The Metropolitan State University of Denver Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to the ongoing support of and advocacy for the University, generating philanthropic support for institutional priorities, backing program innovation and more.
The foundation will be enhanced by the addition of four new board members dedicated to this vital work: Stephanie Cohn Rupp, Brad McQueen, Emmy Trujillo Jacobson and Karrie Fletcher.
“We are delighted to welcome these new board members who collectively bring tremendous skills, community connections and deep commitment to higher education and access,” said Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the MSU Denver Foundation.
Stephanie Cohn Rupp, partner and board of managers member, Veris Wealth Partners
Stephanie Cohn Rupp is a partner and board member at Veris Wealth Partners, where she helps lead impact-driven strategies for wealth management, financial performance and client experience; she formerly served as CEO. Rupp, who is based in Denver, brings over 25 years of experience in sustainable investing, focusing on building scalable, profitable and mission-driven businesses.
Rupp chairs the board of the US Sustainable Investment Forum and serves on the ImpactAssets 50 Review Committee, the advisory board of the Panel of Recognized International Market Experts in Finance and the finance committee of Denver’s St. Mary’s Academy. She previously held leadership roles at Tiedemann Advisors, Toniic, Omidyar Network, PlaNet Finance, UBS and the World Bank and built microfinance institutions funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Rupp earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and an M.S. from the London School of Economics. In 2017, she co-authored “The ImpactAssets Handbook,” and she has published widely on impact investing and environmental, social and governance issues.
“I am excited to serve on the Foundation Board because of the University’s relentless commitment to supporting its graduates as they improve their lives and our communities,” Rupp said. “These students are true Changemakers for the state of Colorado, in every possible sector of our economy.”
Brad McQueen, ’95, CPA, regional managing partner, Plante Moran
As the Colorado regional managing partner for Plante Moran, Brad McQueen, ’95, leads staff development across the firm’s Broomfield, Denver and Fort Collins offices. He serves private-equity-backed and family-owned companies in industries such as manufacturing and distribution, high tech, biotech and commercial services.
With over 25 years of experience, McQueen is a trusted resource and insightful sounding board to colleagues and a responsive, proactive partner to clients. He values working with a bright, eager-to-learn team.
McQueen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Colorado Society of CPAs and is active in the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from MSU Denver and an MBA from the University of Denver, where he taught an advanced auditing course for nearly 10 years and was named “Adjunct Faculty of the Year.”
“Having experienced the top-notch education and incredible value firsthand, I’m passionate about ensuring that current and future students have access to MSU Denver,” said McQueen. “We have a great opportunity to engage our many successful Roadrunner alumni in the mission and exciting changes at the University.”
Emmy Trujillo Jacobson, ’00, sales director, Navblue
With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Emmy Trujillo Jacobson brings a wealth of expertise in sales, account management and leadership. She is a sales director for Airbus subsidiary Navblue and was the senior manager for Americas Digital Aviation Solutions Commercial Sales at Boeing.
Jacobson holds an MBA from Regis University and a B.S. in Aviation Technology from MSU Denver. She has also obtained several certifications, including a Women in Leadership Certificate from Emory University.
As a proud Roadrunner, Jacobson remains close to the University, participating in mock interviews and volunteering for New Student Orientation. She said joining the Foundation Board is an excellent fit, allowing her to continue her family’s tradition of servant leadership. Jacobson looks forward to giving back to the institution that cultivated her passion for education and aviation.
Karrie Fletcher, president, Alpine Bank, Denver market
Karrie Fletcher has enjoyed a 29-year career with Alpine Bank and, as president of the Denver Market, is responsible for building customer and employee relationships within the Denver region. During her tenure with Alpine Bank, she has acquired expertise in all aspects of banking and financial services. Fletcher graduated from Mesa State College in 2000 with a degree in Business Finance and from the University of Colorado Boulder Graduate School of Banking at Colorado in 2008.
Fletcher serves on the board of directors and the executive committee for Make-A-Wish Colorado and sits on the Warren Village board of directors and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. Committee. She previously served as board chair and treasurer at the Cherry Creek Chamber, treasurer of the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District and treasurer of the Public Education Business Coalition.
In her spare time, Fletcher enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, playing tennis and walking her dog.
Read the complete bios of all board members and learn more about the MSU Denver Foundation.
