President – Sallie Clark
Sallie currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Government & Military Engagement in the Colorado Springs Mayor’s Office Community Affairs. Previously, Clark served as the State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for Colorado. Clark served from 2017 until 2021.
She was also elected to serve as an El Paso County Commissioner and represented District 3 from November 2004 to January 2017 where she served as Board Chair and Vice Chair. Through her long-standing relationships developed with Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), she has represented over 3,000 counties in America. In 2015, she was elected as President of NACo, and was the first Coloradan to have been elected as NACo president. Clark also served as a Colorado Springs City Councilmember and Utilities Board Member from 2001-2003 prior to her election to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners.
Clark became a military wife in 1980 when she married Welling Clark. She is a long-time resident of Colorado and has family roots in Colorado; her father was born and raised in Pueblo, and she spent every summer on her grandmother’s farm there. She loves Colorado, and continues to appreciate our open spaces, mountain scenery and especially the Pikes Peak area. She enjoys hobbies such as cooking, hiking, horseback riding, reading and gardening.
Clark is a small-business entrepreneur and has owned her own business since 1986. She worked in the health care field, prior to opening her own business. She is well-respected by her peers and her community as evidenced by her continued service on many non-profit and government committees.
Secretary – Chelsea Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Northwestern Mutual
Chelsea has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2018. Past board positions include 3rd Vice President (2019-2021) and 2nd Vice President (2021-2022).
Treasurer – Janna Blanter
Janna has over 30 years of experience in finance with experience in financial reporting, credit risk management, financial analysis, due diligence and compliance. Past positions include Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Senior Approval Officer, energy lending group; Director of Credit energy trading operations; Vice President, commercial loan origination. Janna has wide-ranging experience in financial evaluations, contract negotiations, compliance monitoring, turnaround consulting and workouts. She is energetic, results-oriented MBA/CPA, capable of building and managing focused teams and providing strategic leadership in Fortune 500 and high growth entrepreneurial environments. Janna has extensive practical knowledge in corporate finance, capital markets and strong financial planning and analytical skills. She is an effective public speaker and strong relationship builder, able to develop consensus with key internal and external decision makers and board settings.
Janna currently serves on multiple boards to include Energy Keepers, Inc and Broadmoor Skating Club. In the past, Janna served on the board for Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company and on the Utilities Policy Advisory Committee for Colorado Springs Utilities.
Janna has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2008 and has served as treasurer since 2019.
First Vice President – Carissa Smith
Meet Carissa Smith, a dedicated and engaged individual who has been an integral part of the Colorado Springs community since her move from Texas in 2016. As an attorney licensed in both Colorado and Florida, Carissa practices in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, providing compassionate and diligent service to her clients.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carissa has a strong commitment to giving back. Since 2017, she has been an enthusiastic volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Pikes Peak Region, making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. She has also dedicated countless hours to various local organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Silver Key Senior Services, and the Senior Resource Counsel, among others. Carissa’s involvement extends even further, as she previously served as a Board Officer for the esteemed Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, demonstrating her passion for mental health and well-being in the community.
In 2022, Carissa proudly joined the Board of the Winter Night Club, an important and historic organization with a mission to support the intellectual development of the community. Being part of this incredible initiative is an honor she cherishes, and she is excited about the opportunities to contribute her skills and insights.
Second Vice President – Roland Rainey
Newly elected to the Board of the Winter Night Club, Roland Rainey, Jr. has been an active member of the Colorado Springs community and possesses a robust background spanning across multiple disciplines. He was an Air Force Space/Satellite and ICBM Operator (Lieutenant Colonel, retired), defense strategic business developer, educator, football business executive, and sports broadcaster. Roland is the Director of Strategic Business Development at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, and was a candidate for Colorado Springs City Council, 2023.
Roland faithfully defended our Nation’s democracy and freedoms for 26.6 years after being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) upon graduation from Colorado State University (2003), where he was selected as the commencement student speaker. During his military career, Roland was a 3-time Commanding Officer, operations and staff officer in Air Force Space Command (now U.S. Space Force), and the National Reconnaissance Office. He also served as the Commander for Cadet Squadron 15 at the Air Force Academy. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Director, Executive Action Group, for the first-ever Chief of Space Operations, and helped stand-up the newest military branch of the Department of Defense. Roland is a proven combat-veteran with a deployment to a combat-zone, Bagram, Afghanistan in 2019.
Roland has devoted his life to education and the service of others in the community. He has served as an Adjunct Professor, International Relations/Global Studies, Colorado State University-Pueblo Continuing Education (campus in Colorado Springs), is currently a member of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council Board of Directors, is Commissioner of the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission, member of Banning Lewis Academy Board of Directors, and served as the Vice-Chair of the El Paso County Citizen’s Outreach Group.
His passion for the sport of football and business led to the creation of his very own Semi-Professional Football Organization, the Colorado Springs Cyclones (Founder/Owner, 2009-2018). He furthered this passion by receiving a Sports Management certificate in Professional Football Scouting and General Manager practices. Roland attended several NFL Combines and the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl as a scouting apprentice. In 2020, he also started and hosted a radio sports talk show, The EXTRA Point, on ESPN Denver 1600AM. He has also worked and volunteered his talents with the San Francisco 49ers Foundation, Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Program, and the Denver Broncos Youth and High School Program.
Roland is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was a U.S. Delegate to the International Committee for Global Navigation.
Roland enjoys fishing, football, camping/ATV’ing, traveling, playing the trombone, and flying Cessna’s
Third Vice President – Stan Vanderwerf
Stan VanderWerf serves District 3 on the Board of County Commissioners for El Paso County, Colorado. His district encompasses central and western El Paso County, including Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Palmer Lake, Monument, downtown Colorado Springs, and unincorporated western areas of the County. He is presently serving his second term.
Commissioner VanderWerf is founder of several small businesses and previously served 28 years in the US Air Force. He has 40 years of experience in industry and public agencies. He is the founding CEO of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Colorado, Advanced Capitol LLC (aerospace defense consulting), CEM-TEK USA (computer aided design and 3-D printing), and the Freedom Center of the Rockies. He is active in the community providing award-winning expertise to many local and national non-profits and holds extensive public budgeting, public policy, and disaster planning/recovery experience.
Among his professional achievements, VanderWerf received the Industry Cluster Team Award from the Colorado Springs Chamber and the El Pomar Institute. He is a Bronze Star awardee for his service in Iraq and a Legion of Merit awardee for his military service. Stan has National Team Performance and National Leadership Awards from the Defense Contract Management Agency and is a former National Aviation Speed Record Holder from the National Aeronautic Association. Stan is a Distinguished Graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces achieving a Masters Degree in public policy and budgeting.
Commissioner VanderWerf has been assigned around the world having served in Korea, Iraq, and Germany including assignments at Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base. He is a former director of the Air Force’s C-130 E/H program office, and served in the acquisition directorate of Special Operations Command.
Commissioner VanderWerf presently serves on over 17 boards including the State Board of Health, State Homeland Security Advisory Committee, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, National Association of Counties – Community, Economic Development, and Workforce Board, Colorado Springs Airport Advisory Commission, and El Paso County Park Advisory Board.
He is married to Betsy and has two children. Hobbies include mountain climbing, skiing, and flying.
Program Committee Chair
– Lisa Czelatdko
Lisa Czelatdko is a seasoned commercial broker specializing in land acquisitions and the disposition of sites ranging from 0.5 to over 200 acres. She is recognized for her exceptional negotiating skills, exemplary contract writing, and strategic troubleshooting. With a commitment to delivering valuable services, Lisa leverages her extensive network to foster relationships that enhance business opportunities. Additionally, Lisa excels in asset management, ensuring optimal value and performance for her employer and clients properties. With a commitment to delivering valuable services, she leverages her extensive network to foster relationships that enhance business opportunities.
Lisa has a rich background in government relations and legislative policy. She has been frequently asked to run for Colorado House of Representatives reflecting her leadership and community engagement. Her experience includes an internship with the Colorado House, serving on the Colorado Springs City Council and the Board of Directors for Colorado Springs Utilities, as well as the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments and the Colorado State Transportation Advisory Committee. This experience has equipped her with in-depth knowledge of municipal operations and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. In January 2023, she presented to the Civil Rules Committee, proposing family law amendments aimed at assisting Colorado families.
Lisa is an active philanthropist, dedicating her time to various organizations. Her volunteer efforts reflect her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Her leadership certifications include El Paso County Citizens College, Leadership Pikes Peak, the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, the Air Force Space Command Community Relations Program, Fort Carson Leadership, and Colorado Candidate School.
Lisa Czelatdko embodies professionalism and dedication, continually striving to amplify the voices of women and families and make a meaningful difference in her community.
Nominations Committee Chair – Art Glynn
Art Glynn comes with a variety of life experiences from his time as a Navy pilot, financial
advisor, corporate leader, mergers and acquisition advisor, defense consultant and resiliency
expert. He currently serves as a defense consultant focusing his efforts on national defense
science and technology initiatives to protect our homeland and leadership mentoring. He is
politically active to ensure Colorado Springs remains the beautiful and welcoming city that drew
many here.
He has passionately defended our Nations’ freedoms and the American Way. He is a retired
Navy Captain who served his final military assignment as a Command Center Director for the
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command
(USNORTHCOM). In this role, he was responsible for NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions
including Homeland Defense, Defense Support of Civil Authorities. (DSCA) for North America,
and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC). Prior, he was the Navy Emergency Preparedness
Liaison Officer (NEPLO) to FEMA Region VIII and USNORTHCOM, where he coordinated
Title 10 and Federal resource response to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires in 2012 and
2103 respectively.
In his parallel civilian life, Art was a financial advisor and then served as President, CEO for a
corporate turnaround in New England. This led him to open a boutique mergers and acquisitions
consulting firm focusing on post-acquisition integration. Following 9/11, he refocused his
efforts on national defense science and technology efforts to protect our homeland which he
continues today.
Art follows a personal mantra of Honor – Integrity – Trust or H.I.T. where he lives his life, both
personally, and professionally with the highest level of honor and integrity and then confers those
values to others through trust. This has served him well and exemplifies his professional
reputation.
Art continues to be engaged in his community as an active member of the Military Affairs
Council, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce; Citizens Outreach Board (COG) board
member for El Paso County and cofounding member of the Pikes Peak chapter of the Scottish
American Military Society.
In his spare time, Art enjoys our great outdoors as an avid skier, blue water sailor and adventurer
with his wife, Rollande and daughter Courtney.
Membership Committee Co-Chair – Chuck Duray
Newly elected to the Board of the Winter Night Club, Chuck Duray is an educator and school choice advocate, having served in a variety of positions at the secondary and university levels. As a reformer to return student development back to the intellectual and moral domains, Chuck’s work is a precursor to a regional renaissance in agriculture, citizenship, manufacturing, and technological fields. He also operates a math tutoring business to assist rural students in the eastern half of El Paso County. While triple credentialed in history, language, and mathematics, Dr. Duray emphasizes it is the students that are his true credentials.
In partnership with BA Livestock, Chuck is involved in a custom ranching operation raising all-natural, grain-finished cattle. Mentored by long-time cattleman, Dave Reynolds, their emphasis on healthy, angus-cross bloodlines and the biblical pairing of fat and protein has led to a reputation for savory, prime beef. Operating from the Code of the West, the outfit is known for a fair price per hanging weight combined with superior quality and high yields, and are often sold-out over a year in advance.
Chuck’s public service included a military career, followed later with seasonal rolls as a wildland firefighter. Enlisting as an infantry private in 1984 and retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 2012, his experience involved command and staff positions with airborne infantry and air/missile defense artillery units during such operations as Burnt Frost (shoot-down of an errant satellite), Fardh al-Qanoon (Baghdad, Iraq), and Southern Watch (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As a wildland firefighter, Chuck has served during mega-fires and severity periods in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
Knighted over fifteen years ago into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Dr. Duray continues efforts with other professionals from across the world to assist Christians and pilgrims in the Holy Land. Married for 32 years to the former Miss Paula DeSantis, a science educator, they have raised three children and maintain a small boarding activity for former competitive horses.
Membership Committee Co-Chair – Commissioner George Mentz, JD, MBA
Commissioner George Mentz JD MBA CILS is a global educator, tax-economist, international lawyer and CEO of the International Board of Standards. George is also an award-winning author and graduate law professor of wealth management in the United States for a top US law school. George has an earned Doctor of Jurisprudence, an MBA, a graduate international law certificate/diploma and is a licensed attorney (LA) admitted to the US Colorado Federal Courts. He has worked as an investment banker and management consultant, and he is a professor teaching over 250 law, business, and ethics courses in the last 20 years. An economic advisor for various organizations, he has also written and published over 50 books and audio books. George has volunteered for several administrations including: Bush, Obama, and Trump, writing and consulting for the US Department of Labor, and is also a member of the White House Commission for Presidential Scholars (2019-2021). He and his companies have been featured or quoted in radio, TV and press. George enjoys tennis and traveling with his wife and three children. Mentz serves on the Board of Directors of TRE – The Resources Exchange of Colorado Springs which serves children and the elderly in several counties.
George has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2019. Past board positions include President (2020-2021) and Past President (2021-2022).
Past-President – Patrick Davis
Patrick Davis is a nationally recognized communication and political consultant and strategist. Since 1992 Patrick has been working for and advising candidates for President, Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, State Legislature, county commission, board of regents, Mayor, and city council. Patrick is an organizational, strategic and communications consultant to governments, corporations, issue committees and non-profit corporations.
Patrick Davis served as a senior campaign advisor to the Donald Trump for President and the Colorado State Director for the Trump campaign in 2016. From 2017 to January 2020 Patrick served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The US Senate Republican majority increased from 51 to 55 while Patrick Davis was the Political Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 2004 Election cycle. In that position, Davis managed the political and strategic operations of the committee including candidate recruitment, message development, and campaign management. He directed the committee’s $35 million voter contact budget.
In 1999, Davis represented the NRSC as a Regional Political Director in ten Republican US Senate campaigns. He has been directly involved in the competitive winning US Senate campaigns of John Thune, Norm Coleman, Jim DeMint, Mike Lee, Wayne Allard, Gordon Smith, Steve Daines, Conrad Burns, Tom Coburn, Mel Martinez, Richard Burr, David Vitter, Jim Bunning, Johnny Isakson and John Hoeven.
In January, 2005, Davis founded Patrick Davis Consulting, LLC. The firm is dedicated to serving clients and candidates regionally and nationally in the areas of public affairs, political consulting, strategy and public relations. The firm is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Prior to joining the NRSC, Davis served as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Republican Party from 1995 to 1999. During this time, South Dakota Republicans increased their majorities in both houses of the State Legislature, elected John Thune to the US House, and re-elected Governor Bill Janklow.
During the 1992 Bush-Quayle Presidential campaign, Davis served as the field desk coordinator for eleven Northwestern states including Colorado, and in 1990, Davis served as the Assistant to the Deputy Director of White House Political Affairs in the Bush “41” administration.
Patrick and his wife, Jo Ann, have lived in Colorado Springs since 2001 with their twins, Ben and Kate.
Patrick has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2020. Past board positions include President (2022-2023),1st Vice President (2021-2022).
