A Seat at the Table with Debbie Brown

Reflections on COBRT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Part 2 featuring Polly Lawrence and Danny Moore

Polly Lawrence is a senior policy director in Dentons’ Public Policy group. A former member of the Colorado General Assembly, where she served as House Republican Whip and Assistant Minority Leader, Polly is an accomplished government relations professional, adept at monitoring lawmaking trends, assessing potential business impacts and recommending solutions that optimize client interests.

Danny Moore is President and Founder of DeNOVO Solutions, LLC. He has over 34 years of operational and business experience in Defense, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance arenas. Danny is a 24-year Navy Veteran who retired after completing his final tour as the Senior Enlisted Advisor at the Aerospace Data Facility, Aurora Colorado. After retirement, he continued to support the Intelligence community as a contractor performing Program Management, Business Development and System Engineering functions while employed with a large defense company.

Polly and Danny join Profits & Purpose to discuss the recent trip by a Colorado Business Roundtable delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the group participated in the Future Investment Initiative which is an annual investment forum in Riyadh to explore and discuss trends in the world economy and investment environment. They share their highlights, their surprises, and their excitement about the trip. The two provide an enthusiastic endorsement of their time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and see bright things ahead for the Kingdom.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Reflections on COBRT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Part 1 featuring Scott Yenzer

Scott Yenzer is on the Board of Directors at Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc, which provides environmental, renewable fuels and industrial waste stream management services to oil producers and refiners, railcar operators, industrial and manufacturing companies, medical facilities, government agencies, universities and environmental consulting firms. Scott also does contract work for JMJ, best known for creating the Incident and Injury-Free™ (IIF™) safety practices used in the world’s most hazardous industries. He has a long history of working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. 

Scott joins Profits & Purpose to discuss the recent trip by a Colorado Business Roundtable delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the group participated in the Future Investment Initiative which is an annual investment forum in Riyadh to explore and discuss trends in the world economy and investment environment. On this episode, Scott shares surprises and insights from the trip, dispels some myths about doing business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and discusses why Colorado companies should be interested in doing business there.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Wrapping Up 2021 with Jesse Mallory of Americans for Prosperity-Colorado

Jesse Mallory is the State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Colorado. According to their website, Americans for Prosperity "protect[s] the American Dream by fighting each day for lower taxes, less government regulation and economic prosperity for all." Prior to his current role, Mallory worked in the Colorado State Senate. He served as Chief of Staff to Senate President Bill Cadman and Senate President Kevin Grantham. He’s a graduate of Colorado State University with bachelor’s in political science.

On this episode of Profits & Purpose, Jesse shares his insights from 2021. Topics covered include the good and bad of the legislative session, learnings and innovations that arose because of the COVID-19 pandemic, unintended consequences of even well-intentioned legislation, and insights about the health care industry, oil and natural gas, TABOR, and a lot more.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown. 

Colorado Job Quality Framework featuring the Colorado Workforce Development Council

Attracting and growing good jobs is key to building a strong economy and creating opportunity for all Coloradans. Given the benefits of improving job quality for both employers and workers, the Colorado Job Quality Framework aims to help local stakeholders take action to improve job quality. By sharing and implementing the framework, Colorado stakeholders can increase the supply of good jobs in the state, resulting in greater satisfaction for workers and more competitive businesses.

Joining Profits & Purpose to discuss the Colorado Job Quality Framework are Lee Wheeler-Berliner, Managing Director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Dan Weinstein, Vice President of health and benefits and risk solutions practice for Aon in Denver, and Colleen Wohnoutka, Associate, Colorado Workforce Development Council. They discuss the elements that lead to high job quality, what tools are available to increase job quality, and the framework itself. 

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Lee Wheeler-Berliner

As the director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council Office, Lee manages the execution of strategies to develop and sustain an industry-led talent development system in Colorado. By forging relationships with industry and public partners at the local and state level, Lee helps to ensure the alignment of talent development efforts statewide. Lee has been with the CWDC for four years and brings extensive project management and leadership experience to this role. He previously worked as an independent consultant for mission-driven for-profit and nonprofit entities, as well as holding senior leadership positions with Hunger Free Colorado and Colorado Court Appointed Special Advocates. Lee holds an MBA with a concentration in social entrepreneurship from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and is an active coffee drinker at his local Edgewater coffee shop.

Dan Weinstein (pictured)

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Dan acts as the ongoing client manager for the companies he works with to ensure overall satisfaction. Through Dan’s 16 years working in the HR space his experience includes assessment of existing human resource strategy, related strategic planning and guidance; human resource and business related risk evaluation; and managing implementations of complex, integrated solutions. In the local Denver community Dan founded Colorado Leadership Cares, a non-profit focused broadly on Colorado Leaders looking to give back to the local community with their skills and investigate how to integrate their own corporate social responsibility programs more holistically with the communities they live and work in. In Dan’s “spare” time he enjoys playing with his 3 kids, cycling, gardening and more recently keeping his sourdough starter alive to bake another Day!

Colleen Wohnoutka

As an associate for the Colorado Workforce Development Council Office, Colleen is focused on establishing and supporting retail sector partnerships. These partnerships build on Colorado’s foundation of industry-led collaboration to keep retail in the driver’s seat while leveraging community partners who can assist in areas such as skill-building to help attract, train, and promote talent in the field. Colleen has several years of prior experience with retail and sales, working with companies such as Walmart, Walgreens, and Schwan’s Home Food Service. She has an MBA with a concentration in project management. Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, learning new things, and raising bengal cats.

View from the Top featuring Janice Sinden, President & CEO of Denver Center for Performing Arts

In advance of View from the Top 2021 on September 23 (click here to register) where Colorado's leading non-profit CEOs join us for an in-depth conversation on managing through crisis and the vital connection between business and non-profit communities., we feature some of our panelists on Profits & Purpose. This episode proudly features Janice Sinden.

Janice Sinden joined the Denver Center for the Performing Arts as President & CEO in 2016. This fourth-generation Coloradan has had her eye on the future of her state for decades and now leads the 300 artisans and administrators of one of the nation’s largest non-profit theatre organizations.

Janice’s diverse career has allowed her to support rich cultural experiences, access to education and community involvement. She previously served as Chief of Staff for Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock where she managed 60 appointees, 26 departments and the day-to-day complexities of running a major metropolitan city. She served as Executive Director of Colorado Concern, Manager of Community Relations / Corporate Communications for Sharp HealthCare in San Diego, and worked for U.S. Senator Wayne Allard in both Washington, D.C. and Colorado.

On this episode of Profits & Purpose, Janice shares her professional journey, discusses the unique challenges to live theatre and the arts presented by the global pandemic, how the Denver Center for Performing Arts is building back better, and what's on the horizon for the organization. It's a unique look into one of Denver's most iconic organizations.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

View from the Top featuring Sue Glass, President and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Denver

In advance of View from the Top 2021 on September 23 (click here to register) where Colorado's leading non-profit CEOs join us for an in-depth conversation on managing through crisis and the vital connection between business and non-profit communities., we feature some of our panelists on Profits & Purpose. Next up, Sue Glass. 

Sue Glass’s is the President and CEO of YMCA of Metro Denver. She’s a visionary leader with over 26 years of experience in non-profit leadership, strategic planning, health and wellness program development. As the President and CEO of YMCA of Metro Denver, she’s shaping the strategic vision to drive organizational transformation of a $26 million organization whose mission is to is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

A lifelong health advocate, she’s passionate about improving the health of individuals and communities. Under her leadership, The YMCA of Metro Denver has undergone an extensive transformation including modernization of facilities, adoption of technology to improve customer experience and engagement, instituting wellness practice throughout the centers and advancing youth development strategies.

On this episode of Profits & Purpose, Sue shares her journey that brought her to YMCA of Metro Denver, dispels some common misconceptions about YMCA (its perception as just a swim & gym, for starters), discusses guiding the organization through a rebrand, and talks about the challenges and opportunities presented by a global pandemic.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

View from the Top featuring Dave Schunk, President & CEO of Volunteers of America Colorado

In advance of View from the Top 2021 on September 23 (click here to register) where Colorado's leading non-profit CEOs join us for an in-depth conversation on managing through crisis and the vital connection between business and non-profit communities., we feature some of our panelists on Profits & Purpose. First up, Dave Schunk.

Dave Schunk is President & CEO of Volunteers of America Colorado, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering America's most vulnerable groups, including the hungry, the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, women in need, and veterans and their families.

Since late 2018, Mr. Schunk has served as President and CEO of Volunteers of America Colorado. Since 1896, Volunteers of America has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, veterans, and women and their children.  From 2011 to 2018, Mr. Schunk served as CFO for the Denver Rescue Mission (“DRM”), a large regionally oriented, nonprofit, faith-based human services organization. Prior to DRM, and spanning over 30 years, he has served in a variety of C-level and senior management positions at large companies such as IHS Markit, Intelligent Electronics, Verio/NTT, GE Technology Services and StorageTek. 

On this episode of Profits & Purpose, Dave shares his journey from the corporate sector to the nonprofit world, how his current work aligns with his life's purpose, shares stories that embolden his work, discusses the challenges and opportunities of the global pandemic and a lot more. 

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Workforce Development Month 2021 featuring the Colorado Workforce Development Council

September is Workforce Development Month, and we're pleased to welcome members of the Colorado Workforce Development Council to the show to discuss the work CWDC does, what workforce centers do and what services they offer, and highlight the work they do in Jefferson and Larimer Counties, in particular.

Joining us are Lee Wheeler-Berliner, Managing Director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Kat Douglas, Director of the Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center, and Jacob Castillo, Director of Larimer County’s Economic & Workforce Development Department. 

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Lee Wheeler-Berliner

As the director of the Colorado Workforce Development Council Office, Lee manages the execution of strategies to develop and sustain an industry-led talent development system in Colorado. By forging relationships with industry and public partners at the local and state level, Lee helps to ensure the alignment of talent development efforts statewide. Lee has been with the CWDC for four years and brings extensive project management and leadership experience to this role. He previously worked as an independent consultant for mission-driven for-profit and nonprofit entities, as well as holding senior leadership positions with Hunger Free Colorado and Colorado Court Appointed Special Advocates. Lee holds an MBA with a concentration in social entrepreneurship from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and is an active coffee drinker at his local Edgewater coffee shop.

Kat Douglas (pictured)

Kat Douglas is the Director of the Jefferson County Business and Workforce Center. In this role she leads the workforce development solutions for a three-county region. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, community organizations, education providers, economic development offices, and chambers of commerce, Kat ensures workforce efforts are aligned and best poised to meet the diverse industry and talent needs. Kat has been with Jefferson County for 17 years supporting the Human Services Department and leading the Community Development programs prior to joining the Business and Workforce Center in 2012. Kat holds an MPA from University of Colorado at Denver, and a BSBA with an emphasis in International Business from Denver University.

Jacob Castillo

Jacob Castillo serves as the Director of Larimer County’s Economic & Workforce Development Department. He has nearly two decades of diverse experience in regional economic and workforce development. Mr. Castillo has led the County’s effort to align local workforce initiatives and economic development activities to support upward mobility, wealth generation and economic inclusion. Castillo has co-founded two ventures with a strong social and environmental commitment. He was a contributing author to a text book on sustainable venturing and has served as an instructor at Colorado State University (CSU). He holds three undergraduate degrees in Agricultural Business, Foreign Language and Literature, and Economics from CSU and pursued a double masters in Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise and Agricultural & Resource Economics at CSU. 

 

The Development of the Sikorsky FIREHAWK Helicopter featuring Jeanette Eaton and Joe Rice

Colorado Business Roundtable is thrilled to bring this episode of Profits and Purpose to you discussing the development of the Sikorsky FIREHAWK Helicopter and its imminent arrival in Colorado. From the website, here is a little bit about it:

"Born a BLACK HAWK® helicopter, the Sikorsky FIREHAWK® aircraft relies on its proven military design to endure the unrelenting physical stresses demanded of the aerial firefighting and utility missions. Now, a new generation S-70i™ FIREHAWK® helicopter brings enhanced capability and flight safety to its high-payload role: extra power margin when dropping water or inserting firefighters at the fire line; 4 g maneuverability when fully loaded; a stronger airframe; and greater water drop control. A true multi-mission aircraft, the FIREHAWK helicopter can be quickly reconfigured in flight for search and rescue, hoist rescues and medical transport, even with its 1,000-gallon (3,785 L) external water tank still attached."

Joining us are Jeanette Eaton, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development for Commercial Systems and Services market segments around the world, and Joe Rice, Director of Government Relations for Lockheed Space. They provide insight into the development of the Sikorsky FIREHAWK, how Colorado came to procure one, and more. Here is a video of aerial firefighting in action. 

Jeanette has a diverse portfolio of experiences over 32 years, including 22 years with Sikorsky, spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, Program Management, Customer Support, Marketing and Sales in support of Commercial and Military rotorcraft and has guided Sikorsky into the firefighting market. As an engineer and program manager, she was involved in the original FIREHAWK design concept and production in the late 1990s with Los Angeles County. 

Joe is responsible for the management of legislative and regulatory matters at the state and local level for Space, which employs more than 21,000 people and generated more than $10 billion in sales for the Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2019. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in August 2011, Mr. Rice served two terms in the Colorado state legislature as State Representative for the 38^th House District of Colorado from 2007-2010.  While in the legislature, he focused on economic development and transportation, passing legislation that resulted in significant jobs creation across the state.  He also previously served as the mayor of Glendale, Colorado, from 1996-2003.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown. 

Building the Industrial Neighborhood featuring Scott MacKenzie

Scott MacKenzie is the Host and Founder of The Industrial Talk Podcast. He's also a husband, father, and passionate industry educator. He began humbly as a lathing contractor and certified journeyman/lineman, and worked to earn his Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Scott has led a team onto the NASDAQ Stock Exchange while serving as President of a multi-national terminaling corporation. His driving purpose is people. In his words, "Accomplishments are rungs of a ladder, tasks undertaken to prove one’s abilities. Changing lives and building futures are the destination, the reason we climb."

He joins Profits and Purpose to discuss his journey, share insights learned along the way, delve into the impacts of the global pandemic, and announce his ultimate vision for what an "industrial neighborhood" would look like. What is that? Tune in to find out!

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.