Advisory Board

Kecia Carroll

Kecia Carroll runs a marketing consultancy where she works as chief marketing strategist, developing and driving marketing and communications plans and programs for new or evolving companies.  Prior to starting her own firm, Kecia’s path began at Shandwick, a large public relations agency, followed by several high-tech startups where she helped them get off the ground with solid marketing plans.  Then on to a stint with Ericsson’s global brand team based in Oslo, Norway to an unforgettable opportunity to serve as media liaison for international press attending the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics.  In addition to her role on Forward Steps’ Advisory Board, Kecia is a dedicated volunteer in her community working as an advisor to the Colorado chapter of Tech4Good, a volunteer reader for the Denver Public Library’s Read Aloud program and as a snow buddy for Volunteer of America’s senior support program.  She received herBachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.

Jeff Mendel

Jeff Mendel has been a member of the Forward Steps Advisory Board since its inception in 2008.  Jeff’s experiences in many aspects of small business, entrepreneurship, non-profit and social services suit him well for the Board.  Jeff is a veteran of 25 years in the exciting craft brewing industry, the last 14 years as a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors at Left Hand Brewing Company of Longmont, Colorado.  He previously participated as co-founder of Tabernash Brewing Co., Indian Peaks Distributing Co. and the Colorado Brewers Guild.  In addition, Jeff worked six years at the non-profit Association of Brewers, served three years on the non-profit Boulder County Head Start Pre-School Policy Council, and most importantly took two years to be a stay-at-home foster father.

Jeff lives in Boulder with his wife, Daphne, and their two dogs (rescues, of course).  He currently serves as a consultant in the craft beer industry and teaches adult continuing education classes for the Boulder Valley School District.

Gwen Mossman

Gwen Mossman’s diverse business background encompasses market development in the retail and information technology sectors to internal change management for a Fortune 100 company. Most recently she served as General Manager for an ecommerce company that provided health services to uninsured or underinsured clients. She is a lifelong Colorado resident and is committed to community service. As a current foster parent, projects that serve the needs of underresourced and disenfranchised youth are especially dear to her. In addition to her role on Forward Step’s Advisory Board, she currently serves as President of the local youth football program and is a dedicated Greenhouse Scholars volunteer. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Tourism Management, as well as her Master in Information Technology, from the University of Colorado.

Gwen lives in Boulder with her husband Rob and their three children.

Scott Papich

Scott Papich brings almost two decades of business experience as a trusted financial & market analyst and strategic advisor.  He has served companies across numerous industries, from  biotech & pharmaceutical, to hospitality & entertainment, to retail, to software development, to online marketing technology & services.  His activities have been largely focused on identifying and evaluating risks and opportunities, and in providing clear, concise recommendations that facilitate executive decision making.

Scott also enjoys volunteering in his community, most recently with the National MS Society and Community College of Denver.

Scott is degreed (Summa Cum Laude) in Managerial Finance from the University of Nevada.

Brenda Redding

Brenda entered foster care when she was 14 years old, lived on her own her senior year and emancipated from the system in 1988 after she graduated from high school. After a year of working and searching for family members she entered Mesa State College where in 1994 she received her degree in Counseling Psychology. Brenda returned to college and received her MSW from Colorado State University in 1998.

While a college student, Brenda had the opportunity to work as a youth advocated at the local mental health center. She also had a practicum with a local independent living program, one that allowed youth to move out on their own before their child welfare case closed. It was from this experience that she started her career working with youth in foster care who emancipate from the system. In 1998, Brenda began working with the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program in Larimer County and now works with the same program in Adams County where she has been for over 5 years.