BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nick Pirnack

President

Nick chaired the 2018 Denver Polo Classic, leading a highly successful guest event and fundraiser. He was elected by his peers and is honored to take the helm in 2024-2025 as President. He served a 1-year Director term in 2022-2023 after a 2-year term from 2020-2022, bringing strong expertise in event fundraising and organizational leadership.

Nick has over a decade of advising experience, with a focus on business owners, working families, and high-net-worth retirees. He currently manages LotusGroup Advisors’ Private Client Advisor Team, ensuring a high-quality experience for its growing clientele. In addition to his membership in DCF, Nick is currently a Board Member for Mile High Young Professionals.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is married, enjoys spending time with his wife and children, and can be found fly-fishing from time to time.

Ross Blahnik

President-Elect

As a member of DCF since 2017, Ross has held a variety of roles within the organization, including Beverage Chair in 2022 and Polo Classic Chair in 2024 for our most successful Polo event ever. His experience in fundraising, leadership, and event management is an asset to the organization, and DCF membership elected Ross as President-Elect in 2024. He will proudly serve as President in 2025-26.

Ross is a seasoned residential real estate broker with Compass. With nearly a decade of experience as a realtor, he’s advised clients through hundreds of transactions and is passionate about his work. He’s been active as a Big Brother in Denver’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program for 9 years, and also serves on their Associate Board of Directors.

Ross is a proud Colorado native and graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder. He enjoys travelling the world, playing golf, and spending time with his girlfriend Erika and their dog, Louie.

Beau Jenkins

Past-President

Beau joined DCF in 2018 seeking an opportunity to better serve his community. The mission of serving underprivileged children immediately called to Beau and he has been looking to expand his service since joining. Beau was first elected to a 2-year Treasurer role on the Board and successfully leveraged his personal and professional experience as President from 2023-2024.

Beau is the General Manager and Senior Loan Officer at Artisan Home Loans, specializing in mortgages and working with clients to purchase and refinance their homes throughout Colorado. His experience in underwriting complex financial deals, as well as his passion for serving, add value to DCF in leadership, event management, fundraising, and grant review roles.

A Texas native, he has moved several times in his life with Colorado becoming a fast favorite and his home for the past 8 years. Beau has a Business Degree from The University of Colorado at Denver with an emphasis in business management. In his free time, Beau enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family.

David Haudenschield

Treasurer

David was elected to a 2-year Treasurer term through 2024-2025 after joining DCF in 2022 and serving as Event Chair for the Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic in 2023.

Professionally, David is a Certified Professional Accountant and owner of Fintax, a full-service accounting firm offering tax preparation, payroll, and bookkeeping services to businesses and their owners.

He has MS and Bachelors Degrees in Accounting from the University of Denver, David enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing golf, and traveling.

Gino Scarpelli

Treasurer

Gino was elected to a 2-year Treasurer term through 2025-2026. He joined DCF in 2023. He coordinated the inaugural year of the PNC Bank and Colorado Rockies Saves for Kids program benefitting DCF.

As Commercial Banking Market Leader – Colorado for PNC Bank, Gino provides financial services and tailored solutions for companies and institutions with annual revenue from $5 million to $50 million

Gino graduated from Michigan State University in 2016.

Ben Farrow

Secretary

Bennwas elected by his peers as Secretary for a 2024-2025 Board term. He joined DCF in 2020 and has facilitated relationships with beverage sponsors and distributors to support DCF’s events. He also served as Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic Chair in 2023.

Tyler Snover

Director

Tyler has been a member of DCF since 2018 and will serve as Director in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. In addition to completing a 2-year post as Treasurer, Tyler has served as a member of the Grant Review Committee and the Auction Chair of the Denver Polo Classic. Additionally, Tyler provided consulting services to DCF grantees through Social Venture Partners.

As a Director of Corporate Development at Surgical Care Affiliates, Tyler specializes in mergers and acquisitions of healthcare businesses. Formerly, Tyler was an investment banker serving clients in the energy and industrial sectors. In addition to his volunteer work with DCF, Tyler was also an Associate Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado.

In his free time, Tyler is an avid outdoorsman and can be found throughout the Colorado mountains on his skis, snowmobile, mountain bike, and dirt bike. Originally from New Hampshire, Tyler moved to Colorado to attend Colorado College, graduating with a degree in Economics.

Sean Hughes

Director

Sean began his involvement with DCF in 2021, quickly becoming an integral part of the organization. He has served on the Polo Classic logistics committee and, for the past 2 years, has chaired the Mile High Face Off fundraiser, contributing significantly to its success. Sean’s dedication to DCF’s mission and his leadership make him a highly valued member of the team.

In addition to his work with the Foundation, Sean is a Partner at CRS Insurance Brokerage, where he specializes in Commercial Insurance for sectors including Restaurants, Real Estate, Construction, Trucking, Schools, and Manufacturing. His extensive knowledge and expertise have made him a trusted advisor in these industries. Sean also brings his passion for service to his role as a Board Member of the Colorado Restaurant Association Mile High Chapter, where he has been actively involved for the past 4 years.

Sean graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Finance. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, attending Colorado sports events, skiing, and golfing. His love for his community and his commitment to excellence continue to guide his work in and out of the office.

Erik Carlson

Director

Erik joined DCF in 2019 to continue to live out his philanthropic values of giving to those in need through the 3 “Ts” – Time, Treasure, and Talent. Erik has leaned into the inner workings of the group through serving on the Grant Review Committee and as Beverage Chair for DCF’s major events. As Beverage Chair, Erik has established positive relationships with distributors to secure product and financial donations for DCF events. He was elected to serve as a Board Director for the 2023-2024 fundraising year, and was reelected to serve in 2024-2025.

Erik is an Attorney at Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher specializing in land use and real estate law. Erik is inspired and fulfilled by helping clients navigate the complexities of real estate transactions, entitlements, and development. He holds a JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and a Bachelors in Communication/Political Science from Concordia College.

Erik is an avid Colorado adventurer, enjoying skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, camping and hiking in the summer, and hunting in the fall. Erik also enjoys golfing, “lake time” back in Wisconsin with his family every summer, and his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Rob Falick

Director

Rob was elected Director for 2024-2025 after serving as Secretary of the Board for the 2023-2024 fundraising year. He has been an active and proficient fundraiser since joining DCF.

He is an Acquisitions Associate with Prime Group Holdings LLC. Rob has a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

James Samuelsen

Grant Review Chair

James has been a member of DCF since 2018, joining the group out of desire to further serve his community. Giving back to children in need was always important to his parents growing up and he is grateful for the opportunity to extend that legacy. Since joining the group, he has spent time serving as a leader of a non-profit consulting project with SVP Partners and acting as a functional lead in coordinating key parts of DCF fundraising events. He served as Treasurer from 2022-2024 and was appointed Grant Review Chair in 2024.

James is currently a Partner at Bluejay Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in Transportation and Logistics. He started with Bluejay in 2019 after 5 years at The Broe Group and OmniTRAX, a family-owned shortline rail management company located in Cherry Creek. James serves on the Board of two portfolio companies, Pacific West Environmental and Infrastructure as well as RPM Freight Systems. He currently leads investment activities across the business.

Originally from South Dakota, James has enjoyed living in Colorado for the last 8 years. James graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business majoring in Finance. James has also completed the Chartered Financial Analyst program. When not working or volunteering his time in DCF, James enjoys golf, skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife.

Chris Kenney

Legal Counsel

Chris joined DCF in 2023 and serves as Legal Counsel to the Board. In this role, he reviews contracts and advises the Board on legal obligations, risks, and liabilities. Chis is an attorney with Sherman & Howard LLP.

Vince Luparell

Raffle Games Manager (2023-24)

Vince serves the DCF Board as Games Manager through 2024. In addition, Vince was Legal Counsel from 2022-2024, providing advice and review on legal matters including risk and liability and reviewing contractual obligations on behalf of the Foundation.

Colson Castilla

Raffle Games Manager (2025-26)

Colson’s desire to serve his community led him to join DCF in 2023. Colson serves as the Raffle Chair, advises the Board on Colorado’s Games requirements and regulations, and oversees all Raffle activities including administration, prize acquisition, and delivery.

Colson is a partner at Ember Capital, a private real estate investment & advisory firm. He focuses on acquisitions, asset management, and financial modeling serves in partnership with developers, funds, and investment firms.

Meet DCF's Leaders

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nick Pirnack

President

Ross Blahnik

President-Elect

Beau Jenkins

Past-President

David Haudenschield

Treasurer

Gino Scarpelli

Treasurer

Ben Farrow

Secretary

Tyler Snover

Director

Sean Hughes

Director

Erik Carlson

Director

Rob Falick

Director

James Samuelsen

Grant Review Chair

Chris Kenney

Legal Counsel

Vince Luparell

Raffle Games Manager (2023-24)

Colson Castilla

Raffle Games Manager (2025-26)

EVENT CHAIRS

Elio Merino

2024 Christmas for Kids Chair

Russ Sellers

2025 Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic Chair

Nick Nientimp

2025 Polo Classic Chair

Matt Mansfield

2025 Denver Barn Party Chair

Beau Jenkins

2024 NAIOP Fight Night Lead

Sean Hughes

2025 Mile High Faceoff Lead