Colorado Springs Board of Advisors

Fostering Hope is governed by a National Board of Directors, responsible for the mission and strategic direction, and an operating board, the Colorado Springs Board of Advisors. The Board of Advisors is composed of business and community leaders, child welfare experts, and others who provide leadership, operational guidance and expertise that ensures the organization is well-managed and effective. This includes programmatic insights, as well as fundraising activities and civic involvement.

The Board of Advisors is divided into three committees:

  • The Business and Community Committee – Provides leadership with regard to strategy, fundraising, financial performance and business operations.
  • The Systems Committee – Ensures effectiveness of program operations and positive relationships with child placement agencies, the Department of Human Services, and the courts.
  • The Ministry Committee – Acts as a liaison with the faith communities that provide and strengthen our volunteer teams, and offers prayer and spiritual support for the work we do.

Together, these community leaders provide insight about local laws and culture pertinent to the program.

Business & CommunityCommittee

  • Mike Carroll, insurance broker, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracey Engelhardt, Division President and Chief of Operations, Deluxe Corporation
  • Trudy House, family law attorney, Stinar, Zendejas, Burrell & Welhelmi, PPLC
  • Harrison Hunter, financial advisor, Northwester Mutual
  • William Johannsen, Retired business owner of C&C Sand and Stone
  • Tarah King, Vice President, UMB Bank in Colorado Springs
  • LuAnn Long, retired training coordinator and former D-11 School Board President
  • Susan Presti, Former Community Relations Director, Colorado Springs Utilities
  • Steve Scott, owner of Signature Homes by Steve Scott
  • Michele Strub-Heer, philanthropist
  • Amy Salisbury-Werhane, marketing professional, small business owner, and non-profit activist

The Systems
Committee

  • Julie Briggs, Program Director, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains
  • Catania Jones, Director – Children, Youth & Family Services, El Paso County, Colorado
  • Kevin Porter, Executive Director, Special Kids Special Families
  • Ben Schoch, Director of Foster Care, Kids Crossing

The Ministry
Committee

The ministry committee is undergoing re-development for 2025, currently, members include:

  • Deacon Dick Bowles, St. Paul Catholic Church