Committee

Pete Aden is a partner focused on providing tax, audit, and consulting services for businesses in the construction and real estate industry, and professional services organizations. His experience in the construction and real estate industry runs deep, having specialized in serving the industry since 1999. Pete is very active in community organizations and was recognized by the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants (COCPA) as an Everyday Hero in 2017 for the difference he has made in others’ lives and the contributions he has made to developing the next generation of certified public accountants. Pete currently serves as Wipfli’s Rocky Mountains Market Leader. In that role, he oversees a team of professionals who provide audit, tax and consulting services to businesses, organizations and individuals in Arizona and Colorado. Pete is responsible for driving the overall financial results of the market, client development and retention, Wipfli’s brand and value proposition in the marketplace and community engagement.

Nick is CFO and Corporate Development lead of Vistage, which provides 45K SMB subscribers in 35 countries a platform that facilitates peer group advisory, one-on-one coaching, subject matter experts, proprietary research, community networks, and software modules such as strategic planning, company valuation, & M&A planning. Gridiron Capital acquired Vistage in July 2022 from Providence Equity Partners. Since December 2022, Vistage has made 5 add-on acquisitions and has opportunistically refinanced and repriced $650 million of debt twice.

Prior to joining Vistage, Nick served as CFO of PatientPop (merged with Kareo to form Tebra, an Artificial Intelligence-powered healthcare practice management unicorn software business), Tastemade (acquired by Wonder), AOL Platforms (acquired by Verizon), Medialets (acquired by WPP) and 8thBridge (acquired by Goldman Sachs Investment Partners). During these operating roles, Nick was instrumental in raising hundreds of millions of dollars of equity & debt capital, completing hundreds of millions of dollars of acquisitions and leading company sales for several billions of dollars.

Brent has spent his entire career working for or investing in entrepreneurs. Now he is a Director at Trivest Partners for TGIF, the firms' non-control growth investment fund. Prior to joining Trivest, Brent was Vice President Sheridan Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm. His previous experience includes working at a financial services platform backed by Carlyle and Warburg Pincus, as well as being an early team member at a venture-backed company acquired by Nasdaq, Inc. Brent began his career at Morgan Keegan, a Memphis-based investment bank. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Furman University, where he was a member of the football team.

Luke is the Founder and CEO of Good Bull Capital and Diamond Client Group. He is also a founding partner of Diamond Client Consulting. These three companies form a full-service integrated model that caters to the needs of private business owners and high-net-worth families.

For over 15 years, Luke has worked alongside business owners, providing strategic insights on reducing taxes, incentivizing employees, mitigating risk, and preparing for successful exits. Immersed in entrepreneurship from an early age, he understands not just how business owners think, but what it takes for them to thrive. His success in the advisory space led to the formation of Diamond Client Group, LLC in 2016 where he has built a team of advisers with a significant following.

Recognizing a gap in the market, Luke took his practice independent, registering Diamond Client Group as an Investment Advisory firm while launching Good Bull Capital and Diamond Client Consulting in 2021. Good Bull Capital provides private credit and private equity opportunities to accredited investors. Diamond Client Consulting offers world-class operational due diligence, consulting, and accounting services for small to mid-sized enterprises, and Diamond Client Group continues to provide strategic financial planning for business owners and high-net-worth families.

My leadership perspective has been shaped by foundational years with IBM, to leading my first business at age 27, leading the subsidiary of a multi-national organization at 37, starting an entrepreneurial manufacturing business during our young child rearing years, across a range of business models and industries.

As a founder, CEO, president, and COO I have been in the shoes of those leading organization, and as importantly, in the shoes of those reporting to the CEO.  I recognize the mix of pressure, joy, and learning required to lead your organization.  We all know the difference between those environments and cultures where energy is flowing, collaboration is prevalent, the right problems are being solved, and where the bright lights of deeply engaged team members are glowing with ideas, versus those cultures where the dimmer switch is sometimes on.  I coach so those running businesses find the bright light within themselves, in each team member, and in deeply loyal customers.

While running a custom manufacturing business, we grew sales from $2 to $26 million without a single salesperson.  Growth was fully propelled by operational excellence, quality, compelling design, and speed.  Customer service passion further resulted in no dealer defections across 1,400 high end retailers, and being acquired by Hallmark Cards.

I transformed the business model of a commercial printer from unstable margins and transient clients to a robust technology business.  We focused on how clients earn loyalty from their customers via positive daily interactions with correspondence and digital payment ease.  This resulted in high-margin recurring transactions and loyal customers with revenue increasing from $13 to $34 million.

As a Vistage Chair, I lead a high-powered peer group of 12 - 16 CEOs, owners, and top decision-making executives who are committed to each other's growth, learning , achieving their life goals, and inspiring the same with the team members they lead.

Scot manages the firm’s corporate, M&A, private equity, securities and tax practices, and is also the head of the cannabis group, which consists of more than 40 attorneys throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has extensive experience in corporate, mergers and acquisitions and tax law and has served as lead counsel in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, private offerings, venture capital financings, mezzanine debt offerings, divestitures and other related financial transactions, in a number of industry sectors, including the cannabis industry.

Malcolm began his banking career in 1987 with Central Bank & Trust in Monroe, LA. as a part-time teller while enrolled at The University of Louisiana at Monroe (“ULM”). In 1989 he accepted an Assistant Branch Manager position with Union National Bank in Little Rock, AR. In 1993 he became a National Bank Examiner with the OCC. After spending 5 years with the OCC, Malcolm accepted a Senior Loan Review Officer position with BBVA Compass Bank (now PNC) in Birmingham, AL. During his tenure with BBVA, Malcolm served as VP/Sr Loan Review Officer, VP/Business Development Officer--Asset Based Lending and VP/Relationship Manager--Corporate Banking. Malcolm served as SVP/Sr Relationship Manager with Vectra Bank/Zions Bancorp from 2006 - 2015. Malcolm served as SVP/Sr Relationship Manager with UMB Bank from 2015 - 2022. Malcolm assumed his current role with Wintrust Bank in 2022.

Mike Franson is an experienced financial advisor who has worked with a variety of middle-market businesses in both the public and private sectors. Over the course of his career, Mike has completed over 100 transactions with a total value exceeding $4.0 billion. He co-founded St. Charles Capital (SCC), a top M&A boutique headquartered in Denver, where he served as President & CEO, leading the firm to 25 investment bankers. In 2014, SCC was sold to KPMG, and Mike became the Global Head of TMT M&A, overseeing a team of 200 investment bankers focused on middle-market TMT M&A across 80 countries.

Mike has also led SCC's merchant banking efforts, investing in growth, buyout, and recapitalization transactions. He continues to hold investments in several of these transactions and serves as an active board member for Outlast Technologies GMBH and Chairman of Slumber Cloud. Mike successfully exited a private equity investment in Adam's Polishes in 2020, where he served on the board of directors. He was the lead M&A advisor to CoorsTek from 2003 to 2019, advising on over $1.3 billion in transactions and helping to build the company into a global market leader with ~$1 billion in annual revenue.

Currently, Mike serves as lead director of the board of directors of Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX), a publicly traded company and market leader in North America manufacturing large-diameter steel water transmission pipe and precast concrete pipe. He has also served on eleven other for-profit boards, including three other public company boards.

Beverly Gibson brings over 24 years of experience at Insperity, specializing in strengthening HR infrastructure and driving strategic human capital initiatives for companies across the country. Based in Denver, she partners closely with executives, private equity firms, and investors to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and support successful business evaluations and integrations.

Mr. Henry plays a key role in the continued growth of the firm’s debt and equity platform, leveraging nearly two decades of experience in commercial finance. In addition to originating and structuring debt, he values the strong relationships he has built throughout his career and has expanded his expertise into the commercial insurance sector. He is committed to delivering thoughtful solutions while carefully balancing risk. Chris has developed deep expertise across a wide range of asset classes and consistently demonstrates the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a broad network of funding sources. He brings a seasoned perspective to structuring, negotiating, and closing complex transactions, having successfully guided financing for billions of dollars in real estate. His strategic insight and market knowledge enable him to identify and execute advantageous pricing and structural opportunities that deliver measurable value.

Prior to joining EPH, Chris served as Executive Vice President of Commercial and Industrial Lending at a leading Colorado-based bank. Over his 19-year banking career, he held key leadership positions including Regional Manager and Market President at both national and regional banks. He was recognized for his vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to team development and client success.

Carolina Hensley is a partner at Progress Equity Partners, a firm she has been with for the past 14 years. At Progress Equity, Carolina is intimately involved with portfolio companies in strategic planning sessions, financings, hiring decisions, and providing general portfolio management. She also spends her time in deal sourcing and execution. Prior to Progress Equity, Carolina worked at two other investment firms in Denver. She started her career in investment banking in New York. Outside of work, she can often be found on a mountain trail;hiking, running, biking, or skiing as well as spending time with her family. Carolina grew up in Sweden and came to the US as a student-athlete.

With over two decades of experience at the intersection of brand strategy, business development, and private equity, Tracie serves as Director of Marketing at Excellere Partners. She leads the firm’s integrated marketing, communications, and branding efforts with a unique focus on how thoughtful positioning and storytelling can accelerate deal origination and portfolio growth.

Tracie brings a rare blend of creative vision and commercial acumen to the private equity space—balancing strategic brand building with analytical rigor to amplify the firm’s market presence and support investment activity across Healthcare, Business Services, and Industrial Growth. She works closely with investment bankers, entrepreneurs, investors, and internal deal teams to elevate visibility and create marketing assets that resonate with both founders and intermediaries.

Lee is managing director of Smart Business Network LLC, a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Dealmakers Conferences throughout the U.S. He plays a key role in establishing corporate policies and developing long-term strategy and growth plans. Previously, he founded and chaired the Growth Group at national law firm Arter & Hadden LLP (now Tucker, Ellis & West), which focused on working with middle-market and high-growth technology companies. 

An accomplished senior executive and market leader, Stew Lawrence brings over 20 years of successful experience in sales, marketing, business development, and enterprise management in the consumer packaged goods and energy related fields. Stew is currently CEO of CleanWell, LLC a Denver based manufacturer of homecare cleaning products.

Richard Lewis, Jr. is Founder and Chairman of the RTL Foundation, empowering communities through education, youth mentorship, and innovation. A decorated Air Force veteran and award-winning tech entrepreneur, he champions underserved populations, small businesses, and systemic change. Richard’s values-driven leadership fuels his mission to uplift future generations through opportunity, access, and lasting community impact.

With 20 years of Hospitality experience as an owner/operator of 14 bars and restaurants in Illinois, Wisconsin and North Carolina, Matt took that knowledge and understanding of consumer trends and in 2013 launched Crafthouse Cocktails. Along with co-founder Charles Joly, Matt brought to market the first super premium Ready-to-Drink/Ready-to-Serve bottled cocktails. Still independently owned, they have expanded to over 20 markets and have national partnerships with Virgin Voyage cruise line, Amtrak and Ambassador Theatre Group.

Ashley joined Revelstoke in 2022 to oversee its Responsible Investment group by implementing Responsible Investment practices, impact measurement, and portfolio company reporting at the Firm. She brings 15 years of experience in ESG disclosures, performance and program development, in addition to investor communications, stakeholder engagement, and communications.

Prior to joining Revelstoke, Ashley founded Alvarez & Marsal’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Services practice. At A&M, Ashley created the ESG due diligence approach and managed the practice’s Private Equity engagements, while also managing corporate and energy company value creation engagements. Prior to that, she was the founding ESG practice lead for Lumen ESG. She also spent six years at Whiting Petroleum as the Director of Communications, Corporate Responsibility and Chief of Staff to the CEO. At Whiting she managed its ESG, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Community Engagement and Communications groups, as well as executed the company’s bankruptcy in 2020.

 At Whiting, she managed its ESG, Human Resources, Investor Relations, Community Engagement, and Communications groups, and she was a part of the team that worked on the company’s bankruptcy in 2020. 

Eric Miller is an experienced investor and operator with over 19 years in business growth and investment. He co-founded Eagle River Capital in 2017, focusing on both organic growth and acquisitions. Prior to this, Eric co-founded Kodiak Building Partners, a Denver-based acquirer of building products companies, which was sold in 2017 to Court Square Capital Management. At Eagle River and Kodiak, Eric has built expertise in logistics, retail, manufacturing, service, and distribution. He holds a Master’s in Finance (2010) and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (2005) from the University of Denver.

Marcia leverages over 10 years of financial services expertise and 20 years in business advisory to guide clients through complex deals. Drawing from 100+ service offerings, including tax, advisory, and attest, she works closely with business owners, CFOs, and executives. Marcia has extensive experience across private equity, real estate, healthcare, and SaaS industries, among others.

Alex is a co-founder and the CEO of Cardinal Group Companies. Over the past 15 years, he has held various leadership roles, including President of CG Management and COO, and was named CEO in May of 2020. He is responsible for the overall vision of the Company and for ensuring the Cardinal Culture is strong for the Company's over 2,500 team members.

Prior to Cardinal Group, Alex was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He is a graduate of Miami University in Ohio and received his MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

In his personal time, he serves the veteran community of Colorado as a Board Member of Salute Colorado and coaches youth sports.

Mike is a growth focused business development and fund raising executive seeking partnerships to further extend the reach and footprint of each business he represents. Most recently, Mike led business development efforts for Swiftpage creating relationships with large distribution partners worldwide. Prior to Swiftpage, Mike worked in major medical equipment sales for Phillips and large networked printer sales for Toshiba. He loves to fish, golf, bike, ski and most importantly, he and his wife lovingly chase their three children around in all their endeavors.  

Strategic Board Member and former CEO with 30+ years of experience in logistics, engineering, and construction organizations.  Expertise in corporate strategy, financial oversight, network optimization, and risk management gained through 20+ years of Executive Leadership, Trustee and Advisory service.  Proven track record, achieving 82% revenue growth and executing a successful exit to private equity-back strategic buyer.

Ben Russell is a Partner at Trigran Ventures, a long-term oriented private investment platform focused on partnering with profitable and growing businesses led by passionate management teams, based in Boulder. Before helping to launch Trigran Ventures in 2025, Ben held a leadership role on the Private Equity team of Partners Group, a multi-national private asset manager with over $150 billion AUM.

Dr. Afshin Safavi is a founder, CEO, councilman, consultant, board member, Scientist, entrepreneur, and investor in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, animal health, technology, and real estate sectors with multi-billion-dollar turnovers in biological products, and is responsible for multiple drug products in the market today. He is the founder and CEO of Colorado Health & Tech Centers (CHTC) and General Partner at Summit Impact Partners (SIP).

Prior to that, he founded BioAgilytix Labs, one of the most successful multi-billion-dollar Contract Research Organizations known internationally. He has extensive experience establishing and leading teams in start-ups, as well as Fortune 500 biotech and pharmaceutical companies. He has worked with clients and companies in more than 30 countries. Dr. Safavi obtained his B.S. in Biochemistry from UCLA and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Kentucky Medical School. He completed a two-year postdoctoral assignment at Emory University.

Jenna Schlageter is the Head of Business Development for the AEA Growth team. In her role, she is responsible for deal origination, sourcing strategies, marketing, and relationship management.

Prior to AEA Growth, Jenna led business development for Bow River Capital’s Private Equity strategy, where she focused on service companies in tech-enabled business, industrial, and healthcare end markets. Prior to Bow River Capital, Jenna spent 14 years in banking roles at BMO and NBH Capital Finance, providing financing solutions to closely held businesses and private equity firms for growth capital, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and syndications.

Jenna holds a B.S. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Chad brings two decades of experience investing in private and public businesses. Prior to founding Black Lake, he was at leading private equity firms HIG Capital and AEA Investors, which manage over $60B collectively. He also invested in long/short global equities with SAC Capital and Tiger Cub, Fox Point Capital. Chad began his career as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. He earned an MBA with Honors from the Wharton School and a BS in Chemical Engineering with Distinction from the University of Wisconsin.

Mark Spiecker is President of STAQ Pharma, a 503B Outsourcing Facility in Columbus, OH and Denver, Colorado that will provide sterile injectable compounded medications to hospitals across the country. Prior to joining STAQ, Marks’s career spanned a number of strategy and leadership roles. In each role Mark utilized his passion for business development, process improvement and innovative operations to successfully guide complex organizations through significant change.

Mark is the former CEO of Sharklet Technologies, Inc. a medical device firm that developed a texture inspired by Sharkskin to control bacteria on surfaces. Mark exited Sharklet to a Bioscience group out of China, providing significant returns to shareholders. Mark is an active community leader, currently serving as a Chair and Board Member of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, a Trustee at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Prior to 2019, Mark served as Chair of the Board of the Colorado Biosciences Association.

Founder of a private capital firm that employs industry-specific skillsets to make strategic investments in distressed and turnaround situations and merger and direct investments in private and pre-public companies.

Bo Sutton is a Co-Founder and Partner at Liftout Capital with 15 years of private investing experience. Prior to co-founding Liftout Capital, he was a Director at Bow River Capital, where he led acquisition and sale transactions focused on business and industrial services. While at Bow River Capital, Mr. Sutton served on numerous boards and was Chairman of Ocean Tomo. He currently serves on the board of directors of Pay4Leads and AG&E, and is Chairman of Franchise Creator. Before joining Bow River, Mr. Sutton worked as a private equity real estate investor, focusing on distressed real estate debt at Platform Ventures and agricultural real estate at Resource Land Holdings. He holds an MBA with an emphasis in Finance and a BS in International Business, both from the University of Colorado, and is a CFA Charterholder.

As the Market Leader for Vistage in CO, Matt connects CEO's, Founders and business owners who want to change the stars for their organizations, communities, and families with peer think tanks that are on the same journey. His focus on building a powerful community of CEOs and founders committed to growth delivers +$10mm in enterprise value annually.

He's created success and significance as a social entrepreneur by standing up a portfolio of revenue positive mission-aligned programs that continue to serve the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools to this day.

Lyle Wallace has more than 20 years of experience counseling corporations and private equity clients through acquisitions, dispositions, and mergers, both domestic and international. He has represented clients in more than two hundred transactions during his career and has developed a reputation not only as a talented legal practitioner, but also a practical problem-solver.

Tony Wibbeler is the founder and CEO of Bolder Industries, a pioneering clean-technology company that transforms end-of-life tires into sustainable industrial materials. Under his leadership, the company has scaled a patented tire pyrolysis process to divert waste from landfills and drastically lower the carbon footprint of manufacturing.

Rex serves as a Vistage Master Chair and CEO Coach in Denver. He is a 3rd generation native Coloradoan with an extensive 35+ year career of building businesses since starting his first company at 21. Today Rex chairs seven Vistage groups made up of 140 CEOs, business owners and business leaders from diverse industries in Colorado. He’s been recognized multiple times with the Vistage Chair Excellence Award, STAR Award and ranks in the top 10 nationally.

Russ is a partner at West Elk Partners where he supports the firm's deal sourcing, exectution, and investment growth initiatives. He is an experienced CFO consultant with a background in business and complex securities valuation. Russ also maintains an active presence in the Denver non-profit community, helping charitable organizations optimize fundraising and operations.