BOARD MEMBERS
DAVID FOGELDavid was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He is married to Linda and has 3 grown children. He is a semi-retired lawyer who was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and a Colorado Public Defender as well as in private practice. In the past he has been head of many professional and community organizations including: the Denver Junior Chamber of Commerce; The Denver Democratic Party; The Association of Jewish Lawyers of Colorado; and the Federal Bar Association. Besides SWIC, David is currently on the boards of: Colorado B'nai B'rith, The Jewish Community Relations Council, ADL, The South Denver Optimist Club; The I Rude Charitable Trust; and the Colorado Hillel Council Business Board. 
Mary lou vigil and familyA former educator at St. Joseph's Grade School, Morey Middle School, Abraham Lincoln High School. A teacher for 19 years, Guidance Councilor for 6 years, Dean of Students for 6 years, Mary Lou is a resident of the Westwood Neighborhood and is an honored Elder Member of the SWIC Community. 
Tony oum, ChairBilingual in English and Cambodian, Tony isFirstBank’s Multicultural Banking Center Senior Vice President He got his first job at the age of nine. When most kids were playing video games Tony was washing dishes, cutting carrots, and deep frying appetizers at his family’s Chinese restaurant. As a new business struggling to make a profit, it was all hands on deck. “I did a little bit of everything in the restaurant,” said Tony. Little by little the business grew and eventually it did make a profit, even helping to pay for Tony and his brother’s college tuitions. 
benjamin cheangBilingual in English and Chinese languages, Ben is Broker and Owner at All Pro Realty of Denver. He brings to the Board an extensive knowledge of SW Denver real estate market trends and expertise in affordable housing. 
Tim sandosA former Denver City Councilman at Large, SW Denver Native, Tim is the Executive Director: North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative and member of the Mayor's Cabinet The gymnasium at the Westwood Community Center is named in honor his late father, Sam Sandos who was a much loved City Councilman in SW Denver's District 3. 
Ray EhrensteinA Vietnam Veteran, Ray is a retired from the US Postal Service. He is a; SW Denver Neighborhood Resident, the Overland Park RNO representative to Inter-neighborhood Cooperation (INC), former Vice President of INC and a long-time Volunteer in Police Service (VIP) to the Denver Police Department 
Fran ColemanA former Colorado State Representative House District 1 (1999 to 2006), Fran is a public policy consultant and civic activist with 25 years of elected, appointed and volunteer experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She is a life long resident of SW Denver. 
Gus AcheyGus is a retired labor relations attorney formerly with the Employers Council, He is an active member of the : University Hills Rotary Club and serves on their Service Committee. 
Michelle ferrigno warrenAn immigration Advocate, Co-founder of Open Door Ministries, Candidate, US Senate candidate in the 2020 general election, Michelle is the author of The Power of Proximity, Moving Beyond Awareness to Action. She and her husband David are long-time SW Denver Residents. Having committed her life to her community and advancing equity and democratic participation, she is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, author. |
DIRECTOR & STAFFDonna zimmerman
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Jenny Nguyen
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Jenny joined Southwest Improvement Council in April 1998 after receiving her associate degree in accounting from the Community College of Denver. In May of 2000 she received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from the University of Colorado at Denver. She has spent 15 years dedicated to providing the best possible service to the SWIC clientele. Jenny is fluent in Vietnamese and enjoys exercising and fine Vietnamese food during her free time.
Lance Guanella
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Lance is a graduate of Colorado State University and has been in Real Estate for over 20 years, and non-profit management for 10 years. After obtaining his paralegal certificate in 2011, he volunteered at Colorado Legal Services before joining Southwest Improvement Council in May of 2012. Since becoming the Deputy Executive Director at SWIC, Lance has obtained HUD certification for housing counseling. He is trained in foreclosure intervention, post purchase counseling, rental counseling, homebuyer education and one-one counseling for pre-purchase. Additionally, he has attending national training’s in Cincinnati, San Diego, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Spokane. A native of Colorado he and his dog Leo live in Athmar Park in SW Denver.