OUR ORGANIZATION

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Michelle Search

Jefferson Wells

Read Bio

Michelle Search is the director of sales and client service at Jefferson Wells, having been with the firm since 2004. Previously, she served as a senior manager at PwC. Michelle brings expertise in business development, finance, accounting, and audit—as well as experience on the boards of American Lung Association of Colorado and Susan G Komen Colorado—to the FSD board.

Michelle has one human son and several canine kids: border collies Zena and Stella as well as American Staffordshire terriers Iggy and Layla. She enjoys yoga, kickboxing, motorcycles, rollercoasters, and spending time with her human and canine family in Colorado.

“It is a privilege to work with the incredible team at FSD and witness first-hand how the organization improves lives and creates brighter futures. I can’t think of a better use of my experience than to contribute to FSD’s mission and community impact.”

Vice Chair

Lani Kessler

Kessler Personal Development Coaching

Read Bio

Lani Kessler is a personal development life coach whose style is collaborative, insightful, and fun. She helps individuals gain clarity on where they are now, where they see themselves in the future, and how to create a successful, balanced life. Prior to coaching, Lani was a member of senior management teams within the customer service and marketing departments in the telecommunications industry. She then launched her own business in the events industry, where she was able to work with a diverse group of individuals helping to turn their visions into reality. She brings expertise in customer service, marketing, and human resources management—along with experience on the boards of Rose Women’s Organization, Jewish Family Service of Colorado, and Aish/Ahavas Yisroel—to her role as an FSD board member.

Lani and her husband have one daughter and a poodle mix named Simba. She enjoys hiking, riding her Peloton, and playing pickleball in her free time.

“My family takes great pride in being involved with FSD for 34 years. Seeing firsthand the impact of FSD on both human and canine lives is the most life-changing experience and one that I wanted to be more actively involved in to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of both people with disabilities and dogs.”

Secretary

Keith Trammell

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP

Read Bio

Keith Trammell is a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP. He brings experience in corporate governance and transactions, as well as expertise in organization strategy, risk management, and capacity building, to his role on the FSD board. Keith previously served nine years on the board of STRIVE Charter Schools, including three years as board chair.

Keith and his wife, Margaux, a former FSD board member, have two children and two English springer spaniels, Baxter and Bailey. Keith’s hobbies include skiing, endurance sports, wine collecting, and cooking.

“My wife was a longtime FSD board member, and I have been very familiar with and supportive of FSD over the years. Although the clients of FSD extend well beyond the Armed Forces, my father was a career Army officer, my grandfather was a career Air Force officer and fighter pilot (before being killed in the line of duty), and I am also a lifelong dog owner. For me, and our family, board service with FSD seems uniquely well suited to our lives, passions, and beliefs.”

Board Members

Kristen Deevy

Pensionmark Financial Group

Read Bio

Kristen Deevy is managing director of Pensionmark Financial Group, where for more than 20 years, she has made it easier for businesses to help their employees achieve a successful retirement by providing financial wellness, investment, and fiduciary support for corporate retirement plans. Kristen brings expertise in finance, fiduciary governance, and investment strategy to the FSD board, as well as experience on the boards of Grant Ranch Swim Team and the Alpha Chi Omega Advisory Board.

Kristen and her husband have two children and a white English Labrador named Kelby. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, beach time with her family, and supporting her kids at swim meets and basketball games.

“The mission of the FSD board really resonated with me. My father is a veteran and my mom worked with special-needs children most of her career. I really wanted to find an organization that I can give back to that helps transform the lives of so many people, and I felt Freedom Service Dogs was a perfect fit. Also, any chance to work with dogs is a big plus and adds a smile to anyone’s day!”

John DellaSalle

Tennison Group

Read Bio

John DellaSalle is CEO of Tennison Group, a national executive search and consulting firm specializing in the recruitment of senior staff, management, and senior management positions for all industries ranging from Fortune 100 companies to early-stage enterprises. John brings expertise in executive recruiting, human resources, finance, and accounting to the FSD board, as well as experience on the boards of Susan G. Komen, Project Angel Heart, Redline Denver, and Vistana Desert Willow.

John and his wife have two children and two dogs: Ruby, an Airedale terrier, and Mozzie, a Jack Russell terrier. In his free time, John enjoys tennis, hiking, and skiing.

“I have worked on a few recruiting assignments for FSD and have found the staff to be very professional and competent. I have learned a lot about the mission and the service that FSD delivers and have been very impressed with this well-run organization.”

Laura Fitch

Centura Health–Porter Adventist Hospital

Read Bio

Laura Fitch is chief development officer at Centura Health–Porter Adventist Hospital. She was previously director of events for five of the hospitals within the Centura Health network, where she created, developed, and executed all aspects of fundraising events. In addition to her expertise in special events and fundraising, Laura has served on the boards of the University of Denver, Girls Inc., Cancer League of Colorado, Junior League of Denver, and Kempe Children’s Foundation.

Laura and her husband have two daughters and two lovable “Shichons” (shih tzu/bichon frise) named Bella and Riley. She enjoys hiking, biking, travel, and spending time with her family.

“I have been involved with nonprofit organizations for over 25 years. I enjoy giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others. The mission and purpose of FSD is a life-changing one, and I look forward to being a part of those heartfelt and meaningful moments!”

William Foy

Spearhead Mortgage Company

Read Bio

William Foy is co-founder and partner at Spearhead Mortgage Company, a commercial mortgage brokering firm, with previous experience in commercial banking at Wells Fargo, Bank of the West, and Sunflower Bank. He brings expertise in finance, lending, equity, and underwriting to the FSD board.

William and his wife have three children, a yellow Lab named Skeeter, and a tabby cat named Cognac. A second-generation Colorado native, he enjoys skiing, hunting, hiking, and traveling.

“Being an active volunteer and committee member for FSD’s Faces of Freedom fundraising event has shown me the impact this organization can make on veterans, people with other disabilities, and kids with autism. The companionship and support these dogs provide to veterans and kids is particularly close to my heart since I have friends and family who benefit from service dogs. I want to donate my time to FSD to further the success of the organization so every veteran, person with disability, and kid with autism will have an opportunity for a life-changing service dog!”

Tom Krysa

Foley & Lardner LLP

Read Bio

Tom Krysa is a shareholder at Foley & Lardner LLP, where he advises clients in securities litigation and enforcement matters, government investigations, and complex commercial disputes. He previously held various positions as an attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Denver. Tom brings expertise in legal affairs and board governance to FSD, along with nonprofit experience at Tennyson Center for Children.

Tom and his wife have three children and two dogs: Rocco, a chocolate Lab, and Spike, a Boston terrier. He enjoys fly fishing in his free time.

“I support and believe in FSD’s mission, and I love dogs.”

Peter Meyers

Black Creek Capital Markets

Read Bio

Pete Meyers brings a wealth of experience in financial services to FSD. He is currently senior vice president of internal sales for Black Creek Capital Markets, prior to which he served as vice president of the national sales desk at Jackson.

Pete and his wife have two children and a Berniedoodle named Griffey. He enjoys camping and sports in his free time.

“I joined the FSD board to help make a difference in the lives of people in need. The connection that can be formed between a dog and a human is remarkable; they can quite literally save each other. To witness this bond and know that you may have played a small part in it is very satisfying. The passion that everyone associated with FSD brings to this great cause is infectious, and I love being a part of it.”

Melissa Morrow

FirstBank

Read Bio

In addition to being a board member, Melissa Morrow is chair of FSD’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) and a member of our board of directors. As vice president of human resources at FirstBank Holding Company, she brings expertise in human resources management and customer service to the council and board. Melissa has been a volunteer at FSD for nearly five years, primarily as a Diamonds in the Ruff Committee member, and more recently as a member of our Community Outreach Team and a puppy raiser.

Melissa and her husband have a boxer/Lab mix named Ruger and a chocolate Lab named Gunner. She enjoys hiking, travel, creating custom cakes and cupcakes, and spending time with her husband and fur babies.

“My slight obsession with dogs is what drew me to FSD, but FSD’s mission is what has kept me involved. I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement with FSD, and it’s been amazing to see the growth of the organization! I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the creation of the new Young Professionals Council for FSD and to be the chair. I hope that through the YPC, we will further FSD’s mission while providing young professionals the chance to grow personally and professionally, including myself.”

Brian Sward

Jackson National Life Distributors

Read Bio

Brian Sward is the Vice President of Internal Audit at Jackson National Life Distributors. He brings expertise in financial services and experience on the board of the Secure Retirement Institute to his role on the FSD board of directors.

Brian and his wife have two children and a Goldendoodle named Rockie. In his free time, Brian enjoys skiing, hiking, and biking.

“I am a dog lover and enjoy spending time with dogs. While living in Denver, I spent time with the FSD dogs as a volunteer and also fostered some on weekends. I really love the fact that the organization takes in shelter dogs and turns them into assistance dogs for people in need. Additionally, both my father and father-in-law served in the military, and supporting FSD allows me to give back to veterans who have given so much to our country.”

Noel Wickwar

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Read Bio

PResident & CEO Michele Ostrander

Michele Ostrander joined Freedom Service Dogs of America in January 2016 as president and CEO. Ostrander has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she served as CEO for Susan G. Komen® Colorado. Prior to Komen, Ostrander served as executive director for Tahoe Women’s Services, helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Honors include being named one of the 50 most influential people in Denver by 5280 Magazine in 2010 and an Out Front Power Player in 2012.

Ostrander holds a master’s degree in psychology from St. Bonaventure University. She currently serves as a board member and treasurer for Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and as a mayoral appointee for the Denver Judicial Discipline Commission. Previously, she has served as a mayoral appointee on the Denver Women’s Commission, board director for the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, and vice president of the Clayton Neighborhood Association. Ostrander lives in Denver with her wife, Sofia Aguilar, and her dogs, Toodles and Scout, all of whom love to camp, hike, and enjoy the beauty of Colorado.

To contact Michele, email [email protected] or call 303-922-6231.

leadership team

Karen Aalund, Director of Philanthropy
[email protected]

Erin Conley, Director of Communications
[email protected]

Laura Rogers, Director of Finance and Administration
[email protected]

OUR ORGANIZATION

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Michelle Search

Vice Chair

Lani Kessler

Secretary

Keith Trammell

Board Members

Kristen Deevy

John DellaSalle

Laura Fitch

William Foy

Tom Krysa

Peter Meyers

Melissa Morrow

Brian Sward

Noel Wickwar

PResident & CEO Michele Ostrander

leadership team

Sign up for Pupdates

Pupdates