2026-27 President – Roland Rainey
Roland Rainey, Jr., currently serves as Colorado Springs City Councilman representing District 6. Councilman Rainey is a senior executive in the space and cyber defense industry, a business owner, professional football scout and broadcaster, and a retired U.S. Air Force/Space Force Lieutenant Colonel. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Human Development (2003), a Master of Science degree from Troy University in International Relations with emphasis in Global Studies (2008), a Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in Counseling & Leadership Development (2017), and a Business Certificate from Harvard Business School in Entrepreneurship Essentials (2019).
Councilman Rainey faithfully defended our Nation’s democracy and freedoms for 29.6 years as an enlisted troop and commissioned officer. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) upon graduation from Colorado State University (2003), where he was selected as the graduation commencement student speaker. During his military career, Roland was a 3-time Commanding Officer, operations and staff officer in Air Force Space Command (now U.S. Space Force), and the National Reconnaissance Office. He also served as the Commander for Cadet Squadron 15 at the Air Force Academy. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Director, Commander Executive Action Group, for the first-ever Chief of Space Operations, and helped stand-up the newest military branch of the Department of Defense. Councilman Rainey is a decorated combat-veteran with a deployment to a combat-zone, Bagram, Afghanistan in 2019 and a deployment to Thumrait, Air Base Oman (1998).
Councilman Rainey also serves as a Commissioner, Fourth Judicial District Nominating Commission where he vets, interview and nominate judges to the Governor. He previously served as an Adjunct Professor, Colorado State University-Pueblo and was Vice Chair of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, whose purpose is to create and sustain study, discussion, and public participation in international relations. He also volunteered his time to the local community as the Vice Chair of the El Paso County Citizen’s Outreach Group and served on the Banning Lewis Academy Board of Directors.
His passion for the sport of football and business led to the creation of his very own Semi-Professional Football Organization, the Colorado Springs Cyclones (2009-2018). His focus was to promote the sport of football in the state of Colorado, while mentoring and developing the character of young men. He furthered this passion by receiving a Sports Management certificate in Professional Football Scouting and General Manager practices, where he was trained in NFL scouting techniques, statistical analysis, and the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement. Councilman Rainey also started and hosted a sports talk show, The EXTRA Point, on ESPN Denver 1600. He has worked for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos.
His affiliations and accomplishments include: Recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, U.S. Delegate to the International Committee for Global Navigation, multiple Field & Company Grade Officer Awards, and the National Reconnaissance Office Government Employee of the Year Award, to name a few.
Hobbies: fishing, football, traveling, playing the trombone, and flying Cessna’s
Immediate Past President – Carissa Smith
Meet Carissa Smith, a dedicated and engaged individual who has been an integral part of the Colorado Springs community since her move from Texas in 2016. As an attorney licensed in both Colorado and Florida, Carissa practices in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, providing compassionate and diligent service to her clients.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carissa has a strong commitment to giving back. Since 2017, she has been an enthusiastic volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Pikes Peak Region, making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. She has also dedicated countless hours to various local organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Silver Key Senior Services, and the Senior Resource Counsel, among others. Carissa’s involvement extends even further, as she previously served as a Board Officer for the esteemed Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, demonstrating her passion for mental health and well-being in the community.
In 2022, Carissa proudly joined the Board of the Winter Night Club, an important and historic organization with a mission to support the intellectual development of the community. Being part of this incredible initiative is an honor she cherishes, and she is excited about the opportunities to contribute her skills and insights.
Past President – Sallie Clark
She was previously elected as an El Paso County Commissioner and represented District 3 where she served as Board Chair and Vice Chair. During her years of service, she was elected as President of National Association of Counties (NACo), the first Coloradan to have been elected to this position to represent over 3,000 counties nationwide. Additionally, Clark is a past Colorado Springs City Councilmember and Utilities Board Member.
Clark is a small-business entrepreneur and has owned her own business since 1986. She worked in the health care field, prior to opening her own business. She is well-respected by her peers and her community as evidenced by her continued service on many non-profit and government committees.
Secretary – Chelsea Wallace, Chief Operating Officer, Northwestern Mutual
Chelsea has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2018. Past board positions include 3rd Vice President (2019-2021) and 2nd Vice President (2021-2022).
Treasurer – Nick Phillips
Nick Phillips serves as Treasurer for the Winter Night Club in Colorado Springs, having joined the organization in 2026. A Colorado Springs native, Nick is an investment banker and CPA with extensive experience in finance, accounting, business valuation, and strategic planning. In his professional role, he advises founder-owned businesses on mergers and acquisitions, financial strategy, and growth initiatives.
As Treasurer, Nick oversees the club’s financial operations, budgeting, and fiscal stewardship, helping ensure the organization’s long-term financial health while supporting its mission and member activities. He is passionate about fostering strong community connections and contributing to organizations that enhance the quality of life in Colorado Springs.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys fitness, snowboarding, off-roading, camping, and exploring Colorado’s outdoors. He is proud to support the Winter Night Club and its longstanding tradition of service and fellowship within the Colorado Springs community.
First Vice President – Lisa Marie
Lisa Marie has spent the past twenty years contributing her voice, perspective, and expertise to bringing communities together and strengthening relationships across Colorado.
She has served on over fifty boards and committees and completed several distinguished leadership programs throughout the state.
A proud member of the Winter Night Club since 2011, she brings elegance, intellect, and enthusiasm to engaging members and encouraging discussions. With extensive experience in commercial real estate, specializing in land acquisition and development, she also works with students as a substitute teacher and counselor.
Third Vice President – George Shen
George Shen, Denverite and 6-year patron of the Winter Night Club.
Second Vice President – Stan VanderWerf
Stan VanderWerf served District 3 on the Board of County Commissioners for El Paso County, Colorado 2017-2024. His district encompassed central and western El Paso County, including Green Mountain Falls, Manitou Springs, Palmer Lake, Monument, downtown Colorado Springs, and unincorporated western areas of the County.
Commissioner VanderWerf is founder of several small businesses and previously served 28 years in the US Air Force. He has 40 years of experience in industry and public agencies. He is the founding CEO of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Colorado, Advanced Capitol LLC (aerospace defense consulting), CEM-TEK USA (computer aided design and 3-D printing), and the Freedom Center of the Rockies. He is active in the community providing award-winning expertise to many local and national non-profits and holds extensive public budgeting, public policy, and disaster planning/recovery experience.
Among his professional achievements, VanderWerf received the Industry Cluster Team Award from the Colorado Springs Chamber and the El Pomar Institute. He is a Bronze Star awardee for his service in Iraq and a Legion of Merit awardee for his military service. Stan has National Team Performance and National Leadership Awards from the Defense Contract Management Agency and is a former National Aviation Speed Record Holder from the National Aeronautic Association. Stan is a Distinguished Graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces achieving a Masters Degree in public policy and budgeting.
Commissioner VanderWerf has been assigned around the world having served in Korea, Iraq, and Germany including assignments at Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base. He is a former director of the Air Force’s C-130 E/H program office, and served in the acquisition directorate of Special Operations Command.
Commissioner VanderWerf presently serves on over 17 boards including the State Board of Health, State Homeland Security Advisory Committee, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, National Association of Counties – Community, Economic Development, and Workforce Board, Colorado Springs Airport Advisory Commission, and El Paso County Park Advisory Board.
He is married to Betsy and has two children. Hobbies include mountain climbing, skiing, and flying.
Nominations Committee Co-Chair – Art Glynn
Art Glynn comes with a variety of life experiences from his time as a Navy pilot, financial
advisor, corporate leader, mergers and acquisition advisor, defense consultant and resiliency
expert. He currently serves as a defense consultant focusing his efforts on national defense
science and technology initiatives to protect our homeland and leadership mentoring. He is
politically active to ensure Colorado Springs remains the beautiful and welcoming city that drew
many here.
He has passionately defended our Nations’ freedoms and the American Way. He is a retired
Navy Captain who served his final military assignment as a Command Center Director for the
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command
(USNORTHCOM). In this role, he was responsible for NORAD and USNORTHCOM missions
including Homeland Defense, Defense Support of Civil Authorities. (DSCA) for North America,
and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC). Prior, he was the Navy Emergency Preparedness
Liaison Officer (NEPLO) to FEMA Region VIII and USNORTHCOM, where he coordinated
Title 10 and Federal resource response to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires in 2012 and
2103 respectively.
In his parallel civilian life, Art was a financial advisor and then served as President, CEO for a
corporate turnaround in New England. This led him to open a boutique mergers and acquisitions
consulting firm focusing on post-acquisition integration. Following 9/11, he refocused his
efforts on national defense science and technology efforts to protect our homeland which he
continues today.
Art follows a personal mantra of Honor – Integrity – Trust or H.I.T. where he lives his life, both
personally, and professionally with the highest level of honor and integrity and then confers those
values to others through trust. This has served him well and exemplifies his professional
reputation.
Art continues to be engaged in his community as an active member of the Military Affairs
Council, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce; Citizens Outreach Board (COG) board
member for El Paso County and cofounding member of the Pikes Peak chapter of the Scottish
American Military Society.
In his spare time, Art enjoys our great outdoors as an avid skier, blue water sailor and adventurer
with his wife, Rollande and daughter Courtney.
Nominations Committee Co-Chair – Ed Janeczek
Ed Janeczek has spent his career doing one thing exceptionally well — helping people feel confident about their financial future. As a Wealth Advisor at Altus Wealth Group, he partners with clients to build personalized, comprehensive financial plans that reflect their lives, their goals, and the future they are working toward.
Ed brings serious credentials to that work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Central Florida, along with the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designations. He is also an Enrolled Agent, authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury — a distinction that speaks to his particular depth in tax planning. Before joining Altus Wealth Group, Ed spent nearly six years as Regional Vice President at Zacks Investment Management, where he helped financial advisors design and implement portfolios for high-net-worth families. He has also held business development roles with Provasi Capital Partners, T. Rowe Price, and Future Standard Investments — a breadth of experience that gives him a well-rounded perspective few advisors can match.
Today, Ed focuses his energy on pre-retirees and retirees, helping them navigate the transition into retirement with strategies built around income planning, tax efficiency, and thoughtful investment management. It is work that requires both technical expertise and genuine empathy — and Ed brings plenty of both.
Outside of the office, Ed is deeply invested in the Colorado Springs community. He serves as Membership Chair for the Rotary Club of Colorado Springs — championing the organization’s motto of Service Above Self — and is slated to serve as Club President for the 2027–2028 Rotary year. At home, life is full and joyful. He and his wife are raising two daughters, alongside their Golden Retrievers, Biscuit and Butters. On any given weekend, you are likely to find the whole family out on a hiking trail, carving runs at Monarch, or lining up at the start of a trail race — living exactly the kind of active, connected Colorado life that makes the work worth doing.
Program Committee Chair – Chuck Duray
Chuck Duray is an educator and school choice advocate, having served in a variety of positions at the secondary and university levels. As a reformer to return student development back to the intellectual and moral domains, Chuck’s work is a precursor to a regional renaissance in agriculture, citizenship, manufacturing, and technological fields. He also operates a math tutoring business to assist rural students in the eastern half of El Paso County. While triple credentialed in history, language, and mathematics, Dr. Duray emphasizes it is the students that are his true credentials.
In partnership with BA Livestock, Chuck is involved in a custom ranching operation raising all-natural, grain-finished cattle. Mentored by long-time cattleman, Dave Reynolds, their emphasis on healthy, angus-cross bloodlines and the biblical pairing of fat and protein has led to a reputation for savory, prime beef. Operating from the Code of the West, the outfit is known for a fair price per hanging weight combined with superior quality and high yields, and are often sold-out over a year in advance.
Chuck’s public service included a military career, followed later with seasonal rolls as a wildland firefighter. Enlisting as an infantry private in 1984 and retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 2012, his experience involved command and staff positions with airborne infantry and air/missile defense artillery units during such operations as Burnt Frost (shoot-down of an errant satellite), Fardh al-Qanoon (Baghdad, Iraq), and Southern Watch (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). As a wildland firefighter, Chuck has served during mega-fires and severity periods in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
Knighted over fifteen years ago into the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Dr. Duray continues efforts with other professionals from across the world to assist Christians and pilgrims in the Holy Land. Married for 32 years to the former Miss Paula DeSantis, a science educator, they have raised three children and maintain a small boarding activity for former competitive horses.
Membership Committee Co-Chair – Commissioner George Mentz, JD, MBA, CILS
Commissioner George Mentz is a global educator, tax economist, international lawyer, and CEO of the International Board of Standards. He served as Chairman of the Colorado Springs Civil Service Commission in 2025 and currently serves on the Colorado Springs Airport Commission.
George is also an award-winning author and graduate law professor specializing in wealth management at a top-tier U.S. law school. He holds a Juris Doctor (JD), an MBA, and a graduate certificate/diploma in international law. He is a licensed attorney in Louisiana and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
Throughout his career, George has worked as an investment banker and management consultant. Over the past 25 years, he has taught more than 300 courses in law, business, ethics, and wealth management.
As an economic advisor to various organizations, George has written and published more than 100 books and audiobooks. He has also released a music album and composed more than 50 original tracks across multiple genres.
George was appointed by the President of the United States to serve on the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars (2019–2022). He and his ISO-certified educational companies have been featured and quoted in radio, television, and print media.
George enjoys tennis and traveling with his wife and three children. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Resource Exchange (TRE), which provides services to children, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities across several Colorado counties.
George has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2019. His past leadership roles within the organization include serving as President from 2020 to 2021.
Patrick Davis is a nationally recognized communication and political consultant and strategist. Since 1992 Patrick has been working for and advising candidates for President, Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, State Legislature, county commission, board of regents, Mayor, and city council. Patrick is an organizational, strategic and communications consultant to governments, corporations, issue committees and non-profit corporations.
Patrick Davis served as a senior campaign advisor to the Donald Trump for President and the Colorado State Director for the Trump campaign in 2016. From 2017 to January 2020 Patrick served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The US Senate Republican majority increased from 51 to 55 while Patrick Davis was the Political Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 2004 Election cycle. In that position, Davis managed the political and strategic operations of the committee including candidate recruitment, message development, and campaign management. He directed the committee’s $35 million voter contact budget.
In 1999, Davis represented the NRSC as a Regional Political Director in ten Republican US Senate campaigns. He has been directly involved in the competitive winning US Senate campaigns of John Thune, Norm Coleman, Jim DeMint, Mike Lee, Wayne Allard, Gordon Smith, Steve Daines, Conrad Burns, Tom Coburn, Mel Martinez, Richard Burr, David Vitter, Jim Bunning, Johnny Isakson and John Hoeven.
In January, 2005, Davis founded Patrick Davis Consulting, LLC. The firm is dedicated to serving clients and candidates regionally and nationally in the areas of public affairs, political consulting, strategy and public relations. The firm is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Prior to joining the NRSC, Davis served as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Republican Party from 1995 to 1999. During this time, South Dakota Republicans increased their majorities in both houses of the State Legislature, elected John Thune to the US House, and re-elected Governor Bill Janklow.
During the 1992 Bush-Quayle Presidential campaign, Davis served as the field desk coordinator for eleven Northwestern states including Colorado, and in 1990, Davis served as the Assistant to the Deputy Director of White House Political Affairs in the Bush “41” administration.
Patrick and his wife, Jo Ann, have lived in Colorado Springs since 2001 with their twins, Ben and Kate.
Patrick has been a member of Winter Night Club since 2020. Past board positions include President (2022-2023),1st Vice President (2021-2022).