CO-WY Engine

Leadership
Team

Mike Freeman

CO-WY Engine CEO, PI

Mike has 35 years of executive experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors focused on technology economic development, management consulting, entrepreneurship, and finance.​

Kauline Cipriani

CO-WY Engine Chief Inclusion Officer

Dr. Kauline Cipriani is the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. Her career has focused on broadening access for historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations, developing strategic equity and inclusion initiatives, fostering welcoming and nurturing academic and workplace climates, and disrupting institutional systems that reinforce the status quo.

Bryn Rees

Associate Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, Managing Director, Venture Partners at CU Boulder, Co-PI

Over the past 20 years, Bryn has led university initiatives to translate and commercialize research innovations and technology. Together with his team at the University of Colorado Boulder, he works with university researchers and the extended innovation ecosystem to develop entrepreneurs, new ventures, and deep tech innovations.

Betty Cozzolino

Chief Marketing Officer

Betty Cozzolino possesses a decade of digital marketing expertise, encompassing strategy, social media management, public relations, graphic design, web design and event facilitation. A dynamic professional dedicated to elevating online presence, orchestrating successful events, and achieving results.

Mark Gorham

Startup Program Manager

With over 30 years of experience in software, Mark Gorham has taken on a variety of top management roles throughout his career. Currently, Mark is the Translation Director at the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, where he works to translate and commercialize innovative technologies. Prior to this, he served as the CEO of EcoVapor Recovery Systems. At Innosphere, Mark is responsible for providing client support to startup companies, leveraging his extensive experience to foster entrepreneurial growth and deep tech innovation.

Likesha Tillman

Senior Research & Compliance Administrator

Likesha Tillman is the Senior Research & Compliance Administrator for the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, with extensive experience in leadership coaching, development, and research administration, focusing on advancing climate resilience and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sam Malloy

Director of Research and Development

Dr. Sam Malloy is the Director of Research and Development for the CO-WY Engine. With a background as a data scientist working across the domains of environmental science, public health, and policy, he brings an integrative approach to technical leadership and portfolio management.

Erin Zimmerman

Content Development Specialist

Erin Zimmerman, PhD, combines nearly two decades of experience in climate resilience and technical communications, with a proven ability to bridge complex concepts and impactful storytelling. From crafting content for cutting-edge technologies like augmented-reality surgical simulators to advocating for climate action as a columnist and advisor, Dr. Zimmerman brings a unique blend of expertise and passion. A skilled communicator and strategist, she is dedicated to amplifying voices, advancing climate solutions, and delivering results.

Erik Mikysa

Corporate Partner Liaison

Erik Mikysa is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in building and managing strategic partnerships across diverse industries.

Tim Jones

CO-WY Engine Director of Strategic Partnerships

Tim has 30 years of executive experience in the private, military and non-profit sectors focused on operations, leadership, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Tim is COO/General Partner at Innosphere Ventures.​

Alan Rudolph

CO-WY Engine CTO

Dr. Alan Rudolph has 40 years of experience translating interdisciplinary sciences into useful applications for development and scale in government, industry and academia. He was recently the Vice President of Research for Colorado State University, and is a founder of biotech companies including Cellphire and Adlyfe. He has spent time as a Senior Executive with the Department of Defense, Naval Research Lab, DARPA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Emily Wilson

CO-WY Engine Special Projects Director

Emily Wilson has 2 decades of experience in external and corporate communications, public relations, grant and non-profit management, outreach activities with partner organizations, economic development, event facilitation, and managing operational activity.

Brian Johnston

Workforce Development Director

Brian Johnston is the Director of Workforce Development for the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, with a background in systems engineering and military leadership, and a focus on advancing sustainability and climate resiliency.

Amber Rahn

Inclusive Engagement Director

Dr. Amber Rahn is the Inclusive Engagement Director for the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, with a distinguished career in leadership, professional development, and fostering equity and inclusion within organizations, focusing on advancing climate resilience through inclusive engagement.

Dan Moyers

Translation Director

Dan Moyers is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in strategic business development, innovation, and public-private partnerships. With a background spanning global technology firms and government initiatives, Dan excels in aligning stakeholder priorities and driving impactful outcomes. Known for his ability to navigate complex challenges and foster collaboration, he is dedicated to advancing innovation and building solutions that create lasting economic and societal benefits.

Rachel Gallegos

Senior Accountant

Rachael Gallegos brings nearly a decade of expertise in accounting and finance, with specialized knowledge in grant management and compliance. From managing multi-million-dollar FEMA and state grants during the City of Evans' flood recovery to streamlining in-house accounting operations for the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine, Rachael has a proven track record of precision and impact. A dedicated professional, she is passionate about leveraging her expertise to support communities, foster resilience, and ensure financial excellence.

GET INVOLVED

Contact us if you:

  • Are the founder of a climate tech company and are seeking assistance.
  • Work in workforce development and are eager to get involved.
  • Represent a potential corporate partner.
  • Are a workforce industry leader and want to get involved.
  • Your corporation is interested in climate innovation.
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