Linda retired from the Daniels Fund on April 30, 2020, after serving as its President and CEO for 15 years. Under Linda’s leadership, the organization grew from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, after distributing approximately $1 billion in grants and scholarships. In addition to serving with Firefly Autism, Linda is the past Chair and a current board member of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. She has served on over 25 state/local boards and five national boards and chaired nine of them. She has received several honors including most recently the Outstanding Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denver Business Journal. Linda has received honorary doctorate degrees from Johnson & Wales University and the University of Denver. several honors including most recently the Outstanding Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denver Business Journal. Linda has received honorary doctorate degrees from Johnson & Wales University and the University of Denver.

Janette Ferguson grew up in Boulder, Colorado. She started her career as a commercial litigation attorney in Newport Beach, California and San Francisco, California. She returned to Colorado in 2000 with her husband and two sons where she continued her thirty-five-year career as a commercial litigator. Her two sons are neurodiverse, one has ADHD and the other is on the autism spectrum. They have taught her so much about the beauty and strength of a unique mind, as well as the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals. Both are now thriving; one is getting his Master of Fine Art in creative writing at Emerson in Boston and the other will graduate soon with a Masters in Cybersecurity from the University of Denver. Janette recently retired from private practice and her firm Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson PC; she took a position in house with a former client to stay engaged until she is ready to fully retire. She is honored to be a member of the Board of Directors of Firefly Autism and hopes that in her retirement she can provide more support to the neurodiverse community and educate people (especially employers) about the amazing talent and unique vision that neurodiverse individuals offer those who are willing to be open to diversity and take the time to engage.

Jessen Gregory is licensed to practice law in California, Colorado and Texas. Ms. Gregory focuses on corporate and commercial real estate transactional work with Ruddy Gregory. Her practice involves complex mergers and acquisitions business transactions. In 2009, Ms. Gregory was recognized for her Pro Bono work in the Denver Bar Association’s publication, “The Docket.” Ms. Gregory earned her Juris Doctor from San Diego School of Law in 2005. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado.

Ed joined Firefly’s Board of Directors in 2020. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board, President and CEO for InBank, a commercial bank serving the Denver Metro Area, southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Ed studied Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi before his post graduate work at Louisiana State University. In addition to Firefly, Ed has served as President of the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Mr. Francis is excited to bring his impressive background of executive leadership, team building and finance experience to Firefly, to share ideas and help the organization grow to new heights.

Sandra is the President and CEO of Customer Communications Group and Publisher of customer.com. For 30+ years she has been helping C-suite executives and Boards at organizations like Nordstrom, Macy’s and GM articulate and implement a common vision and roadmap for customer centricity. In addition, in 2012, the company was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in America. She is the publisher and Editor-in-Chief of customer.com, a website dedicated to helping Fortune 2000 companies improve their customer centricity initiatives. Sandra joined the Firefly Board of Directors in February of 2016. She was drawn to Firefly because her son, Alec is on the spectrum. Alec is the most unique, interesting and flabbergasting person she knows. Sandra states, “I am proud to serve on the Board of such an amazing, world-renowned organization like Firefly. FFA is leading the way in the treatment of kids and young adults on the spectrum.” Sandra is also a big fan of data, a core component of ABA therapy. She calls herself a “data-geek!” Sandra believes in the dignity and un-replicability of every human being; that she is driving force with everyone with whom she interacts.

After twenty-five years in the health insurance industry, with deep experience in healthcare operations, medical management, network development, actuarial and analytics, Donna co-founded ValueIQ, a healthcare consulting firm working with integrated health systems across the country, with a particular focus on value-based healthcare. She also co-founded and serves as the CEO of Tellus Wellness, a complementary medicine company. In her community, Donna serves on the boards of Firefly Autism, The Delores Project and the National Advisory Group of MindSpark.

Greg McCarthy joined Denver Health Medical Plan in 2017, bringing a broad spectrum of health plan experience. McCarthy’s career has encompassed large group plans, individual health plans, and government products. Before joining Denver Health, he spent 13 years at Martin’s Point Health Care in Portland, Maine, filling several high-level leadership roles, culminating with Senior VP Health Plan Operations. He also served as Vice President of Operations for Community Health Options in Lewiston, Maine. McCarthy earned his bachelor’s degree in public management from the University of Maine and his master’s degree from DePaul University’s Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

ason Audette is a seasoned leader with 27 years of experience in the electrical construction industry and a lifelong dedication to service. As President and General Manager of RK Electrical—and a third-generation electrician—he brings strategic insight, operational excellence, and a people-first leadership style to every role. His career spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, renewable energy, and nuclear power, where he has successfully led market expansion, risk management, and sustainable growth. Known for building strong, value-driven teams, Jason consistently champions safety, ethics, and inclusion. His long-standing involvement with the Special Olympics has deepened his commitment to supporting individuals with developmental differences and promoting dignity and opportunity for all. As a member of the Firefly Autism Board of Directors, Jason offers a powerful blend of professional expertise and personal passion, helping to guide the organization’s mission and expand its impact in the neurodiverse community.

Javier Alberto Soto is President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. Before joining The Denver Foundation in October 2019, Javier spent 10 years as President and CEO of The Miami Foundation. Javier has strong personal ties to Colorado. In his first month with The Denver Foundation, Javier cycled more than 60 miles through dozens of neighborhoods, meeting with residents and leaders along the way. Javier graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in History and Political Science and earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Jesse Ogas, former CEO of Firefly Autism, now leads community engagement, manages station partnerships, and champions inclusivity at 9NEWS. Ogas is a key part of the station’s executive leadership team. Ogas has more than thirty years of nonprofit leadership experience and under Ogas’ leadership, Firefly Autism has grown to serve families and children with autism across Colorado and is considered one the leading agencies in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy nationally and internationally. Ogas is a proud member of one of the nation’s prominent Latino Theater companies, Su Teatro. He is a community advocate that serves on a variety of nonprofit Boards, including Colorado Aids Project, Tepeyac Community Health Center, Kemp Foundation, Latina Safehouse, Newsed, Adams Camp and the MSU President’s Cabinet. He is a recipient of the Eric J. Duran Community Service Award, which honors a person of Latino descent who has made a positive impact in the Denver community. Jesse was the 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year, which is presented by the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. The award is peer nominated and selected and honors leaders in the community who have made significant contributions to the well-being and development of Colorado. Ogas also recently participated in 9NEWS’ Voices of Change initiative during Hispanic Heritage month. Voices of Change is an ongoing conversation that amplifies the voices of community members who are provoking change toward building an equitable, inclusive, and flourishing Colorado.

John Griffith has served on Firefly Autism’s Board for over 10 years. Professionally he is the founder and former President of Alpine Waste & Recycling. Personally, John has personal attachments to Firefly Autism and has loved ones on the spectrum.

Kate Delzell’s passion for understanding autism began as a student at the University of Denver, where she volunteered at The Ricks Center for Gifted Children and spent three summers as a counselor at Adams Camp. After graduating from the Daniels School of Business, she worked in global real estate with a private equity fund. Her journey took a more personal turn when her oldest son was diagnosed with autism at age three, and her younger son was later identified with a sensory processing disorder. These experiences have given Kate a deeper and more beautiful understanding of how her children perceive and navigate the world. Kate and her family love being outdoors, spending weekends hiking, following their sons’ various sports and activities, and traveling with extended family. She currently serves as a board member for the Professional Psychology Department at the University of Denver and for Child Help, an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Krystal Than has been in the HR field for over 20 years, supporting organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. She currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for Panorama Eye Care. She joined the Firefly board over 8 years because of a “Great mission and great team making REAL impact.” Her experience in building processes, infrastructure and collaborative environments as the human resources leader is key to the impact she creates towards business mission. Krystal has also been involved in non-profit work for over 20 years. In addition to her professional life, Krystal is a proud wife to her husband Van and mother to their son, Tyler.

Laura Giocomo Rizzo is the Colorado Director of Government Affairs for Intermountain Health, where she works to advance the organization’s public policy goals. She collaborates with elected officials, state agencies, community leaders, and partner organizations to address policy opportunities and challenges, strengthen strategic priorities, and expand intermountain’s regional relationships. Prior to this role, Laura was the Senior Vice President of Scholarship and Communications at the Daniels Fund, overseeing over $18 million in annual giving. She also spent nearly a decade at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, where she led communications, marketing, and government affairs, playing a key role in ballot initiatives and statewide policy efforts on behalf of the business community. Laura’s career spans strategic communications and policy roles with Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Centura Health, and SE2, where she supported healthcare and education clients at the intersection of public policy and communications. A Colorado native and University of Denver graduate, she was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2017 and is an alum of Leadership Denver. Laura serves on the board of Firefly Autism and the executive board of Scouting Colorado. She lives in Denver with her husband, two sons, and two energetic golden retrievers.

Leigh Sullivan is the Development Director for Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary (PSDS) in Denver, Colorado. The third-generation Coloradoan is passionate about animal welfare, management, and philanthropy. As a life-long animal lover, she was always bringing home stray dogs and wanting to help those in need. Prior to her work at PSDS, Leigh, a restaurateur, founded the culinary supergroup, FIVE, and spent three decades in the hospitality industry. She is a widely respected marketing and communications strategist and is innovative in her efforts to support both the Colorado culinary world and charitable causes. In recent years, Leigh has been recognized for her invaluable service and support to the LGBTQ+ community. She also serves on the board of directors for Firefly Autism, a charity that is near and dear to her heart. xin her efforts to support both the Colorado culinary world and charitable causes. In recent years, Leigh has been recognized for her invaluable service and support to the LGBTQ+ community. She also serves on the board of directors for Firefly Autism, a charity that is near and dear to her heart.

Liz Austin is a member of Williams Weese Pepple & Ferguson’s Litigation and Labor and Employment groups, where she represents organizations in employment disputes, trade secret matters, and class and collective actions, as well as providing advice and counsel on corporate matters. She also advises higher education institutions on regulatory compliance and investigations involving Titles VI, VII, and IX. Liz is especially passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations and proudly volunteers with Firefly Autism. Outside of the office, Liz loves to spend her free time with her husband, two kids, and pups, getting outdoors as much as possible.

Mark Richtermeyer has over 25 years of experience leading professional and technical organizations. His background as an entrepreneur influences his approach to market strategies, and his experience building high-performing teams drives his executional style. Mark is the VP of Professional Services for Nexustek and manages 7 operational practice areas and the Program Management Office (PMO) within the organization. Previously, Mark founded The Spitfire Group and served as its CEO for 12 years. The company successfully sold to David Consulting in 2016. He was the Denver Office Managing Partner for Hitachi consulting (a roll-up of BDO Seidman, Grant Thornton, Tactica Technology and other consulting organizations). He was the Western Region VP for iXL, managing over 800 consultants in the Western US and Asia Pacific. Mark has deep experience leading teams that deliver complex technology and management consulting solutions. Mark has an MBA from the University of Colorado, a BS in accounting from the University of Wyoming, was previously licensed as a CPA in Colorado and Wyoming. Mark is a veteran who served as an officer in the US Air Force and Air National Guard.

Professionally, Matt Teeters works as the Regional President of the Front Range for Alpine Bank. In this role, Matt’s responsible for all loan and deposit operations for the bank’s locations in Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs and he also oversees all the small business and commercial banking operations for the entire bank. Personally, Matt’s a Colorado native and was born and raised in Denver. He attended Cherry Creek High School and from there, went on to Grinnell College, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He completed his MBA from the University of Denver in 2013. In addition to working for Alpine Bank, Matt also serves as the board Chair for Roundup River Ranch, the Board Vice Chair for Judi’s House, the Board Treasurer for The Sonoran Institute and Developmental FX and serves as a board member for the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum. As an acknowledgement for the leadership displayed with these organizations, Teeters was selected as one of ColoradoBiz Magazines Top 25 Young Professionals in 2016. Personally, Matt was married to Sarah in July 2017, has a 5-year-old daughter named Charlie and a 2.5-year-old named Dean. Lastly, his hobbies include golfing, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time outdoors.

Megan Beebe is a corporate attorney licensed to practice in Colorado, specializing in mergers and acquisitions with an emphasis on the food and beverage industry. Megan graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Megan has a personal connection to Firefly’s mission. With family members on the spectrum, she is deeply committed to expanding Firefly’s services to support families like her own. In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and hiking with her German Shepherd.

In 2018, Randy founded SC Insurance Agency LLC, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, the agency has flourished, now overseeing a team of three dedicated licensed agents and a roster of esteemed outside agents. Randy is renowned for his consultative-sales acumen, consistently exceeding both customer and employer expectations. His keen eye for opportunities, coupled with his adept relationship-building skills, positions him as a formidable force in the industry. His dedication to staying abreast of the latest trends ensures that clients benefit from his comprehensive knowledge of financial and insurance products, as well as industry best practices. A natural leader, Randy fosters top-performing teams driven by a shared commitment to impeccable service delivery and goal attainment. His unwavering professionalism and adherence to ethical standards serve as guiding principles in all his endeavors. Beyond his professional pursuits, Randy finds joy in travel, golfing adventures, and cherished moments spent in the scenic landscapes of Colorado and Wyoming alongside his wife, Jessen, and their beloved canine companions.

Saurabh is the CEO & Founder of Gyan-i Inc. He has worked in the cybersecurity field for the last 25 years and is a subject matter expert in cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance management. Saurabh sits on cyber advisory board committees of various nonprofits in the Denver metro area. He also plays the role of a virtual chief information security officer to various private foundations. Before founding Gyan-i, Saurabh served as the vice president of technology at the Daniels Fund. He has technical and hands-on expertise in effectively managing and running cybersecurity programs and incident response teams for various local entities. Saurabh holds a master’s in information technology from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s in business management from the University of Bangalore, India.

Scott brings over two decades of experience leading complex projects within the energy industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Geology from Utah State University. His career spans both Fortune 500 companies and private equity startups, and he currently leads his own consulting firm, Terra Alta Group LLC. Scott’s strong technical background has supported his success in assessing, planning, managing, and executing projects ranging from multi-million-dollar initiatives to multi-billion-dollar developments. He is known for his ability to build and lead cohesive, multidisciplinary teams that prioritize collaboration, personal growth, and long-term success. In addition to his professional expertise, Scott brings a deep personal connection to Firefly’s mission as the sibling of his autistic sister, Jessie. He is honored to serve the organization, offering his insight and leadership while continuing to learn from and contribute to Firefly’s diverse and vibrant community.

Morgan Wuthrich is a Manager in RubinBrown’s Tax Services Group. She is part of the federal tax group that manages across multiple industries including medical practices, construction services,high net-worth individuals and investment partnerships. She also assists with modeling sales and related tax implications, other complex tax transactions, and individual tax planning.

Travis Plakke works with top restaurants all over the state as the Principal at Sullivan Group Real Estate Service. He came to the Board of Firefly Autism after having a chance meeting with a friend of the organization, Linda Appel Lipsius. Travis is on the autism spectrum and thought this would be a great way to give back and offer some valuable insight, with a very appropriate point of view. Professionally, Travis recalls an event from his youth that still drives him today: When he proposed an idea for a fine restaurant we was working in his teens, he was promptly shut down by the Executive Chef. The lessons that have stuck with him have taught him to always learn and grow in any situation you might be in, but know who you are and who you want to be. With that vision, learn and grow until it’s time to move on. He also believes that if one wants to affect change, it is done from the top. That is why it is his pleasure to serve on the Firefly Autism Board. Personally, to Travis, being a husband and a father is the single most important thing he has ever done and ever will do. Being with family is incredibly fulfilling to Travis. He says “People on the spectum don’t have Autism…we are Autistic and with the right environment and resources (Firefly) their super power(s) will be revealed.