Team
Staff
Our team is a diverse blend of talents, expertise and perspectives, coming together to create something extraordinary. Each member brings unique skills, passion and dedication, making our collective strength truly exceptional.
Jolie Brawner
she/her
Program Director
Jolie is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in community building and advocacy. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and fostering meaningful connections. In 2021, Jolie served as Vice Chair for the Colorado Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission, traveling across the state to engage Coloradans and champion equitable representation. Currently, she serves on Colorado's Produced Water Consortium, appointed by the President of the Senate for her environmental justice work. This dedication to amplifying community voices continues to guide her work as Program Director.
Before joining the Coalition, Jolie served as Executive Director of the Washington Street Community Center, where she united South-Central Denver's neighbors and neighborhoods to create an intergenerational hub for connection and collaboration.
Outside of work, Jolie embraces the tranquility and wonder of the natural world. Whether hiking, backpacking, or camping, she seeks out those rare, magical places untouched by the reach of cellular reception.
Alison Carlman
she/her
Executive Director
Born and raised in Colorado, Alison brings two decades of experience growing systems-change organizations. After earning her communications degree at Pepperdine University, Alison completed her master's in Community Development and postgraduate work in Program Monitoring and Evaluation at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Alison built communications, research, impact and innovation functions at GlobalGiving, a nonprofit delivering $150m/year to grassroots nonprofits around the world. Alison also worked in communications at the Denver Art Museum and served as a Kiva Fellow in Kenya.
Alison brings a strong innovation and human-centered design orientation to the Alliance; she loves helping groups sense, listen, experiment, and learn. She is trained in nonviolent communication, restorative justice, and facilitation. A communicator at heart, Alison values collective visioning and storytelling as key tools in bringing about the regenerative future.
She is motivated by the words of indigenous activist Lilla Watson: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
Amy DePierre
she/her
Program Manager
Finding purpose in nurturing meaningful connections, Amy blends environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and academic insight to collaboratively build and co-create a more regenerative future in her role as Program Manager.
With a strong background in program development, curriculum design, and community engagement, Amy’s career has been built on driving impactful initiatives that address global challenges at the local level—particularly in the areas of green building, regenerative agriculture, environmental science, and food systems planning.
Amy has a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary cross-sector collaboration and believes in the transformative power of intentional inquiry. Amy holds an MS in Environmental Science and is completing her doctoral studies (ABD: all but dissertation!) in Geography, Planning, and Design at the University of Colorado Denver.
Amy thrives in ambitious, team-driven environments where folks bring diverse, inclusive, and strategic mindsets to both obstacles and opportunities, from early conceptualization through to successful implementation.
Ellery Ellison
he/him/they/them
Front Desk Assistant
Born and raised in Colorado, Ellery has dedicated years of their life to social justice and equity work. Their college career took this focus when they earned an Associates of Art in Psychology from ACC and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Gender and Women’s studies as well as a micro-credential in Mental Health from DU.
Some of their previous work has involved making educational materials for their peers, acting as the Executive Chair of Gender and Sexuality Equity in DU’s student government and engaging in a variety of administrative work.
When they’re not at the front desk of The Alliance Center, they can be found hanging out with friends, going to or performing in drag shows and spending time outside.
Kathy Meck
she/her
Senior Director of Development & Communications
From Philadelphia, Kathy held previous leadership positions with Broad Street Love, Families Forward Philadelphia, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, Bethesda Project, and Center for Literacy. Kathy’s expertise lies in thoughtful, strategic planning and development of efficient practices that fuel effective fundraising and awareness-building in both the short- and long-term. She takes pride in the matchmaking process—finding the right philanthropic opportunity for the right partner—and does so successfully through research, active listening, and ethical storytelling.
Kathy holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and was recognized by Billy Penn in their 2015 list of Who’s Next: Givers, as one of 15 young Philadelphians shaping the city’s philanthropy sector. Kathy earned a master’s degree in public administration from Kutztown University of PA and two bachelors’ degrees from Drexel University in economics and international area studies.
When not working alongside the awesome Alliance team, you will find Kathy running, hiking, writing, reading, enjoying live music, and adventuring with her rescue pup Uma.
Riley Ruff
he/him/they/them
Building Manager
Growing up in Colorado and spending countless hours enjoying the outdoors, Riley’s passion for the environment started at a young age. They started working in community organizing over six years ago, getting involved with the Denver Climate Movement and local environmental justice issues. Riley previously worked for 350 Colorado as the Northern Colorado Coordinator, building a grassroots environmental movement and advocating for a just transition.
Now a graduate of Colorado State University, Riley holds a BS in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and brings their knowledge and passion of event planning, community building and sustainability to the Events Manager position.
When not curled up with a book, Riley can be found figure skating at the local ice rink or outside, likely tackling another Colorado 14er.
Mariah Shell
she/her
Senior Director of Operations
Mariah has called Colorado home for most of her life and loves working to improve this incredible state. She spends each day supporting the work of our talented tenant community and making the Alliance Center the most welcoming, energy-efficient building in Denver. She is a problem-solver who loves thinking about the most efficient ways to get things done and is always looking for ways to improve the systems we use.
Mariah completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Denver and has been working in the nonprofit sector ever since.
In her downtime, Mariah enjoys going to the movies, drinking whiskey and going on long walks with her two rescue pups.
Ernie
he/him
Welcoming Committee Chairpup & Event Assistant
Ernie is a three-year-old boxer mix with a passion for yummy treatos, fashionable bow ties, and helping welcoming guests into The Alliance Center. He can be found waiting in line for a pup cup at the cafe or assisting on building tours.
Ernie is always ready to brighten your day, stop by our office to say hi!
Board of Directors
Jeff Ackermann
Board Chair
Jeff Ackermann advises governmental energy officials and advocates on clean energy policy, currently through his position as a senior policy advisor with The Center for the New Energy Economy. His 30+ years of state government and energy sector experience includes four years as chairman of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission from 2017-2021. Prior to his tenure as PUC chair, he served as executive director of the Colorado Energy Office for four years, starting in 2013. Jeff has a particular focus on improving the utility regulatory process, having engaged in it from numerous perspectives: as an advocate for income-constrained households; as the lead utility staff member developing a “green pricing” program and as the demand-side management advisor and later chief policy researcher for the Colorado public utilities commissioners. He is also a Senior Fellow with Gridworks, where he facilitates difficult discussions and fosters collaborations promoting decarbonization. Jeff earned a Master of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University and a BA in Environmental Economic Policy from Albion College.
Naomi Amaha
Board Secretary
Naomi Amaha is an award-winning public affairs leader with a reputation for excellence in public policy and government relations. With more than a decade of experience in advocacy, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement, she advances systemic change. She currently serves as the inaugural Director of Policy and Government Affairs for The Denver Foundation, the largest and most experienced community foundation in the Rocky Mountain West. Naomi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communication from the University of California Davis, is a Certified Nonprofit Professional and has earned a certification in Corporate Social Responsibility. She currently serves as co-chair of the City and County of Denver’s Sustainable Transportation standing committee of the Sustainability Advisory Council and member of the Policy and Legislative Advisory Network of the Rocky Mountain Partnership.
Sarah Zak Borgman
Board Member
Sarah is currently working with a variety of organizations to help them achieve their goals around impact-focused convenings, strategic community building, fundraising and communication functions. Organizations include CorpsAfrica, GMMB, The Wellbeing Project, Play Verto and Denver Seminary. Prior, Sarah oversaw the Skoll Foundation's Community of Awardees and Skoll’s high-profile platforms including the Skoll World Forum, as the Vice President of Community and Convenings for 12 years. Earlier in her career, Sarah served in executive capacities at companies and organizations with a focus on community building, communications and convening experience in the public, private and government sectors. She honed her skillset and talents at the X PRIZE Foundation, Girl Scouts, Porter Novelli International, Peace Corps, and the Clinton Administration.
Susan Graf
Board Co-Vice Chair
Susan Graf held leadership roles in operations and human resource management in the private sector prior to becoming the first female CEO of the Boulder Chamber in 2004. There, Graf led the creation of CO-LABS, a state-wide coalition of federally funded laboratories and was a founding member of Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. Since leaving the Chamber, Susan has served as VP of Finance and Administration for Bhakti Chai, Senior Vice President of B Corp New Resource Bank and VP of Regional Development for Alpine Bank. In that role she helped manage the bank’s ISO-certified environmental management system and led strategic relationships with Recycle Colorado, Drive Clean Colorado, Good Business Colorado, the Colorado Green Business Network, B Local Colorado and the Alliance for Collective Action. In addition to her professional endeavors, Graf has been active in impact-focused non-profits. She has served on the boards of Boulder Community Health, Naturally Boulder and the Colorado Enterprise Fund, where she is past Treasurer and Chair of the Board. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of B Corp Namaste Solar and as Secretary of the Board for Impact Charitable. She is a mentor for the University of Colorado’s Center for Leadership.
Lynn Israel
Board Member
Lynn’s primary career has been in the field of education as a university and high school administrator, teacher, and most recently, Director of Community Outreach for an education nonprofit. She is also an environmental activist, working closely on the issues of preservation with Rainforest Action Network and fracking with Food and Water Watch and other local organizations. As a former professional dancer, she serves on the board of two Boulder-based dance companies. She is the mom of two grown sons with whom she shares a passion for the ocean and surfing in particular. Lynn has extensive experience articulating and promoting the mission and vision of educational organizations and nonprofits. She is recognized leader in development, marketing and program management.
Jill Nelson
Board Member
Jill is an attorney and social justice activist. She received a bachelor’s and a law degree from Stanford University. As a lawyer for the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation, she focused on organizing and litigating on behalf of public housing tenants citywide. As Executive Director of the Boston and Washington DC-based National Jobs with Peace Campaign, she was a leader of a multi-racial, multi-class, grassroots organizing group with chapters around the country. Jobs with Peace brought together diverse local and national coalitions which coordinated campaigns to cut military spending by 25% and redirect tax dollars to human needs and the environment. Jill currently oversees a portfolio of real estate holdings and other businesses and supports multiple organizations working for social change, including independent media and political campaigns.
Hilda Nucete
Board Member
Hilda's journey began in a Venezuelan oil camp, shaping her resilience and global perspective. Relocating to Caracas and later Colorado, she navigated complex political landscapes, igniting her commitment to social justice. Studying International Business and French in France, Hilda's academic path converged at Colorado State University, emphasizing Latin America and Europe. As Protégete Program Director at Conservation Colorado, she spearheaded impactful environmental initiatives, paving the way for her current role as Senior Director of Civic Engagement at LCVEF. Championing voter registration in marginalized communities, she registered over 1.5 million voters. Hilda's influence extends to health equity as Co-Chair for the Health Equity Commission, shaping policies and managing substantial budgets. Her leadership on the Colorado Environmental Justice Action Task Force and pivotal role in Denver's "Waste No More" initiative underscore her dedication. As a youth mentor and nonprofit leader, she uplifts communities. Throughout her journey, Hilda epitomizes passionate advocacy, community leadership, and transformative change, uniting environmental justice, health equity and community empowerment.
John Powers
Founder
Founder of Alliance for Sustainable Colorado in 2004 and full-time volunteer, John has been on the board since inception. He is a board member of Conservation Colorado and the Educational Foundation of America. From 2006 to 2012 John was a member of the Greenprint Council, a citizens’ advisory committee to the Mayor of Denver’s Sustainable Development Initiative.
Steve Schueth
Board Treasurer
A nationally recognized authority, consultant and resource to the Sustainable, Responsible, Impact investment industry, Steve is a veteran financial services professional. For nearly 30 years, he has focused on helping direct the flow of investment capital in positively impactful and intentionally transformative ways — toward the creation of a truly sustainable future. Steve worked for Calvert Investments for eight years in the 1990s, including four years as President of Calvert Distributors, and served for eleven years as Chair of the Board of US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investing. Steve was Principal, President, and Chief Marketing Officer for First Affirmative Financial Network from 1999 through 2017 and served as Executive Producer of The SRI Conference (on Sustainable, Responsible, Impact Investing), the premier gathering of the sustainable and responsible investment industry in North America for nearly 20 years.
Praful Shah
Board Member
Praful Shah is an angel investor focused on social impact who has invested in 75 start-up companies, mostly in Colorado. He has been a mentor, an advisor or on the Board of several organizations. His passion is to alleviate poverty of all kinds (especially ignorance) and provide richness to lives. He spent over thirty years as a scientist and an executive in the Research and Development departments of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, an MBA (Finance) and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics. He lives near Boulder, Colorado with his wife Karen.
Sara Sutton
Board Member
As a pioneer in remote work and employment innovation, Sara has spent nearly three decades creating transformative solutions that reshape how we work. She founded multiple groundbreaking platforms, including FlexJobs and Remote.co, which have helped millions find flexible and remote career opportunities while supporting businesses in adapting to evolving workplace dynamics. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Edmund Hillary Fellow, Sara brings deep expertise in workforce technology, economic development, and entrepreneurship, along with a proven track record of building mission-driven organizations that create positive systemic change.
Renise Walker
Board Co-Vice Chair
Renise serves as the Assistant Director of Systems Innovation for the Colorado Workforce Development Council. Serving as an active leader for the CWDC, Renise represents the CWDC at state and national conferences and continues to innovate and be a thought leader in the talent development landscape. She is responsible for critical relationship development with external partners and provides management and alignment of CWDC‘s efforts to lead and support industry-led networks, develop and strengthen career pathway systems and implement stimulus-funded initiatives in support of Colorado’s economic recovery. Prior to joining the CWDC in 2015, Renise led the backbone efforts of a collective impact initiative working to advance affordable housing, workforce development and economic mobility for underserved populations in the nation’s capital. Walker believes strongly that enacting large-scale social challenges requires a willingness to innovate, break down silos and collaborate across traditional boundaries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. As a proud third-generation Coloradan, Renise cares deeply about the future of Colorado and creating and sustaining opportunities for Colorado residents.
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Connecting People. Inspiring Action.
We bring people together to develop and advance solutions for an inclusive, regenerative future.