Leading the Way

The YMCA of Metro Denver is home to a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals who harness collective strength to do more for our communities. 

Board of Directors

  • Jeff Zawila, Board Chair | Geoscience Manager | SM Energy
  • Mari Akers | SVP, Human Resources | Avanti Residential
  • Negar (Nay) Ballard | Senior Director of Sales | Simbe
  • Joseph Boreman | Senior Business Development Manager | Ikon Science
  • Melissa (Missy) Devillez, CPA | VP, Strategy, GTM & Operations | Oracle
  • Bob Divers | Retired CTO | Imagine Communications
  • Dave Eberly | Retired Partner | KPMG LLP
  • Dean Koelbel | Director of Leasing Operation | Koelbel & Company
  • Craig Lyle | COO | Aurora Public Schools
  • Meridith Marshall | CEO & Founder | UnCharted
  • Dana Milkie | General Manager N.A. | EGYM
  • Doug Newton, MD, MPH | Chief Medical Officer | Rula
  • Nicole Riehl | President & CEO | Executives Partnering to Invest in Children
  • Tiffany Roan | Manager, Client Success | Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth, PBLLC
  • Julia Roberts | Associate Attorney, Commercial Litigation | Polsinelli PC
  • Rick Rush | Retired Managing Partner | GERICK
  • Jill Schulz | Partner, Audit Services | Grant Thornton, LLP
  • Monica Stitt | COO
  • Damian Valdivia | Area Vice President | Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

updated 1/2025

 

Breezy Bolden, President & CEO

Oversees the organization's Mission & Vision; Board Management; Financial Compliance & Management; Fundraising

LinkedIn

Leisha DeSmet, Chief Development Officer

Oversees Fundraising Strategy & Outreach – major and individual gifts; Corporate Sponsorship; Grants-Foundations, State, Federal; Planned Giving 

LinkedIn

Caitlin Heffern, Director, Executive Operations

Oversees Board Communications & Governance; Executive Operations; Staff Relations 

LinkedIn

Claudia Morlan, VP of Marketing and Communication

Oversees Brand Marketing & Advertising; Communications-Staff, Member & Participants; Mobile App; Public Relations; Social Media; Website 

LinkedIn

Sonya Daniels Walker, PhD, VP Program Strategy & Impact

Oversees strategic initiatives and programs, including Early Childhood Education, Youth Development, Youth Sports and off-site programs

LinkedIn