Alumni Board
The vision of the Alumni Board is to build a connected, engaged, and empowered community whose collective impact of service, leadership, character, and achievement is exponentially greater than the sum of individuals acting alone.

Amanda grew up in Greeley, Colorado, and attended Northridge High School. Receiving the Boettcher Scholarship in 2014 brought her to CU Boulder, where she earned a degree in journalism with minors in business, political science, and leadership. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Class and now serves on its Board of Advocates.
Professionally, Amanda is a Technical Proposal Writer at Fearless, a government software engineering company working to make public services more accessible. Previously, she taught middle school English in rural South Carolina through Teach For America. Through mentoring first-generation students and ongoing Alumni engagement work in Colorado, she remains committed to advancing educational equity.
Outside of work, Amanda is an avid planner of fun experiences, Colorado sports fan, and a firm believer in leading with care, curiosity, and connection.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Going to the Christmas party at the Governor’s Mansion and going with my Boettcher friends to Parade of Lights downtown afterwards!
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Attending Championship parades when our amazing professional teams win it all! (Watching the Broncos parade in 2016 on the roof of the Boettcher office was particularly awesome.)Favorite Quote:
“You are only free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great." - Maya Angelou
Melissa Chiappetta is a 1999 Boettcher Scholar from La Veta High School. She attended CU Boulder, where she was a member of the Presidents Leadership Class and earned degrees in anthropology and journalism. She later earned her master’s in foreign service degree from Georgetown University.
Melissa is the CEO of Sage Perspectives, a firm focused on the provision of evidence for more inclusive public goods. She also teaches at the University of Denver. Most of Melissa’s career has centered on foreign assistance, with a focus on advancing access to and the quality of education globally. Prior to its dismantling in 2025, Melissa served as a senior education advisor for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She has represented the U.S. at United Nations education conferences and advised ministries of education in countries worldwide.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys playing with her two amazing kiddos and doing all things active.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Having the opportunity to speak to CU’s graduating seniors was a major highlight for me, especially to share how proud we Alumni are of them and to remind them that they will always be a welcome and celebrated part of our community.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Spreading a blanket on the ground, laying down, and watching a meteor shower in the mountains with friends.Favorite Quote:
"Be the change you want to see happen" - Arleen Lorrance
Benjamin is a 1998 Scholar from Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. Ben earned his bachelor’s in international political economy from Colorado College. He is currently the director of learning & development at Gallup. Living in his hometown of Colorado Springs with his wife and two children, he enjoys hiking, hanging out with his kids and cheering on the Denver Nuggets.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: The 2025 Ripple Effect experience with current Scholars and Alumni.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak!Favorite Quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” - Gandhi
Cindy works as a senior science educator for BSCS Science Learning where she leads science curriculum development, professional learning, and leadership development projects. She the development of a high school biology curriculum and its professional learning programs. Cindy is passionate about equitable access learning, particularly for rural students and those historically underserved by science education.
Before joining BSCS, Cindy served 34 years as a National Board-certified science teacher; the last 18 at Steamboat Springs HS. Throughout her career, she served on the boards of local and education professional organizations.
Cindy grew up in Glenwood Springs, graduating from Columbine High School. A 1978 Boettcher Scholar, she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned her BA and MA in E-Bio.
Currently living in Steamboat Springs, Cindy spends as much time as possible outside hiking, skiing, and biking. She’s happiest spending time with her family, gardening, knitting, and eating dark chocolate.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: There are so many! Attending Elevate, Connect, Lead with my daughter, and our last Service Summit.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Backpacking, skiing, and hiking in the Colorado alpine.Favorite Quote:
“Come to the edge. We might fall. Come to the edge. It's too high! COME TO THE EDGE! And they came, And he pushed, And they flew.” - Christopher Logue
Tom was raised in Rifle as the third of four boys. A 2001 Boettcher Scholar, he graduated from Rifle High School.
He attended the University of Colorado Boulder where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Among many activities, Tom participated in the Presidents Leadership Class and studied abroad in the Semester at Sea Program.
After his undergraduate years, Tom spent some time in Washington, D.C., first as a White House Intern and later in the Solicitor’s Office at the Department of the Interior as a law student. He graduated from law school at the University of Arizona before returning to Colorado to start his legal career.
Tom is currently a partner at the firm of Spencer Fane LLP where he specializes in special districts and local government law, working with Colorado cities, counties, local governments and private parties on the formation and use of special taxing entities to support public infrastructure and services. Tom’s favorite part of his job is collaborating with individuals who are committed to supporting and enhancing their local governments through public service, while helping them drive meaningful change.
Tom previously served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Natural Resources and Environment Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. As a member of the Water Resources, and Federal and Interstate Water Units, he represented the state of Colorado in water rights litigation, water conservation projects, and environmental issues throughout the Colorado River Basin. Tom and his wife live in Jefferson County with their two young children. They are constantly on the go, spending time with family and friends near and far, playing sports, biking, skiing, and traveling whenever they can.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Everyone should have the opportunity at least once in their lifetime to fly low over Colorado on a clear, blue sky day in a window seat. There is just no better way to take in the immensity of our state and the dramatic variations between the plains, the peaks, the river valleys, the high desert, and everything in between. From high above you can’t help but ponder and respect the tremendous amount of time, and force, that it took to sculpt such natural beauty, and it gives you a real appreciation for how unique our state is and how fortunate we are to call it home.Favorite Quote:
Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given. Luke 12:48Fun Fact:
I am a fifth generation Coloradan and my children are sixth generation!
A 1997 Boettcher Scholar from Alamosa High School and a 2002 Watson Fellow, Felisa attended Colorado College and graduated with a BA in neuroscience, a minor in Spanish, and a certificate in international relations. Felisa obtained a PhD in applied social psychology from George Washington University in 2013 and an MPH in epidemiology from the University of California Berkeley in 2014. She has more than 10 years of experience conducting research on health inequities. Findings from her research studies and collaborations are documented in over 20 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, and two reports. Currently, Felisa is a senior learning and evaluation officer at The Colorado Health Foundation where she relies upon her methodological and relational skills to advance health equity in Colorado. She also serves on the boards for Boettcher Alumni, the Colorado Fiscal Institute and the AJL Foundation.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Receiving the Boettcher scholarship letter was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life!
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Fall hiking in the San Juan mountains is breathtakingly beautiful.Favorite Quote:
"We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for." — Dolores Huerta
Joey Ham is a 2004 Boettcher Scholar from Pueblo Centennial High School and a proud alumnus of the University of Denver, where he earned both his BSBA and MBA. His career has centered on international business with a focus in marketing and product development. Joey is currently with Graebel and leads CitySwitcher, a global relocation technology platform that helps people navigate some of life’s most pivotal transitions. Prior to his work with Graebel, he led the Community Investment program at the Western Union Foundation, advancing education, financial literacy, and disaster relief efforts around the world.
Deeply committed to the Boettcher community, Joey remains passionate about supporting the Foundation, the Boettcher Scholars Fund, and expanding opportunities for future generations of leaders. He and his wife, Kristen, stay busy raising their two daughters and make it a priority to spend as much time on the Oregon coast as possible.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: My favorite Boettcher memory will always be opening that big envelope my mom rushed to school during her lunch break. More recently, a standout memory has been helping begin a new tradition of recognizing the remarkable service and commitment of our Alumni through the Boettcher Alumni Awards program. Our first award recipient was Cindy Gay, who is now a wonderful friend.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
I always love finding the 5280 elevation markers like the Purple Row at Coors Field, the Colorado Capitol building's Mile-High Steps, and of course, Mile High Stadium!Favorite Quote:
"Do it for the plot twist."
Justin, a Colorado native and 2004 Boettcher Scholar from Hinkley High School in Aurora, is the vice president of reservoir engineering and data science, and the director of research for FLOW Partners, an analytics and investment advisory company serving investors in the oil and gas sector.
Prior to joining FLOW, Justin was the vice president of reservoir engineering and analytics at Bedrock Energy Partners. At Bedrock, he led a team in charge of development planning, acquisitions and divestitures, reserves, financial valuations, and analytical and digitalization efforts for the company. Prior to his role at Bedrock, Justin was at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in reservoir and production engineering roles of increasing responsibility in various conventional and unconventional reservoirs across the US and internationally.
Justin graduated from the Colorado School of Mines cum laude with a bachelor of science in petroleum engineering. Justin also earned an MBA from Rice University.
Justin has served as the President of two Houston-based nonprofits in the early childhood education field and serves as the Chair of the Boettcher Alumni Board in 2026.
Justin spends his spare time on cars, reading, music, and food.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Going to Table Mountain Inn and enjoying good food and conversation with other Mines Boettcher Scholars and Boettcher Foundation Staff.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Going to Curtis Park Creamery, getting great food, and seeing how much the neighborhood I spent a lot of time growing up in has changed, yet the food has not.Favorite Quote:
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin
Mark Hess is a 1984 Boettcher Scholar from Yuma High School. Mark earned his bachelor’s in English literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He is in his 38th year of K-12 Public Education in Colorado, most of those years specializing in gifted education. Mark is a writer, professional developer, educator, coach, and mentor. His leading interests are his grandkids, golf, reading, and sports of all kind.Mark earned his bachelor’s in English literature from the University of Colorado Boulder and his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Like others from my generation, it’s opening the acceptance letter.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Nothing specific but many, many general vibes and views and opportunities. I do love this state!Favorite Quote:
"I am going to make you feghetti, cheeseburgers, and yogurt!" - Jack (my grandson, age 2)
Mary Margaret Hesse is a 1992 Boettcher Scholar from Rampart High School in Colorado Springs. Now living in Glenwood Springs, Mary Margaret is program director for a nonprofit organization promoting early childhood literacy and enjoys many outdoor activities. She also serves as a local election judge and as an international election observer in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With experience in human rights, democratization, migration, and political-military affairs, Mary Margaret has worked as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State both overseas and in Washington, D.C.; as a civil servant with the U.S. Department of Defense; and as a contractor in the defense industry. She holds an MA in security studies from Georgetown University and a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: I love being part of the Boettcher Alumni community! Some of my favorite recent Boettcher experiences were touring Alum Dominic DiSanti’s farm in Pueblo and gathering with fellow Alumni, Trustees, and Staff at a winery in Palisade.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Raising children in Colorado has been the best! Traveling to every corner of our beautiful state soaking up Colorado history, floating the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, backcountry skiing to 10th Mountain Division huts, XC skiing on Grand Mesa, hiking, hunting, camping, we love it all!Favorite Quote:
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Fred Rogers
Dr. Brian Hill is a 2025 Boettcher Fellow and serves as superintendent of Mesa County Valley School District 51 (D51), the largest district between Denver and Salt Lake City, serving over 19,000 students across more than 40 schools and programs. Since his appointment in 2022, Dr. Hill has led D51 to historic academic success, including record-high graduation rates and schools performing at the state’s top academic levels.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Dr. Hill previously served as Assistant Superintendent in D51 and held leadership roles in Austin Independent School District, advancing personalized learning, professional learning communities, and expanded access and opportunity for all students. He holds a B.A. in theology from East Texas Baptist University, an M.A. in educational leadership administration, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy from The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Hill enjoys long trail runs and a good book…preferably non-fiction.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: My favorite Boettcher memory is the initial meeting with our 2025 Fellows. The activities got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to immediately connect with the other Fellows, which has led to a lasting connection with our group.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
My favorite Colorado experience is finally finishing the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run in August of 2025. This was my fifth attempt at the race, and I finally got it done. Leadville is such a beautiful part of the state, and it was great to be in the outdoors completing a tough challenge.Favorite Quote:
"If you don't have time to do it right, then when are you going to have time to do it over?" -David Gentiles
Royce is a 2022 Scholar from Bayfield High School attending Colorado College. Before CC, Royce grew up on his family’s ranch where he came to love running, hammocking, and climbing in the beautiful San Juans. As a candidate for a B.A. in economics and philosophy, he knows impactful work not only through quantitative rigor, but as a function of broader institutional contexts. When he’s not spending time outside, he’s working at the forefront of state and federal-level climate policy– ensuring the green transition works for both urban and rural economies across the American West. His policy portfolio isn’t limited to climate policy, growing to include economic development, agriculture, international trade, and rural affairs. Royce is deeply passionate Colorado and excited to continue digging deeply into the communities he loves!
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Climbing a 14er right after Scholar’s Weekend with another Scholar from the Southwest!
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Camping in Crested Butte right as the colors are turning! Oh but maybe cross country skiing in Telluride? Hammock camping in the San Juans during the summer, too.Favorite Quote:
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” ― Angela Davis
Kaitlin Johnson is a 2009 Boettcher Scholar from Wray High School. She attended the University of Denver, where she double majored in English and Spanish and earned a master’s degree in business administration.
Kaitlin currently works in the learning and development space, supporting leadership teams and Colorado’s social sector through program and project management roles. Her professional background spans economic development, philanthropy, and financial services. Prior to her current work, she supported communities across Colorado at El Pomar Foundation, including participating in the Foundation’s Fellowship program, and previously served as a loan officer with FirstBank.
Kaitlin serves as the board secretary of Kit Carson Rural Development and the board secretary for Kit Carson School District R-1.
Kaitlin lives on her husband’s family cattle ranch, where she stays busy chasing kids and animals when she’s not working, writing, or reading.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Meeting my now-husband at a DU Scholar service day!
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Driving dirt roads at night, where it’s just me, the silence, and an endless sky stretched wide above the plains.Favorite Quote:
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” Amelia Earhart
A 2011 Boettcher Scholar from Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, Jeremiah Light graduated summa cum laude from the University of Northern Colorado with dual degrees in musical theatre and acting, then spent several years performing professionally on stage in New York City. Jeremiah graduated from Boston University School of Law in 2022, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Boston University School of Law Journal of Science & Technology Law as Technical Editor. Now a litigation attorney in Massachusetts, Jeremiah focuses his practice on complex commercial and business litigation and finds that the skills he developed as an actor—empathy, presence, and a quick wit—translate directly to connecting with clients and advocating on their behalf. He currently serves on the Boettcher Alumni Board, as an Alumni Ambassador, a member of the Boettcher Brand Squad, and as an Alumni Mentor to new Boettcher Scholars.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Sitting in the boardroom for my final scholarship interview—nervous, trying to seem composed, and realizing halfway through that I was talking to people who genuinely wanted to know who I was. That was the first time I understood what Boettcher was really about.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Eating at Casa Bonita. Sopapillas, cliff divers, and all.Favorite Quote:
”Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." — Léon-Joseph Suenens
Madison is a 2021 Boettcher Scholar from Peak to Peak Charter School in Broomfield who attended the University of Colorado Boulder, earning bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and electrical and computer engineering. During that time, she worked at Ball Aerospace/BAE Systems in the Chief Engineer’s Group for Enterprise Assurance, contributing to projects across multiple programs. She is now pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering at CU as a 2025 Smead Scholar, with her research focusing on astrodynamics and spacecraft trajectory design.
Outside of her studies, Madison swims on CU’s Swim & Dive team, where she has previously served as both vice president and president. She enjoys staying active by traveling and competing with the team, along with skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and other outdoor activities. In her free time, she also enjoys drawing, particularly graphite and charcoal portraits.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Attending Elevate Connect Lead as a scholar and getting to meet the wider Boettcher community over that weekend.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Hiking to the top of a mountain and taking in the views, whether it's a scenic summer 14er or a winter climb leading to a deep-powder ski run.Favorite Quote:
"The sky's not the limit, it's just the view" - Swizz Beatz
Aven McCall is a third-year student at the University of Denver and 2023 Boettcher Scholar from Greeley Central High School. She is pursuing a dual-degree program: a BA in english & literary arts with minors in leadership studies and music, and an MA in curriculum, instruction, and teaching at the elementary level. At DU, she is deeply involved in the Pioneer Leadership Program and the Honors Program, as well as Happy Tampers, a menstrual equity club, and Perfect Pair, a nonprofit focused on combatting social isolation and loneliness in senior communities. Outside the classroom, Aven can often be found watching many medical T.V. dramas, reading romance novels, baking, or teaching K–5 cooking classes.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Going on the yearly retreat with the other DU Boettchers and staying up late playing games and talking about everything and anything.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
Swimming in ponds and lakes all over the state with my family and friends!Favorite Quote:
“There are two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations.” — Jodi Picoult
Kathie Novak is a 1980 Boettcher Scholar from Northglenn High School. She is a full teaching professor for the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, where she also serves as the faculty champion for student success and career readiness for management majors. Outside of the University, she is the institute director for the Colorado Municipal Clerks Institute and has a small consulting practice working with local governments.
Kathie has almost 19 years of elected public service, 11 as a member of the Northglenn City Council, and an additional 8 years as Mayor. She was term-limited in 2010. During her time in public office, she served as president of the National League of Cities in 2009 and held numerous other leadership positions.
Kathie earned her master of science in management from the University of Colorado at Denver and has an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned her “Public Leadership Credential” from the Harvard Kennedy School. She has been teaching management at the graduate and undergraduate level since 1991, and at the University of Denver since 2012.
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Trying to purchase my books at the CU bookstore, with only my Boettcher card! I have also loved Boettcher events like TEDex Mile High.
Favorite Colorado Experience:
So many! I have to say that the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is one of my favorites, aside from all the family time in the many locations throughout the state.Favorite Quote:
“The (wo)man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of children; who has filled her niche and accomplished her task; who leaves the world better than she found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best she had.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
Matt is a 2024 Boettcher Fellow from Colorado Springs. He grew up as an Air Force brat, making his way around the world before returning to Colorado after graduating from St. Edward’s University. Matt is a fifth-generation Coloradan, with family roots that trace back to the Hispanic migrant communities that worked for Charles Boettcher’s Great Western Sugar Company in the Greeley area.
Matt is an economic development professional, currently working for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. In his free time, you can find Matt enjoying any outdoor activity, reading a good book, playing or listening to music, or taking photos of Colorado’s pristine landscapes. Fun fact: Matt’s photo of Mt. Sneffels is the design of the Colorado driver’s license!
Favorite Boettcher Memory: Meeting Harrison Ford in Grand Junction during a Fellowship retreat!