Leadership
Board of Directors
Ross Blahnik
President
As a member of DCF since 2017, Ross has held a variety of roles within the organization, including Entertainment Chair in 2021, Beverage Chair in 2022, and Polo Classic Chair in 2024 (the most successful Polo event ever at the time). 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 proudly serves as President in 2025-2026.
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, reading historical fiction, playing golf, and spending time with his girlfriend Erika and their dog, Louie.
Erik Carlson
President-Elect
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 and 2024-2025 terms. He will lead DCF as President in 2026-2027.
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.
Nick Pirnack
Past-President
Nick chaired the 2018 Denver Polo Classic, leading a highly successful guest event and record-setting fundraiser. He was elected by his peers and served as President from 2024-2025 after a year as President-Elect. 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 was instrumental in returning the 2025 Denver Barn Party to its historical Barns at Polo Reserve location.
Nick has more than 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.
Gino Scarpelli
Treasurer
Gino was elected to a 2-year Treasurer term in 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. He joined DCF in 2023. He also coordinates the annual PNC Bank and Colorado Rockies Saves for Kids program benefitting DCF.
As Chief Operating Officer – Small Business Banking 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.
Jayce Smallwood
Treasurer
Jayce joined the Foundation in 2022 in order to give back to the community he has called home for his whole life. In addition to overseeing the organization’s finances as Treasurer (2025-2027), Jayce has dedicated his time to serving as a member of the Grant Review Committee (2024,2025) and will manage the Denver Polo Classic & Denver Barn Party’s beverage operations as Beverage Chair (2026).
In his role as an Employee Benefits Consultant, Jayce partners with local businesses to provide strategies and tools that keep their employees happy and healthy. From startups to staples in the Denver community, Jayce’s clients trust him to take care of their employee benefits programs.
Jayce was born and raised in Parker, Colorado, before obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Drake University while playing Division I football. Upon his return to Denver he obtained his Master’s Degree from the University of Denver, and spends his free time skiing, fishing, hunting and playing overly-complicated board games with his wife.
Ian Epstein
Secretary
Ian was elected by his peers as Secretary for a 2025-2026 Board term. He joined DCF in 2024 and serves on the 2025 Grant Review Committee.
As a Founder of PropSwap, Ian started up a unique sports-betting enterprise that served as a marketplace for users to sell their active sports betting tickets.
Ian also serves as a Trustee for his family’s charitable Foundation, leveraging his analytical and business expertise to support the Board’s decisionmaking.
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.
Elio Merino
Director
Elio will serve as a Director of the Denver Children’s Foundation for the 2025–2026 term after being elected by his peers. In 2024, as Event Chair, he led DCF to a record-setting Christmas for Kids fundraising campaign and shopping event. He also coordinates and directs the Denver Polo Classic’s Friday Black Tie Gala dinner, overseeing catering and service logistics for up to 800 guests.
Originally from Wyoming and raised in a Mexican-American household, Elio brings a grounded perspective shaped by family, work ethic, and community. He has spent the past decade building a career in finance and currently holds a Board seat on a loan fund that advocates for access to high-quality charter school education.
Beyond his professional work, Elio leads a family-owned leather goods business based in Denver, where craftsmanship, sustainability, and family legacy intersect.
His greatest priorities are his wife and two children. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, focusing on health, and spending time on the golf course, basketball court, or with his brothers.
Rob Falick
Director
Rob was elected Director for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 terms 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 Manager with Prime Group Holdings LLC. Rob has a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.
Jack Hoyt
Director
Jack was reelected Director for the 2025-2026 term after serving as Director in 2023-2024. He has been an active and proficient fundraiser since joining DCF including Event Chair for the record-setting 2023 Christmas for Kids campaign and shopping event. He will lead the Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic as Event Chair in 2027.
Away from DCF, he is Vice President of Business Development at Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions. Jack is a graduate of Fairfield University.
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.
Nick Troxel
Legal Counsel
Nick joined DCF in 2019 and serves as Legal Counsel to the Board. In this role, he reviews contracts and advises the Board on legal obligations, risks, and liabilities. Nick served as 2023 Christmas for Kids Event Chair and led the Foundation to a record fundraising level.
Nick is co-founder of Troxel Fitch LLC, designed to meet the needs of businesses operating in the hyper-competitive modern marketplace. The firm specializes in business formations, commercial contracting, intellectual property, financing and securities, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate transactions.
Colson Castilla
Raffle Games Manager
Colson’s desire to serve his community led him to join DCF in 2023. Colson serves as the Raffle Chair since 2025, 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.
Event Chairs
-
Ryan Tracy
2026 Denver Polo Classic Chair
LinkedIn -
Dillon O’Dea
2026 Denver Barn Party Chair
LinkedIn -
Travis Marr
2026 Leaders Fore Kids Golf Classic Chair
-
Mitch Kelln
2025 Christmas for Kids Chair
LinkedIn -
Sean Hughes
2026 Mile High Faceoff Lead
LinkedIn -
Beau Jenkins
2025 NAIOP Fight Night Lead
LinkedIn
Executive Director
Adam Cohen
Executive Director
After more than 20 years in the private sector – and then 10 years as a high-performance catalyst to nonprofit, healthcare, service, financial, government, and manufacturing client-partners – Adam joined The Denver Children’s Foundation (DCF) in 2018 with a commitment to give back to the community and to elevate the organization’s reach and impact. In his first 5 years, DCF doubled its grantmaking into the community and optimized operational efficiency. In addition, Adam’s relationships with key sponsors and outreach to the community enable him to fundraise to more than offset his annual salary.
He served in multiple roles in the CH2M (now Jacobs) Companies including Vice President of Enterprise Performance Excellence, Quality Director for Baldrige National Quality Award Recipient OMI – a subsidiary of CH2M, and Director of Project Development Services for OMI. His community experience includes former Board Emeritus of Rocky Mountain Performance Excellence; former Community Member of Children’s Hospital of Colorado’s Patient Safety and Experience Committee; Expert Coach-Advisor to the Communities of Excellence 2026 national initiative; and support for the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Movember men’s health campaigns, Project CURE, Judi’s House, Wishes for Wheels, and Denver Area 8 Basketball Officials Officials for the Cure fundraisers.
Adam enjoys travel and adventures with his wife and life partner Adriana, fitness training and yoga, reading/writing and editing books for publication, and officiating collegiate, high school, and youth basketball. He has two terrific adult children and three wonderful step-daughters.
