial Officer for PEAK Resources, Inc. and is responsible for management of all financial, administrative and operational functions at PEAK. PEAK is an elite systems integrator and technology solutions provider focused on the modern Enterprise Data Center and contemporary technology consumption models. Mr. Brinegar has been employed and a part-owner of PEAK since January 1, 1994. Prior to that time, he was employed at Capital Associates International in Boulder and Lakewood, CO holding a variety of positions including public and private equity syndications, fund management and contracts.
Mr. Brinegar is an alumnus of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation programs including Leadership Denver, Colorado Experience and Access Denver. He is the Board Chair for B:CIVIC (https://www.bcivic.org/) . Additionally, Mr. Brinegar serves on the Board of Directors of Colorado Succeeds, serves as a Board Emeritus of PEBC (Public Education Business Coalition), serves on the Denver Metro Leadership Foundation board and is a member of the Playworks Colorado Board.
Mr. Brinegar attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where he received a Bachelor in Science in Finance. He is a native of Colorado and graduated high school from Grand Junction High School.
Dorian Brugger
Senior Vice President, Branch Banking Market Leader
U.S. Bank
Dorian is the Branch Banking Market Leader and Senior Vice President for Colorado & New Mexico at U.S. Bank. Dorian began her career with U.S. Bank 15 years ago as a teller in the downtown Denver Market and has held multiple roles within the branches, digital engagement team and now oversees 129 branches across two states, focusing on powering the potential of each customer that chooses U.S. Bank to join them on their financial journey.
Dorian graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Unlike many that graduate with a degree in this field, Dorian wanted to follow her passion in Human Rights and be involved with an NGO on social issues. U.S. Bank has allowed Dorian to remain involved in many nonprofits and community organizations that help to improve the community that she lives in. Dorian enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family in her free time.
Ariel Clay
Chief Marketing Officer
WellBiz Brands
Ariel Clay is Chief Marketing Officer for WellBiz Brands, a beauty and wellness franchise platform, where she leads digital and brand marketing, innovation, and revenue strategy for five franchise brands. Prior to WellBiz, Ariel held various marketing and strategy positions with Qdoba Restaurant Corporation and Vail Resorts. Ariel has a BS in advertising and an MBA from the University of Colorado. A mom of three young boys, Ariel sees the importance of Playworks’ mission every day, whether they are playing organized sports, skiing in the mountains or just playing in the backyard.
Dr. Adam Collins
Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager
Dr. Adam Collins serves as the Statewide Bullying Prevention Manager for the nation’s largest state-funded bullying prevention program, which has achieved more than a 32% reduction in student-reported bullying. He is the founder of Envision Zero Bullying, Vice Chair of Programming for Act To Change, and co-author of Effective Bullying Prevention: A Comprehensive Schoolwide Approach.
Adam earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kansas and his Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He lives in the Denver area with his wife and two children.
Liz Jeralds
Director of Community Development
Denver Broncos Football Club
As Director of Community Development, Liz works with community organizations and nonprofits to maximize the team’s impact through strategic programming and events, contributing to a philanthropic platform that earned the Denver Broncos national recognition as the 2022 ESPN Humanitarian Team of the Year. In her role, she leads and manages the strategic outreach of all Denver Broncos player engagement in the community and contributes to strategic planning, implementation and communication of the organization’s mission in the community.
In addition to her work with Playworks Colorado, Liz serves as an advisory member for Denver Broncos Charities, a member of the Denver Broncos Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and regularly volunteers with the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. She graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a B.S. in Policy Analysis & Management and earned her M.Ed. in Sport Management in 2013 from the University of Texas-Austin. She grew up in New York and has lived in Denver since 2013, and enjoys exploring Denver with her husband, Blair, and golden retriever, Winston.
Tiffany Koptish
Performance Marketing Lead
Meta
Tiffany is a digital marketing expert with a broad skill set in performance marketing, influencer outreach and program development. Equipped with a strong background in technology, SaaS, digital media and consumer packaged goods. Tiffany works on the Facebook Reality Labs business driving growth for their Portal and Oculus products.
Tiffany has been with Playworks since 2016 helping grow the impact of healthy play in her community. She lives in Denver with her husband, two kids and three dogs. She is passionate about the interweb, international travel [28 countries & counting] and puppies.
Nicole Lonsway
Shareholder
Greenberg Traurig
Nicole Lonsway is a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig LLP’s Corporate Practice. Nicole focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions and represents private equity sponsors, emerging companies and domestic and international corporate clients as acquirers and sellers. Nicole also regularly advises the portfolio companies of private equity clients in connection with strategic add-on acquisitions and ongoing corporate governance.
Nicole receiver her bachelor’s degree in English and French and her law degree, all from the University of Michigan. Nicole was also a member of the Division I field hockey team while at Michigan. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two children and she is passionate about Playworks’ mission to foster healthy and productive play in all children. Nicole enjoys traveling, skiing with family and friends and watching her children’s various activities.
Dr. Bridgitt Mitchell
Director of Professional Development
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Dr. Bridgitt Mitchell brings more than 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her areas of passion and expertise include teacher training and preparation; social emotional development; strategy and innovation; and multicultural education.
She has served in diverse roles that include tenured faculty, Department Chair for Early Childhood Education, Assistant to the Secretary/Minority Health Liaison for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Director of Early Education Department with Denver Public Schools, and Sr. Director of Training and Technical Assistance with Zero to Three. Currently, she serves as the Director of Professional Development with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Dr. Mitchell has authored several book chapters to include topics on bullying and the business of early childhood education.
She is also an advocate for underserved populations and committed to strengthening and building capacity within the early childhood system which is indicative of her service on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Council for the Accreditation of Early Learning Programs. She actively lends her voice and expertise locally and serves on the board for Reach Out and Read Colorado and Playworks in Denver. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Colorado Springs (CO) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
Dr. Mitchell holds a BA in African and African American Studies, MA in Human Development and Family Life and MBA from the University of Kansas. She earned a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Adult Learning from Walden University. Additionally, she holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.
Stephanie Syner
Project Manager II and Community Relations Coordinator
Ambulatory Care Operations
Denver Health
Stephanie Syner has worked in the community and government sector for over 20 years. Stephanie currently works for Denver Health in Ambulatory Care Services and Community Relations. She works to ensure our community has access to healthcare as we address the many health disparities within our
communities of color. She served as the Senior Outreach Director for Congresswoman Diana DeGette for 6 years. In this role, Stephanie worked with constituents, organizations, and community leaders from every sector to build more connected, informed, and stronger communities.
Outside of the public sector, her professional career has included consulting and campaigning in diverse communities that are most vulnerable to political or legislative change. Other areas of expertise include legislative relations, public policy, and policy analysis.
Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. She has completed Latino Leadership Institute and Downtown Denver Leadership Academy. Stephanie proudly sits on the board of Stout Street Foundation, Playworks Colorado, and Denver County Cultural Council. She is a proud mom of two boys.
Yogesh Khadilkar
VP of Digital Transformation, Marketing, and Analytics
AAA
Over 15 years experience leading Growth and Operations Optimization efforts for Fortune 500 firms across North America, EU, APAC
J.D Power and David Ogilvy Award winner for excellence in Digital Transformation. 7-Figure Entrepreneur and Expert Coach on Leadership, Digital and Social Media Brand positioning. Tiktok & Instagram Influencer with obver 2MM followers.
Dad of two strong girls, Chef at home on the weekends! MBA Marketing, M.S. Industrial Engg.
Nicole Miller
Account Manager | Client Services
Delta Dental of Colorado
I’m excited to be joining the Playworks board. I grew up in San Diego, CA, my father served in the United States Navy for over 30 years, so we moved around a lot. I now call Colorado my home. I’ve been working at Delta Dental of Colorado for 20 years; our mission is to improve the oral health of the communities we serve. I love working with the community it helps me to get a better understanding of what I can do to help. I volunteer with various organizations though out the year and love working with the youth and the elderly, if I was to win the lottery tomorrow a big chunk of that money would be used to help our homeless youth, veterans and our elderly who are dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. In my spare time I love baking, cooking, and spending time with my teenage daughter who will be graduating from high school next year. I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge to Playworks to help contribute to their success.
Michelle Despres
Manager
RevGen Partners
Michelle Despres is a Manager at RevGen Partners, a business and technology consulting firm. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Chief Procurement Officer at a Fortune 500 technology company. Prior to RevGen, Michelle held customer experience leadership roles in technology companies serving the financial markets, heavy equipment, and telecom industries. She is recognized for being able to organize anything, for unrelenting positivity, and for giddiness when customers and employees are happy. Michelle joined the Playworks board because play has been foundational to her successes, and she wants to help create that opportunity for Colorado youth. From kickball at recess to captaining her college softball team, Michelle learned how play builds community, confidence, and skills on and off the field. Today, she sees herself as both a teammate and a captain, someone who is part of the team and also leads the team, rallying others toward a shared goal. Michelle holds a BA in English and philosophy from Manhattanville College in New York and an MA in composition and rhetoric from Southern Connecticut State University. A lifelong learner and culture enthusiast, Michelle finds joy in music, movies, books, travel, and, of course, play. She lives in Denver.
Lauren “Lo” Leeman
Director | Investor Relations
Colorado Chamber of Commerce
With nearly 20 years of experience in fundraising, sales, and association management, Lauren Leeman leads membership growth and engagement at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, fostering strong relationships and translating policy into tangible business benefits. She previously advanced member growth for Fortune 500 companies at the National Association of Manufacturers, following a successful career in child welfare fundraising with CASA, the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, and the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center. Lauren’s passion for Playworks’ mission stems from her own experience in the foster care system and as an adoptee. She has shared her story as a keynote speaker for numerous nonprofits, helping raise more than $3.5 million to support children experiencing abuse, neglect, and poverty. She holds a BA in Communication from Denison University, where she was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, and is an active member of the Association of State Chamber Professionals. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys hiking Colorado’s trails, reading speculative fiction, and spending time with her family, including her black cat Toothless and tiny dog Maple.
Kendall Carbone
Senior Finance Executive
Kendall Carbone is a senior finance executive with extensive experience as Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer for both public and private companies. She began her career at Price Waterhouse and has since led IPOs, acquisitions, and major system implementations across industries including oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing. Kendall currently provides consulting services to companies preparing for IPOs and supports process optimization, technical accounting, and financial reporting. She has served on nonprofit boards including the Boys and Girls Club of Colorado and the Crestmoor Community Association. Kendall holds a degree in economics from Dartmouth College and a master’s in accounting from New York University.
Becca Goodyear
Chief of Staff
Deloitte Digital
Becca Goodyear is the Chief of Staff for Deloitte Digital, Deloitte’s consulting business that drives business strategy, technology, creativity and ongoing managed services to solve the biggest problems that impact an organization’s customers, partners and workforce. In her role, she partners with Deloitte Digital’s leadership to drive strategy, operations, and organizational priorities that position the practice at the forefront of client innovation. Becca has spent 17 years with Deloitte, where she has built a career at the intersection of strategy, operations, and client service. Prior to joining Deloitte, she began her consulting career at IBM, working in its financial management consulting practice. She is a proud graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree and her MBA. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Becca now lives with her husband, Mike, a criminal defense attorney, and their two young children, ages 6 and 4. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, running, playing tennis and golf, and making flower arrangements.
Vince DeRose
Founder
PEAK Resources
Vince was a founder and longtime CEO of PEAK Resources, a Colorado-based technology solutions provider recognized among the state’s top private companies. A University of Colorado Leeds School of Business graduate, he now advises the school’s Customer Experience Certificate Program. Vince also serves on the Executive Board for Food for Thought Denver and supports several community organizations. A Colorado native, he enjoys cycling, hunting, and teaching skiing at Vail Resorts.
Josh Wagner
Climate Tech & Sustainability Finance Lead
Silicon Valley Bank
Josh leads SVB’s Climate Tech & Sustainability Finance team, supporting technology companies focused on climate solutions nationwide. He has been involved with Playworks for over a decade, first joining the Young Professionals Board in 2015 and the Fundraising Board in 2022. A Colorado native and proud parent of two boys, Josh is passionate about Playworks’ impact on kids and the community. He enjoys golfing in the summer and skiing in the winter.
If you are interested in learning more about the board, please contact Andrea Woolley at andrea.woolley@playworks.org or 720.259.1029.