Our Board
The SCFD’s Board of Directors is a diverse group of culture, business, and non-profit leaders from across the Denver metro area. The 11-member board includes one representative from each of the seven counties appointed by the board of county commissioners or city council that participate in the SCFD as well as four members appointed by Colorado’s governor.
The board of directors reviews and oversees all funding distribution from the district.
Meetings, Minutes & Resolutions
Denver County Appointee
Councilwoman Jamie Torres took office as the Denver City Council Member representing District 3, Denver’s westside, on July 15, 2019. She was elected to the leadership role of Pro Tem of the Denver City Council in 2020 and again in 2021 and was elected as Council President in 2022 and 2023. She is currently the Chair of the South Platte River Committee for City Council.
Jamie’s roots are directly in the west Denver community where she and her husband along with their cat and dog, currently call home. She and her sister were raised by a powerful single-mom who prioritized education and curiosity and role-modeled collaboration and community care. She is a third generation Denverite, her grandmother was born in a small house in the Curtis Park neighborhood and grew up in the old Auraria Neighborhood and her grandfather grew up in Sun Valley. Her family moved to Villa Park in the 1960s where Jamie has now lived for over 30 years. It is her home, and the community is her inspiration.
Prior to being elected, Jamie spent 18 years in the Human Rights & Community Partnerships Agency (HRCP) in the City and County of Denver where she helped ensure Denver is focused on the civil rights, human rights, and social justice needs of its residents. Jamie was both Deputy Director of the Agency and Director of the Denver Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, an office she started in 2005 because she saw a need for greater immigrant inclusion. Over the years in working for local government, Jamie worked directly on issues of poverty, equity, food insecurity, community and civic engagement, immigrant integration, and approaching innovative ways of direct leadership development in underrepresented communities.
Jamie is an advocate and connector to her core and leans heavily on her Anthropology background in seeking to understand culture and history’s influence on our policies and our communities. Jamie has an undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology from Colorado College and a graduate degree in Medical Anthropology from CU Denver. She has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Colorado College, the Denver Public Library Lena Archuleta Community Service award, the Girls Inc Individual Catalyst for Girls award, the CLLARO Roger Cisneros Public Policy award, Servicios de la Raza Cultura Cura award and the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business from the Colorado Women’s Chamber.
Jamie joined the SCFD Board in 2021. Her second term expires in July 2027.
Governor’s Appointee
Patty Salazar was appointed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis as Executive Director for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in January 2019. As DORA’s Executive Director, she leads the state’s umbrella regulatory authority and consumer protection agency which has oversight of more than 50 industries, whose work is supported by nearly 700 employees and more than 40 boards, commissions and advisory committees with more than 350 appointees.
Patty has served at the agency since 2015 in various executive leadership roles including as the State Bank and Financial Services Commissioner and as DORA’s Deputy Executive Director with then-Executive Director Joe Neguse under the administration of Governor John Hickenlooper. Prior, she was an appointee in the administration of California Governor Jerry Brown at the California Department of Business Oversight (currently the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation) where she served as a deputy commissioner of external affairs. Earlier in her career, Patty has served as a consultant to various clients on community relations and strategies related to local, state and federal policy with a primary focus on consumer protection and breaking down barriers to socio-economic equality.
Patty earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. WIth more than 20 years of legislative and regulatory experience, she is the recipient of the 2019 Latinas First Foundation Trailblazers Award and the 2021 Council of State Governments 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. She also serves on the Denver Library Commission and is a Trustee of the Board of Women’s Foundation of Colorado.
She joined the SCFD board in May 2024. Her first term expires in May 2027.
Governor’s Appointee
Amos Kazzaz, a Denver native, retired July 1, 2023, as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Air Canada. In this role, he had oversight for Air Canada’s overall financial strategic direction, comprising all aspects of financial reporting and planning, investor relations, treasury and controller’s operations, taxation, pension administration, internal audit, fleet, procurement and corporate real estate. He was previously Senior Vice President, Finance, and Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, roles he held since May 2010. Prior to joining Air Canada, Amos held extensive senior executive roles within the airline and transportation sector. He had a 24-year career at United Airlines, where he had held several executive positions including that of Vice President, Cost Management and Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis, as well as leading several of United’s divisions. Amos holds an MBA in Finance from The University of Denver and a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is a Director at Chorus Aviation Inc., Cargojet Inc., and the Air Canada Foundation.
Amos joined the SCFD board in January 2024. His first term expires in January 2027.
Douglas County Appointee
Dan Brown has been in the mechanical contracting industry for the past 40 years as a mechanical contractor and commercial mechanical equipment sales engineer. Mr. Brown is a third generation Coloradoan that first lived in north Denver in the Chaffee Park area before moving to Bear Valley where he graduated from High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Business Management from Metropolitan State College of Denver.
Dan moved to Douglas County 25 years ago to raise his family and has stayed there as an active part of the community. Dan was appointed to his second term by the Douglas County Commissioners through January 2028.
Broomfield County Appointee
Suzanne has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Sister Carmen Community Center, a Family Resource Center in Lafayette, CO since January 2005 and has over 26 years of non-profit and management experience. Originally from Texas, Suzanne has lived in Colorado for 29 years. When not at work, she loves riding her motorcycle, paddle boarding, painting, reading, hiking with her dogs and spending time in Ecuador (her second home). Her second term expires in March 2026.
Governor’s Appointee
Jacki Cooper Melmed currently serves as Chief Legal Officer for UCHealth, where she oversees legal, compliance, governmental, and regulatory affairs.
Before joining UCHealth, Ms. Cooper Melmed served as Chief Legal Counsel to Governors Jared Polis and John Hickenlooper for over 6 years. As a member of the Governor’s executive leadership team, she worked closely with the Governor and other executive staff members to manage state government, plan the strategic direction of the administration, and design key initiatives.
Prior to working for state government, Ms. Cooper Melmed practiced law at Shoemaker Ghiselli + Schwartz in Boulder, Colorado and Hogan & Hartson in Denver, Colorado, and served as a law clerk for Colorado Supreme Court Justice Michael Bender.
Ms. Cooper Melmed has served on a number of non-profit boards focusing on affordable housing, community relations, and education. Currently, she serves on the Board of Breakthrough, Colorado, and in June 2021, she was appointed to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities Board by Governor Polis.
Ms. Cooper Melmed holds a master’s degree in English Literature and Film from the University of Chicago and bachelor’s degrees in English and French from the University of Michigan. She is an avid hiker and skier and enjoys reading, cooking, travel, and spending time with her husband and, when allowed, two adult sons. She joined the SCFD board in July 2021. Her second term expires May 2027.
Boulder County Appointee
Teresa often says that while her husband is her true love, her alma mater was her first love. Higher education is her home and she is honored to share stories of its impact. Teresa helps higher education executives truthfully share excellence and genuinely own mistakes, because she knows honesty is present in all sound proactive and crisis outreach. She is known for honesty juxtaposed with optimism; the two combine to provide communications counsel focused on transparent leadership and relationship building.
Teresa is Principal of TVP Communications. She previously served as senior vice president for Widmeyer Communications and vice president for SimpsonScarborough. She counts almost 10 years of service at University of Colorado, including an officer-level appointment as Assistant Secretary of the University.
She is co-host of the Trusted Voices Podcast, and co-editor of Call to Action for Inside Higher Ed.
Teresa earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in public administration, both from the University of Colorado. She holds accreditation in public relations from PRSA and a doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University.
She lives in Longmont, Colorado, with her husband and dogs. Each year she threatens to become a runner and instead spends her time traveling with her family. Don’t get her started on how amazing her daughter is unless you have a spare hour or two. Or three.
She serves on the board of the Public Relations Society of America and the board of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). She is a member of the Denver Ballet Guild. She joined the SCFD board in February 2023. Her second term expires in February 2029.
To Be Announced Soon
Arapahoe County Appointee
Randy Perlis is an accomplished professional with over 30 years of dedicated board experience. His passion lies at the intersection of science, culture, and community impact. As a seasoned leader, He brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to driving positive change.
He has over three decades of active involvement in various board roles that include strategic planning, governance, and community outreach. He most recently served on the Cherry Creek School Board for 10 years and as President for last two years. He has a proven track record of fostering collaboration, ensuring transparency, and advancing organizational goals.
He was awarded a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas.
His scientific background equips him with a deep understanding of research, innovation, and critical thinking.
For more than 30 years, he has been at the forefront of emergency response efforts. Whether it’s natural disasters or community crises, he understands the importance of swift, effective action.
His family’s involvement with the DCPA extends beyond his own subscription. His children have actively participated in acting classes and performances, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of the arts.
He offers a blend of scientific acumen, emergency management expertise, and a genuine love for cultural enrichment. As a board member, He is committed to advancing the organization’s mission, fostering innovation, and ensuring a vibrant future for science and culture.
Randy joined the SCFD board in February 2024. His first term expires February 2027.
Governor’s Appointee
For nearly three decades, Tamra Ward has played an active role in Colorado’s communications, public affairs and issue management arena with experience at the local, state and federal level. Her firm, Taloma Partners, works at the intersection of the public and private sector, providing clients with counsel, strategy and execution assistance.
Prior to launching Taloma Partners, Tamra served as Chief External Relations Officer for Denver Zoo where she was responsible for visioning, managing and executing strategic government relations efforts, community outreach and engagement, ballot issue and bond campaign oversight as well as all marketing, communications and public relations for the beloved institution.
Tamra also served Colorado’s business community as the President and CEO of Colorado Concern, a business advocacy association of more than 115 chief executives from across the state. Additionally, she spent more than a decade as the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce where she was responsible for the development and execution of a local, state and federal government relations and political strategy that met the needs of the organization’s 3,000-member businesses. Tamra is also known for her work as the business community lead on statewide ballot measures. Since 2005, she led efforts to raise $28 million for successful campaigns to support or defeat measures viewed as helpful or harmful to Colorado’s economic climate.
Tamra’s career started in Washington, D.C. where she served her home state of Wyoming as a member of the staffs of Senators Alan Simpson and Craig Thomas.
She joined the SCFD board in May 2024. Her first term expires May 2027.
Jefferson County Appointee
Allison Scheck is the Deputy City Manager for the City of Arvada, Colorado, where she provides strategic leadership across municipal operations. With more than two decades of experience in both public and private sectors, she is known for her creative problem-solving, collaborative leadership style, and ability to guide organizations through periods of change and challenge. Allison has led high-profile initiatives in strategic planning, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and operational modernization, earning recognition for building resilient systems, empowering teams, and fostering partnerships that benefit both local and regional communities.
Her career includes leadership roles with the cities of Wheat Ridge and Lakewood, and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, where she oversaw major venues, complex budgets, and large-scale public engagement efforts. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver and a B.A. in Organizational Communication from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Colorado City & County Management Association Board, the ICMA Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Committee and the Jeffco Schools Foundation Board of Directors in addition to SCFD.
A long-time resident of Arvada, Allison, who often goes by Alli, lives with her husband John, their daughter Abigail, and their lab mix, Huey. She and John are proud parents of three grown sons. Having grown up as a child actress, dancer and singer, she is passionate about theatre, arts and culture. When not at work she enjoys supporting local arts and cultural initiatives, volunteering for her daughter’s scout troop and spending time with family.
Her first term expires September 2028.
Our Staff
The SCFD staff provides grantmaking support to all seven counties that participate in the SCFD as well as provides training and support for organizations funded by the district and those seeking funding.
Andrea is a proud seventh generation Colorado native and has more than 27 years of experience in public service leadership with a focus on leading organizations to reform policy, strengthen systems, and improve employee and community experiences. She joined SCFD in 2025 and has previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of Culture and Strategy at Denver International Airport (DEN), Chief of Staff for the Denver Sheriff Department, and Deputy Executive Director for the Denver Department of Human Services.
She is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver, Harvard Kennedy School of State and Local Government, Latino Leadership Institute, and is a DEI Master Certified Practitioner. Additionally, she has served on many boards and commissions that support improving regional, national, and international people-centered outcomes. She is active in supporting community impact efforts through her current Vice Chair appointment to the Denver Preschool Program Board of Directors, Visit Denver Board, and the CU Denver EMBA Curriculum Advisory Board, among other volunteer efforts. Andrea enjoys Colorado’s diverse outdoor experiences including gardening, hiking, and paddle boarding with her husband, two children, and their dog, Milo.
Pronouns: she/her/ella
303-860-0588 ext 111
jessica@scfd.org
Jessica Kato has been on staff since March 2011. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and prior to SCFD, worked in the fields of grant writing, program management, and arts education. Jessica is a passionate advocate for the performing arts and in her previous life performed as a singer and actress with many companies in the metro area. Her hobbies include reading, knitting, and playing the piano. Jessica is the proud mother of two daughters and two rambunctious beagles.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Kirsten is the SCFD Program Officer for Boulder & Jefferson Counties
Kirsten Lang joined SCFD in October 2024. As a lifelong creative (actress, photographer, writer, and musician), she brings over 8 years of experience in nonprofit programming and grant administration to the team. She was formerly the founding program administrator for the Diversity in the Arts Internship, which pairs diverse future leaders of the Denver metro area with nonprofit arts and culture organizations of varying sizes. Born and raised in Colorado, Kirsten earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University. In her spare time, she sews her own historical clothing, works on creative writing projects, and codes mods for her favorite video game.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Tim is the SCFD Program Officer for Arapahoe & Douglas Counties
Tim Murphy joined the SCFD staff in September 2021. A Virginia native, Tim moved to Denver in 2011 and is proud to call Colorado home. Tim has worked in nonprofit fundraising for the last eight years at MSU Denver, The Colorado Symphony, and The Center on Colfax. He received his undergraduate degree in Human Services, Nonprofit Studies, from MSU Denver and completed his Master of Public Administration at the University of Colorado- Denver. Tim lives in Downtown Denver with his partner and their two dogs, Fisher and Gladys. His hobbies include playing tennis, hiking, attending plays, musicals, and concerts, and gardening.
Pronouns: he/him/his
Dana is the SCFD Program Officer for Adams, Broomfield, & Denver Counties
Dana Manyothane has been on staff since May 2017. A Native of Denver, Dana was the former Executive Director of The Colorado Black Arts Festival prior to joining the SCFD team. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder, married and the proud mother of four children and an avid consumer of cultural events. Dana’s hobbies include pot painting, reading and hiking. Dana has completed a half and full marathon and is learning to play bass guitar.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Emma Mantooth joined the SCFD team in April 2023. She played the violin for more than 10 years and is passionate about music and arts. Emma holds two undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Communication Arts with an emphasis in Strategic Communication from Western Colorado University. Prior to joining SCFD, she was a Program Director/Fellow at El Pomar Foundation, where she led the Communications team and supported the foundation’s Awards for Excellence, American Council of Young Political Leaders, and Internship programs in addition to facilitating place-based grantmaking in the North and Southeast regions of the state. Emma enjoys reading, going to concerts, binge-watching reality tv, photography, and hiking.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Arlene Hicks joined the SCFD team in June 2021. She has spent much of her career working with nonprofits including a tenure as Executive Director of a Tier III organization in Littleton (Young Voices of Colorado). For over 12 years Arlene was part of the Arts Integrated Resources department of Kaiser Permanente, using theatre techniques to bring health education to our community. She is also an award-winning actress for her work outside the office. Arlene holds a degree in Communication from Michigan State University (Go GREEN!) and she is a budding archer who also enjoys reading, napping and a delicious meal with friends.
Pronouns: she/her/hers