Debi Bauer ~ Board President
Debi is retired from Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Plano, TX. Assisted clients in improving the performance of individuals and leadership teams in the areas of communication, decision making, managing change, performance management, and results orientation; certified trainer in the Linkage Inc./William Bridges & Associates programs – Managing Organizational Transition and Individual Transition in Organizations.
Bertha Koch ~ Board Vice President
Bertha has been involved in the Colorado Springs Community for 47 years. She is retired from Girl Scouts as a Volunteer Service Manager for Girl Scouts of Colorado, where she was a staff member for 25 years for legacy council Wagon Wheel. She was part of a statewide team that managed over 10,000 volunteers’ recruitment, interviewing, volunteer applications, references, background checks, training, enrichment, fund raising and conflict management and statewide recognition for volunteers. She has partnered with multiple groups over the years and coalitions. She is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and Association of Executive GS. Currently chairs Pikes Peak Girl Scout Alumni, American Legion Auxiliary and advocate for Veterans exposed to toxic waste. Her work experience over the years have been diverse from design showrooms, advertising, medicine and Compassion International.
Melanie Wehrle ~ Board Treasurer
Melanie is retired from the Pikes Peak Library District, where she was the Senior Services Librarian. She has a BS in Accounting for Southern Illinois University and a MLIS from University of Denver. She is a current PILLAR instructor.
~ Board Secretary
Judy Casey ~ Board Member
Judy has been an educator all of her life. She has been a School Principal, Literacy Director, and State Literacy Association President. She serves as a mentor and Board member for KPWE at UCCS. She was a member of the Colorado Springs Rotary Club (Downtown) and was Rotarian of the Year in 2016. She has a B.A. Elementary Education from University of
North Carolina and a M.Ed in Reading from University of
Massachusetts. She is a current PILLAR instructor.
Trish Grihalva ~ Board Member
Originally from California, Trish has lived in Colorado Springs for 26 years and has served in several local nonprofits in financial positions. She earned her MBA from UC Berkeley and is a Colorado CPA, currently retired. She has held positions as CFO, Controller, and VP of Finance in various local companies and owned her own accounting firm for 12 years.
Phil McDonald - Board Member
Phil has a MSE from Drake University. Phil retired after a thirty-year career of teaching government, U.S. history, and psychology classes. He served as Adjunct Professor of Government and Psychology for Upper Iowa University and was nominated for Who’s Who among American Teachers. Phil is one of PILLAR's instructors.