Meet the Team

Michael Niyompong

Executive Director

Michael directs the consortium of Merage Foundations, which includes the David and Laura Merage Foundation. He provides strategic oversight for Early Learning Ventures (ELV), Black Cube, and the many other initiatives that the foundation leads. Michael’s steady leadership advances the organization’s mission of creating opportunities for future generations through venture philanthropy. Michael was recognized for his work by The Denver Business Journal as one of its 40 under 40 leaders in 2013, selected as one of five Livingston Fellows in 2016, and was named by the Aspen Institute to the 2017 Ascend Fellowship. In 2022, Michael was honored by 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation as a 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist and by The Denver Business Journal as a C-Suites Award winner.

Shari Beaudette

Executive Coordinator

Shari brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning marketing, operations, project coordination, and office administration. She provides the foundation with comprehensive scheduling, communications, logistics and grant administration support. With a deep commitment to holistic success, Shari is also a certified Tiny Habits® Coach with a passion for mindfulness and well-being practices. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Portland State University.

Nicole Hod Stroh

Executive Director of Merage Foundation Israel

Nicole is the Executive Director of Merage Foundation Israel and has comprehensive experience in the United States, Latin America and Israel in International Development, nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship. She is an expert in designing and implementing scalable civic engagement, community building and economic development strategies to bring about growth and high social impact. Nicole is a Wexner Israel Fellow. She has a BA in Political Science from NYU and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, concentrating in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences.

Judy Williams

CEO of Early Learning Ventures

Judy manages the Early Learning Ventures (ELV) team, leads the overall operations of the Early Learning Ventures Alliance Model in Colorado, as well as oversees the business development, growth expansion and replication of the ELV shared services model throughout the United States. Judy is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and has a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University. Judy also served as an Officer in the United States Army and has consulted in a variety of settings in the health and early education industry.

Cortney Lane Stell

Executive Director and Chief Curator of Black Cube

Cortney is the Executive Director + Chief Curator of Black Cube, a nonprofit, nomadic art museum. She has held a curatorial practice since 2006, which has included curating numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally for museums, university galleries, biennials and art events. She is currently sitting her second term on the Denver Commission of Cultural Affairs, as appointed by the Mayor. Cortney holds a MA from the European Graduate School in Switzerland where she is also a PhD candidate in Media Communications.

Sue Renner

Strategic Advisor

For 17 years, Sue led the consortium of Merage Foundations. She demonstrated exceptional leadership, providing strategic oversight and start-up expertise for various initiatives and organizations. Sue continues to serve on the David and Laura Merage Foundation’s Board of Directors and is deeply engaged in early childhood policy efforts. She is a member of the Colorado Governor Jared Polis’ Education Policy Council and the Colorado Early Childhood Leadership Commission.

Mireya Garing

Vice President of Human Resources

Mireya oversees the human resources division at the David & Laura Merage Foundation. Mireya and her team provide expert generalist HR support to all of DLMF’s associates. She has more than 30 years of experience in human resource management, is bilingual in both Spanish and English, and holds a B.A degree in psychology. Mireya is also a member of Colorado EPIC (Executives Partnering to Invest in Children), SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management), and CHRA (Colorado Human Resource Association).

Robert Nelson

Advisor

Rob has more than 30 years of experience leading teams, guiding strategy, and growing businesses, including his roles as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Chef America and then Nestle’s Handheld Food Group, where he provided strategic direction for the development and management of $200 million of core business.

Rebecca O’Hearn

Advisor

Rebecca has 10 years of experience in public accounting in addition to more than 20 years of experience in managing accounting functions for multiple business units. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master’s degree in Taxation, and is a CPA. Rebecca is a member of The Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants and The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Ed Kolczynski

Chief Investment Officer

Ed is responsible for the management, strategy, and asset allocation of CIG’s capital market investments portfolio, where he oversees the management of the public equities, hedge fund, and private equity portfolios. Ed has more than 20 years of experience working in investment companies in leadership roles as well as portfolio management and research and analysis. Ed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and earned his MBA. He is also a CFA charter holder and is an inactive CPA.