SCOTT HOWER, chairman

Scott  Hower is a 1986 graduate of the Air Force Academy and a retired Air Force officer. As owner and CEO of Peak Space Solutions, a consulting firm to the Department of Defense (DOD) and National Reconnaissance Office, he provides expertise in space operations, policy, and strategy. Scott has extensive leadership experience and vast DOD operations background in leading multi-billion dollar space operations programs and multi-million dollar space test activities.

 Juaquin MOBLEY, Vice Chairman

A Denizen of both Colorado Springs and New York Juaquin Mobley has a degree in merchandising and management, with several certifications from the Fashion institute of Technology (SUNY) located in New York City. He is currently the Vice President of Programs for Colorado Works, a community-based organization that facilitates government funded programs for at risk young adults in impoverished areas. Juaquin is also the owner of The Community Barbershop and Hub, located in SE Colorado Springs, a social enterprise/entrepreneurship that was recently awarded a Transforming Safety Initiative grant.

Shonda johnson, board secretary

Born in South Carolina and raised in Colorado Springs, Shonda Johnson has been a member of the UCCS community since 2011 where she is currently a Transfer Specialist in the Degree Audit and Transfer Department. Before joining the team at UCCS, Shonda held roles in business management, financial aid, and real estate. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Performance and Sports Management, a Master Degree in Business Administration, and is the owner of a photography business serving Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. 

Ann Sulley , BOARD MEMBER

Ann has a diverse background working in the For-Profit and Non-Profit business sectors. She has more than 14 years working in the financial industry with several banks and credit unions in Colorado. She has more than 5 years’ experience working in the healthcare industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Branch Manager for a home care agency. Her Non-Profit experience includes working for the Children’s Literacy Center, Pikes Peak Workforce Center, National Homeland Defense Foundation and Peak Military Care Network, and Pikes Peak United Way. 

CRAIG SMITH, BOARD MEMBER 

Craig Smith is a fourth-generation Coloradan raised in Colorado Springs with a deep appreciation for his home state. He currently lives in Denver with his wife Amy and three children – Elle (10), Colin (8) and Brendan (6).

Craig graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 1997 with a degree in Finance. Craig earned a Fellowship with El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs where he helped manage the endowment for three years. After completing the Fellowship program, he joined a technology and online marketplace in Denver called ServiceMagic, now branded as HomeAdvisor. In 2017, the company merged with Angie’s List and went public on the NASDAQ under the symbol ANGI. Craig has been at the center of HomeAdvisor’s growth and success, achieving the role of President & COO by age 32.

GEOFF KELLY, BOARD MEMBER 

Former UCCS Men’s Basketball team player and captain; 5 year leader on the student athlete advisory committee; 2022 UCCS Male Student Athlete of the Year; Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Finance.

Geoff is also Aurora Native, and a rising professional in Colorado Springs at Northwest Mutual and is committed to providing financial education for youth and families throughout the area.

Liz McMearn, Program Coordinator

A native of Fountain, Colorado, is driven by a lifelong passion for service and empowering others. Her diverse professional journey began in banking and finance, eventually expanding into nonprofit leadership and mortuary science. She holds a degree in Applied Science and has consistently used her skills to support individuals and organizations across sectors.