Board of Directors

Our 2011-12 Board of Directors is an active and dedicated group of individuals from our business, volunteer, and education communities.  Interested to becoming a board member?  Just contact us at info at impactoneducation dot org.

Executive Committee

Sol Halpern Chair

“I have been told: If you want to be happy, think about others.  If you want to be unhappy, think about yourself.  A simple teaching that I have found to be true.  Also, I believe that as a society our number one goal should be raising compassionate, confident and capable children.  With that as background, working with Impact on Education was an obvious choice.  Impact on Education is a fantastic organization, helping many children in our local community to see, do, and learn things that would not be available to them without its support.”

Solomon Halpern is President of Highlander Wealth Services, LLC., a Boulder based wealth management firm he founded.  Solomon was born and raised in Boulder and is a graduate of Casey and Boulder High.  He and his wife, Ulrike, moved back to Boulder from New York in 1998 to start their family.  They have two sons, one attends Casey Middle School and the other Community Montessori.

John Wyatt Past Chair

“My involvement with Impact on Education follows my desire to provide opportunities in our community. I’m passionate about my work with the Buffalo Bicycle Classic – supporting scholarships for Arts and Sciences scholars at CU Boulder – as well as all of the exciting programs that Impact on Education provides.  Impact on Education truly enriches the community – and provides excellent opportunities for kids to learn & excel.”

John Wyatt is the Project Coordinator for Wyatt Construction Co., Inc. He has been with the company full time since his graduation from the University of Colorado in 1987. He is an active member of the Planning and Development Services Advisory Committee, and a BURA commissioner appointed by the Boulder City Council. John is actively involved in the Boulder not-for-profit community. He is a Board member of Impact on Education and is a Director for the Buffalo Bicycle Classic – the largest bicycling event in Boulder County. John is a product of the Boulder Valley School District. He and his wife Kelly have 2 children who attend schools in BVSD.

Mindy Sooter Chair Elect

Mindy Sooter is a partner in the Boulder office of Faegre & Benson, LLP. Mindy has a master’s degree in telecommunications and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Her practice focuses on intellectual property litigation.  Mindy also handles a variety of pro bono cases, and serves on the board of directors for Impact on Education, as part of her commitment to advancing public education.

Amy Smith Treasurer

“A wonderful mentor of mine,  sat me down one day and strongly advised me to take a look at where in our community I should be ‘giving back.’  With so many of my family members working as BVSD teachers, Impact on Education seemed like, and has turned out to be, a wonderful fit for me.  I started out as  volunteer at the annual Razzle Dazzle fundraiser for a few years, and then stepped up to a board position and truly love the work that I do for Impact!”

David Kendall Secretary

“I believe that education is the key to improving people’s lives and solving societal problems. Impact on Education is a perfect vehicle for me to have a lasting, positive impact on our community.”

David Kendall is managing partner of Kendall, Koenig & Oelsner PC, a boutique transactional law firm. David’s practice focuses on corporate and business transactions and general corporate and business law. David has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, securities and credit finance and has worked with clients ranging from early-stage start-ups to multi-national Fortune 100 companies.

Lain Adams Board Development

“I was originally drawn to Impact on Education through my work with The Wonder of Science at Twenty Ninth Street. Impact’s Science and Technology focus resonates with me as well as its commitment to Teacher Excellence, a passion which drives my professional and personal life.”

Lain Adams has resided in the Boulder area for 16 years. Lain is AVP, Learning & Development, at Macerich Company, owner of Twenty Ninth Street and FlatIron Crossing locally. Previously he served as Senior Manager of Twenty Ninth Street, responsible for its redevelopment into a mixed-use, commercial district. Lain and his wife Whitney have two children in Boulder Valley schools.

 

Trustees

“‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’….As an Emerita member I am delighted to see the Foundation for Boulder Valley Schools morph into Impact On Education and continue to enhance the quality of education in our wonderful community. Education is THE answer to almost everything and its importance can not be over stressed.”

Clair Beckmann served as Regional President for JPMorgan Chase in Boulder County for many years.  During her tenure in banking she served in leadership positions on many Community Boards and was honored with a number of Community Awards. Currently she serves as Planned GIving Officer for Boulder Community Hospital and resides on Sanibel Island in Florida part of the year.

Frank Bruno

“I view my service on the Impact on Education board of directors as a link between the University of Colorado at Boulder and higher education in general, and the needs of K through 12. We all share the harsh realities of constrained and declining revenues and resources, but working together affords efficiency advantages, linkages and opportunities to partner in ways that may not always be apparent. The Impact board represent a unique spectrum of interests and organizations and that is a strength and necessary ingredient for the future of the Boulder Valley Schools.”

Frank began his tenure as Vice President of Administration for Western Disposal Services in September of 2011—in this capacity Frank is responsible for finance and budgeting, human resources and information services. In addition to his service with Impact on Education, Frank currently serves on the board of a number of community organizations including United Way, Special Transit and the Humane Society. Additionally, Frank served as Vice Chancellor for Administration for the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to joining the University, he served as Boulder’s City Manager and ran the day-to-day affairs of the local government. In addition, Mr. Bruno served the city of Fort Collins as an Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services and economic development. He has extensive experience in the fields of management, human resources and urban redevelopment in Colorado, Massachusetts, and New York. This includes working as a senior manager with a company that redeveloped an historic naval shipyard into a thriving business center along the waterfront in New York City.  Mr. Bruno earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at St. John’s University in New York City as well as a Master of Science in Human Resources Management & Labor Relations from the New York Institute of Technology. Mr. Bruno is committed to the mission of creating a safe and sustainable environment that facilitates excellence in education as well as student, faculty and staff achievement.

Mike Devery

“As a member of the community and having children in the public school system, I felt a strong sense of loyalty to the district and a desire to give back beyond the individual schools where my children are enrolled. As a member of the technology and life science communities in the State, I felt compelled to use my contacts in these industries so that Impact on Education would have a greater involvement from these two industries that are so prevalent in Boulder County.”

Mike Devery is with Silicon Valley Bank and is currently the Market Manager for the Rocky Mountain region which covers all of the bank’s activities in a 8 state region including AZ, CO, and Utah where the bank has physical locations. As Market Manager, Mike oversees all lending and product delivery for the various teams and product groups that serve the region. A 13 year veteran of SVB, Mike was previously a managing director for SVB Capital’s Private Equity Group, covering the Central United States. SVB Capital is the private equity arm of SVB Financial Group. The group’s family of funds exceeds $1.2B million and includes fund of funds, co-investment funds, venture debt funds and specialty debt funds invested primarily on behalf of endowments and foundations.

Angelique Espinoza

“I serve on the Impact Board because I believe that providing every citizen with a high quality education is key to a successful democracy. My son is a BVSD student, and I want the best not just for him, but for all his classmates and for every child in public school.”

Angelique Espinoza is a long-time Boulder resident, CU alumna, mother,  community leader, and volunteer.  Angelique earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of California at Berkeley in 1991, and moved to Boulder for graduate school.  Her passionate commitment to the community dovetails nicely with her role as Public Affairs Manager for the Boulder Chamber.  She has lived, studied, and worked in Boulder ever since, completing a Master’s Degree in 1996. Community service has been a growing aspect in Angelique’s life over the last several years. She is greatly concerned with issues of social justice, particularly on the local level, and works with a number of local organizations to create greater opportunities for the underprivileged to succeed. She has a particular passion for increasing representation for women, and people of color in elected office. She is also committed to Boulder’s economic health, and leadership in environmental sustainability.

Gretchen Fapore

 ”Educating our youth is the one thing we can control now to ensure a bright future for our country. If we don’t take on that responsibility we can only blame ourselves for the outcome.”

Gretchen Fapore is a Senior Vice President with Wells Fargo Bank. She has been in the Boulder market for 8 years where she runs Business Banking. Her career in Banking has lasted 18 years the majority of that time with Wells Fargo.   After graduating from Penn State University she relocated to Colorado where she started her banking career. She worked her way up from a Commercial Credit Analyst, to Banker to her current role as a Manager.   She has been involved with various community organizations throughout her career including Board of Director positions for Girl Scout Wagon Wheel Council, YWCA of Boulder County, Thrive advisory committee, Naturally Boulder, and Special Transit to name a few.  Gretchen married in 2009 and she and her husband John had their first child, Tanner, in February 2011.

Clif Harald

“In my system of values, education is the highest priority. It enables personal achievement, knits communities together, and advances society. As the son of an educator, I exercise my responsibility to ‘pay it forward’ through Impact on Education and other education advocates. “

Clif Harald is Executive Director of the Boulder Economic Council, an affiliate of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce dedicated to advancing Boulder’s economic vitality. He was previously Principal of First Flatiron Consulting, a planning and management consulting practice specializing in economic and workforce development and online learning and other educational technologies. Prior to First Flatiron Consulting, Clif was the Colorado Public Affairs Manager for Sun Microsystems where he conceived and directed a multimillion dollar corporate responsibility program and led the formation of strategic partnerships with universities and school districts. Previously, Clif held executive positions in economic development with the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and the Broomfield Economic Development Corporation, and was an officer in the municipal bond department of Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., a Denver-based investment banking firm. Clif holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned his Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington. A native of Denver, Clif has lived in Boulder for over three decades.

Sue Kunz

“Amongst all the craziness of day-to-day life (including business and family), I find it very important to make the time to “give back”. Education is at the top of my list, and I love the fact that Impact on Education touches so many in our local community.”

Sue is the CEO of BioVantage Resources. Her prior experience spans numerous roles including CEO, Founder and corporate executive for companies such as Solidware Technologies, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Six Sigma, IBM, and Precision Visuals, Inc. Sue currently serves on Governor Bill Ritter’s Council for Innovation and serves on multiple boards and advisory boards including Boulder Environmental Sciences and Technology (BEST), Silicon Flatirons, Linerate Systems, Impact on Education, Educate!, and Summit Charter Middle School. She is a Techstars mentor, a recipient of the Tribute to Women in Industry Award from the YWCA, Santa Clara, and a recipient of the 2009 Colorado Entrepreneur with Impact Award. Kunz graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Idaho.

Ester Quintana Matheson

“I’ve had and always will have a passion for education at all levels. Impact on Education fits my life’s goals perfectly.”

As a dedicated community volunteer, Ester has been an integral part of a number of key community organizations including Elementary Spanish Program, Kiwanis Club of the Foothills, Share a Gift, Boulder County Latina Women’s League, The Community Foundation of Boulder County,  Information Network of Colorado, the Social Ministry Committee at Atonement Lutheran Church, The University Dance Club and the Serendipity Club of Boulder.

Mike Medina

“Educating everyone takes everyone… so by working together as a community of educators, parents and other support groups, all students can be motivated to ‘be the best they can be.’ Serving on Impact on Education’s Board of Directors helps further my belief in this philosophy.”

As the Principal of Angevine Middle School Mike’s primary role is to promote a vision where all students are guaranteed the best possible opportunity to an all around quality educational experience.  Mike spent 13 years as a science teacher at the middle and high school level. He has had the opportunity and privilege to be an assistant principal and principal at all three levels, elementary school, middle school and high school. He has worked in five school districts and eight different schools over the past 29 years.

Bruce MessingerEx Officio, Boulder Valley School District

 ”I strongly believe in the value of public education and the value it has for children and the community. Impact On Education advocates for high quality learning experiences for all students, preparing them for life.”

Dr. Bruce K. Messinger became superintendent of Boulder Valley School District on July 1, 2011. Messinger’s academic credentials include a B.S. in Elementary Education and Math, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Administrative Curriculum Instruction, all from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.  Messinger came to BVSD from Helena, Montana, where he was superintendent of Helena Public Schools for 14 years, but this is actually a return to Colorado for him. He worked in various capacities at Weld County School District 6 in Greeley, Colorado, for 11 years, the last four of which he served as deputy superintendent. During his more than 30 years in public education, Messinger has also worked as an elementary principal, a classroom teacher, and a special education administrator.   Raised on a farm in western Nebraska which his family still runs, Messinger enjoys the outdoors and spends as much time as he can hiking and biking (both mountain and road). His big summer adventure last year was a 2500-mile road trip helping his daughter, Sarah, drive her Golden Retriever, Lucy, to Fairbanks, Alaska. Messinger also enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction.

Scotty Nichols

“My purpose is to help Impact with long run fund raising goals.”

Scotty Nichols, All Phases‘ CEO, founded All Phases in 1999 after stints as tour manager for Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. Before that, he was a ski bum and learned the value in avoiding the real world, so that’s why he decided to make a career out of hanging out with rock stars. Scotty’s first concert was Aerosmith with Whitesnake, and if he was a brand his tagline would be “running with scissors.” If he could have any super power it would be X-ray vision. He’s inspired by The Beatles, Bob Marley, Yanni, and John Denver. He lives in Boulder, CO with his two adorable sons.

Virginia Patterson Emerita

 

 

 

Blake Peterson

“My mother was a teacher in Boulder Valley while my father earned his Ph.D at the University of Colorado. My daughter is a student in the BVSD, as are her six cousins. For all of us, the hope for a good tomorrow starts in today’s classroom.”

Blake Peterson is a Vice President with U.S. Bank, one of the country’s strongest banks. He has been working with established companies in the Boulder metro area for 25 years, after graduating from the University of Colorado with an MBA in 1984.

David Rhinesmith

“Both of my parents were public school teachers, my wife’s parents were both involved in the public school system, and work with Impact on Education has been my way of giving back to public education. Additionally, as Ball Corporation is a big supporter of public education in the Boulder Valley, dedicating some of my time to Impact on Education seemed like a natural fit. I am  proud to support the community by helping Impact on Education fund their great programs.”

David has been with Ball Corporation for nearly 25 years and is currently the North American Director of Sales, CSD, Packaging Operations . This Indiana native resides in Broomfield with his wife Marsha and their two sons, Matthew and Kevin.

Matt Roan

“I believe a well educated community creates a vibrant, successful and opportunity filled future. As I have two children in the BVSD I am invested and feel obligated to help improve this experience in whatever way I can as a non-educator.”

As Market President for First Western Trust Bank, Mr. Roan is primarily involved in the day-to-day management, strategy, and business development of the Colorado Bank’s Boulder operations. He also is responsible for developing new depository and lending relationships. Mr. Roan areas of expertise include commercial lending, depository development, and working with entrepreneurs.  Mr. Roan was the co-founder of Adopt-A-School, a Boulder non-profit and served as a board member for 8 years. In 2010, Mr. Roan joined the board of directors for the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. He is also on the Finance committee of the Shelter board.

Emilio Suarez

“Having 3 kids in the school system and having seen the quality of education that they receive made me think about other schools and kids that may not be as fortunate as ours. The programs that Impact on Education has are a great step towards improving the education in the Boulder Valley School District. I think it is time to give back to the community and specially the education of kids where I think our future lays. I will also share my expertise and knowledge in the technology arena to help improve the best use of it by the organization.”

Emilio Suarez is a Senior Software Architect at Intela.  He has been working in the software development field for over 17 years mainly with startups including Copan Systems, CreekPath Systems, Solidware Technologies and also big corporations like Cisco and Banamex (National Bank of Mexico). He has also performed consulting engagement with Perficient, Boldtech Systems and The Stoker Group. Emilio is also very active in the local tech scene attending and presenting at technology user groups and conferences. Emilio holds a Bachelor’s in Science on “Cybernetics and Computer Science” from the Universidad La Salle in Mexico City.

Melissa Tingley Ex Officio, Boulder Valley Education Association