EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS (in alphabetical order)
The following are non-voting Emeritus Board Members:
Founder
Cari Britton Kuhlman
Founder and Past President (2003-05)
Cari is the Regional President of United Western Bank in Aspen and a Senior Vice President in the holding company, Matrix Bancorp, based in Denver, Colorado. Cari grew up in Wyoming and has a degree in Finance from the University of Wyoming. In addition to being the President and founder of AYPA, Cari is currently on the Board of The Buddy Program, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, a member of the Junior Board of Les Dames d'Aspen, and an ex-aficio ACRA Board Member representing AYPA. In the past, she has been the President of the Aspen Theatre in the Park Board, on the Aspen Historical Society Board, the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Board, and the Club 20 Board. Cari's intention for recruiting the founding members of AYPA was to establish an organization for young professionals in the Aspen area to network socially and professionally.
Cari's goal for the organization was to improve the quality of life for young professionals in the area and alleviate the "brain drain" in the community.
Past Presidents
Bill Simon, IDSA
Past President (2008-2011), Past Co-President (2007-08), Past Website Chair (2005-2007)
Bill is President and Chief Creative Officer of Symbion Design (www.SymbionDesign.com); a website and graphic design firm providing design/marketing services to businesses and non-profits in the Roaring Fork Valley. He has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from California State University, Long Beach. A California native, he moved to the Aspen area in 1999. Active in the local community, Bill is currently on the Board of Roaring Fork Leadership (RFL), on the Board of The Buddy Program, and a former member of the Basalt Green Team. He participates as a mentor with The Buddy Program, a Process Coach with Roaring Fork Leadership, and volunteers with the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, 10 Best Chefs. Bill was recently recognized for his volunteer work and awarded the "Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service Award" for his long-time contribution to the Aspen Buddy Program (www.aspenpitkin.com).
Bill's mission as an AYPA Board Member: As a design professional, provide creative and technical support to the organization, making AYPA a catalyst to young professionals in Aspen - providing professional and social networking opportunities.
Jamie Brewster, AIA
Past Co-President (2007-08)
Jamie is President of Brewster McLeod Architects, Inc. (www.brewstermcleod.com) working in both Aspen and Telluride Colorado. A native of Montana, Jamie grew-up in the Rocky Mountains of Glacier National Park, earning both her Masters in Architecture and Bachelors of Environmental Design from Montana State University, Bozeman. Jamie has also achieved her LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), pursuing architecture that incorporates energy savings and renewable resources in her designs.
Joining AYPA and being a board member, Jamie plans to seek new ways to inspire the young professionals of the Roaring Fork Valley: "We are the professional future of our community, AYPA offers us the opportunity to express our ideas and concerns within an organization focusing on the leaders of tomorrow."
Peter Waanders
Past President (2005-07) and Founding Board Member
Peter consults independently with small businesses on financial and information systems, operations, budgeting and planning. He also provides contract business management, payroll, and bookkeeping services. His clients range from specialized retailers, to professional business, to service businesses, to development companies. He has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts from the University of London. Peter sits on the board of The Rotary Club of Aspen, and is a Chairman on the Executive Committee of Rotary District 5470 where we oversees youth and service programs including Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards training program. He is active in The Buddy Program and The Aspen Institute Fellows Program.
Peter joined as a founding board member because he wanted to promote community involvement among young professionals as a way of building both business and social ties to the Aspen Community.
Honorary Board Members (in alphabetical order)
Chris Bendon
Past Sponsorship Chair
Chris was raised in Loveland, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a degree in Environmental DesignundefinedArchitecture/Urban Planning. Chris obtained a Masters in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and moved to Aspen in 1997 to take a position as a Planner for the City of Aspen. Chris now serves as the City's Community Development Director and helps develop and implement the City's long-term growth and development policies. Chris lives in Aspen with his wife, Sheri Sanzone who is President of Bluegreen, an Aspen-based planning and landscape architecture firm. Chris is an avid mountain biker and telemark skier.
Chris joined AYPA because he wants to promote civic engagement among Aspen's young professionals.
Sarah Broughton
Past Sponsorship Chair and Founding Board Member
Sarah specializes in architecture and urban design as a partner at Rowland+Broughton Architecture and Urban Design. She received her Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from The University of Colorado at Boulder. Sarah serves as a Commissioner with the City of Aspen Historical Preservation Commission and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. She originally joined AYPA because she believes in the future of this community and the role young professionals have in maintaining and growing the vitality and well-roundness of the valley.
Sarah's mission as a board member: To lead AYPA into a platform where young professionals can meet, join forces and have a voice in our community.
Jennifer Causing
Past Networking Chair and Founding Board Member
Jennifer is an Associate Attorney with Krabacher & Sanders, P.C., specializing in Real Estate, Business, and Litigation. She has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Pennsylvania, and her law degree from Rutgers University. She is involved in the Pitkin County Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association and The Aspen Ladies Golf Club. As a founding member of AYPA, she was interested in contributing to Aspen's young professional community by creating an outlet for young professionals to network, both professionally and socially, and to create a resource for young professionals in Aspen.
Jennifer's mission as an AYPA Board Member: To attract and maintain a young professional community in Aspen.
Jesse Diianni 
Past Vice President
Jesse DiIanni is a Financial Advisor at DiIanni & Associates, Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management in Aspen. Prior to joining DiIanni & Associates as a Financial Advisor, Jesse was a Project Manager for the Global Investment Management division of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. Jesse was a key team member in the merger integration of John Hancock with Manulife Financial. Jesse was most recently a Director at Veson Nautical Corp., which provides chartering, operations, trading, and accounting software solutions to maritime commerce organizations throughout the world. Jesse moved to Aspen in the fall of 2008 from Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Vermont. Jesse enjoys all the outdoor activities Aspen has to offer.
Ali Flynn Phillips
Past Vice President
Ali is the Director of Business Development for Obermeyer Asset Management Company. She manages client relationships, spearheads the firm's strategic and marketing efforts, and sits on Obermeyer's Investment Committee. Previously she spent 11 years in the Investment Banking Sector, working at Goldman Sachs and Salomon Smith Barney. Ali has a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College. She moved Aspen from New York during the summer of 2004; AYPA was the first organization she joined once coming to town.
Ali's mission as an AYPA Board Member: to enhance professional and personal opportunities for young professionals in the valley through networking events and community programs.
Sam Ferguson
Past Treasurer
Professional Skier. Hometown: Hanford, CA. Hospitality Administration, Bachelor of Science. Missouri State, 1996 June 11, 1995, a freak mountain bike crash causing paralysis in lower extremities. February 12, 1996, first disabled ski lesson captured on Good Morning, America. An event that re-established the confidence and self-esteem to once again begin setting goals and believing in dreams. Level One Adaptive Certified Ski Instructor, March 1997 Reservationist of the Year, "Hospitality Industry," May 1997 Ride the Rockies, participant - 1997 Disabled Division Champion, Aspen Highlands Town Race Series, 1998-2000 Sportsman of the Year, Aspen Highlands Town Race Series, 1998 Ski Doctors of Aspen, Assistant Instructor to John Clendenan/Wayne Wong in mogul clinic, 1999-2000 USSA Disabled Alpine Ski Racing Circuit, nationally ranked, 1999-2000 Most memorable finish, 3rd in GS at Winterpark 24 Hours Of Aspen, fore-runner 2000-2002.
Dave Fuentes
Dave is currently managing the administrative and financial operations for Aspen Youth Experience, a local non profit. Dave understands that quality time spent with our youth is critical to their future success. He also believes that building positive relationships with our youth and our peers is a necessary requirement for building a satisfying and sustainable community. To this end, Dave is also member of Mountain Rescue Aspen, and volunteers with Aspen Junior Golf and the Food & Wine Classic as well coaching youth basketball, baseball and soccer.
Eric Fullerton, MBA 
Past Treasurer
When he is not enjoying the outdoors, Eric is usually doing some form of Internet marketing (Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, e-Commerce, blogging, or website development). He is the President of Marketing Stimulus and consults with a variety local and internationally based businesses to grow their on-line presence. He serves on several local non-profit boards and community volunteer groups including Roaring Fork Leadership and Toastmasters and enjoys learning and enhancing new leadership skills. Eric is also an avid world traveler and has a secret recipe for how to prepare Spam - a tasty treat.
Eric's mission as an AYPA Board Member: To be a catalyst for growth, networking, and fun for Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley professionals.
Lyndell Hendricks
Lyndell is a Real Estate Agent for Alpine Property/Morris & Fyrwald's Rental Division. She previously worked with US Bank as a Banker and Sales/Service Manager. Previously Lyndell had an exciting career as a Cruise Director. She has a Bachelor of Science from East Stroudsburg University, PA. Lyndell enjoys racing in the Recreation League of The Aspen Times Town Race Series and has contributed time to the success of the program. She is an established member of the Aspen Young Professional Association and believes in the principals of providing social networking, volunteerism and educational opportunities.
Lyndell's mission as an AYPA Board member: To inspire young professionals and remind them of their importance in the community through business and social networking.
Cindy Hirschfeld
Past Public Relations Chair
Cindy is the marketing and PR manager for Challenge Aspen, the Snowmass Village based non-profit providing year-round recreational, cultural, and competitive programs for people with disabilities. Also a freelance writer and editor , Cindy has been able to combine her passion for writing, snowsports, and the mountains in both career and lifestyle. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Town and Country, the Rocky Mountain News, Skiing, Ski, Powder, Ski Press, and Backcountry. She is also the author of the guidebook Canine Colorado: Where to Go and What to Do with Your Dog. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College. In addition to AYPA, she also serves on the board of Aspen Film and on the marketing committee of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, and has volunteered for the Buddy Program, the Aspen Writers' Foundation, and the Wheeler Opera House.
Cindy's mission as an AYPA board member: To create additional networking, socializing, and career development opportunities for young professionals in the area and to expand AYPA's reach throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
Rob Ittner
Past Governance Committee Chair
Rob is the owner of Rustique Bistro (www.rustiquebistro.com). Rob has a Business degree from the University of Vermont, and a culinary degree from the advanced studies program of the Culinary Institute of America. He has been in the Food and Beverage industry for over 20 years as a manager, educator, and owner. Rob is also a certified member of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Rob became a founding member of AYPA with the goals of creating a platform in Aspen for young professionals to advance themselves and the business community though an organization of development, networking and awareness.
Natasha Long
Natasha currently works as Events and Sponsorship Director for The Buddy Program, a local non profit that connects mentors and youth to enrich their lives, and provides support services for both the youth and their families. She moved to Aspen from London, England where she worked in Foreign Language Rights within the Children's Book Publishing Industry, managing sales to the United States, Germany and Japan, as well as Africa and the Middle East. She graduated from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a focus on Latin America.
Joanna Mills
Joanna does marketing and business development for local Aspen based businesses, as well as those with a national and international reach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University's School of Business and attended the New York School of Interior Design. Before moving to Aspen, Joanna spent over 10 years in financial services in New York City. Joanna loves the outdoors and all Aspen has to offer. She is a part-time Level 2 ski instructor at Snowmass and in addition to AYPA, volunteers for the Aspen based Chris Klug Foundation’s Donor Dudes program, a national grassroots, high school and college campus youth outreach program.
Joanna’s mission as an AYPA board member: To bring together the diverse and fun young professionals in our community in order to learn from one another and through the process grow as individuals.
Kim Moore
Past Vice President
Formerly the co-owner of the professional development speaking/training company Work Smart Live Juicy! LLC, Kim has joined forces with The Aspen Club & Spa as Aspen Life Director undefined creating innovative group and company events. She has a broad entrepreneurial background in rafting, real estate investing and coaching; with 13 years in educational and career advising and teaching. Kim has lived and worked in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1993. Kim is currently the president of the ACRA leads group - 6 degrees, has a master's degree in education, is a certified coach and trainer-level II.
Kim has been an AYPA member for 3 years and joined the board to contribute to offering events for members that encourage a larger vision of themselves and their life.
Kirsten Munachen
Past Membership Chair
Kirsten is the Marketing & Development Director for Challenge Aspen, the Snowmass Village based non-profit providing year-round recreational, cultural and competitive programs for people with disabilities. Kirsten and her team are responsible for the key marketing and fundraising activities of Challenge Aspen, including special events like the annual Vince Gill and Amy Grant Golf Classic, John Denver Tribute and the Challenge Aspen Marathon. Kirsten's career in sales & marketing has taken her around the globe from Australia to the UK and Europe, and now Aspen/Snowmass. Having moved here from Sydney in December 2006 with her fiancé Match Murphy, Kirsten has thrown herself into community endeavors as an AYPA board member and Snowmass Village Rotarian.
Kirsten's mission as an APYA Board member is to meet and learn from the future-leaders in our community...whilst enjoying great company, fine wines and good times!
Brian Overbo
Past Sponsorship Chair
Brian is a Registered Representative with Raymond James Financial Services in Aspen. He was raised in North Dakota and originally moved to Aspen in 1998. He moved to Boulder in 2001 to attend the University of Colorado, where he received a Bachelor of Finance. Before moving back to the valley, Brian was a variable annuity wholesaler for Jackson National in Denver. He lives in Aspen with his wife, Dawnette, who is a real estate agent for Stirling Homes, Inc.
Mark Rudolf
Past Website Chair
Mark is an architect with Cottle Carr Yaw Architects. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Mark is active in The Buddy Program, and originally joined AYPA in order to meet other professionals in Aspen to share ideas and bring new energy to the community.
Mark's mission as an AYPA Board Member: "As a design professional, I hope to bring creativity and innovative thinking to the organization and its events."
Jeff Sgroi
Past Membership Chair and Founding Board Member
Jeff has been a Financial Advisor with Raymond James Financial Services in Aspen since 1998. He received a Bachelor of Art's degree from Lafayette College in Easton, PA with a double major in Economics/Business and Biology and moved to Aspen shortly after graduation. Jeff originally joined AYPA to meet new people, expand his professional networking group and become more involved in the community.
Jeff's mission as an AYPA Board Member: "I would like to help make AYPA a thriving organization so that other professionals may realize their career potential in Aspen."
Tami Solondz
Past Vice President and Founding Board Member
Tami is a Freelance Contractor in Event Production. She has been employed by most of the high-profile events in Aspen: The Food & Wine Classic, 24 Hours of Aspen, World Cup, Big Air Fridays, Aspen Filmfest, ESPN Summer and Winter X Games, and The Buddy Program Five Mile Run. She has a BFA from Syracuse University in Advertising Design and was an Art Director for two major agencies in New York before moving to Aspen. She has been involved with community organizations such as The Buddy Program, the Aspen Animal Shelter, Aspen Youth Experience, Habitat for Humanity, and GrassRootsTV.
Tami's mission as an AYPA Board Member: to sustain a cohesive forum for the younger generation of Aspen professionals. To help committed young professionals in Aspen benefit from each other's support and be a part of the community as a whole.
