Senior Support Services Board
Officers
Sheila MacDonald, President
Sheila MacDonald is the founder and CEO of The MIDG Group, a campaign consulting firm primarily focused on issue campaigns. MacDonald, a native of Denver, graduated from Denver East High School in 1983. She then spent a year working, volunteering and backpacking through Europe before attending the University of Connecticut to study Political Science and play soccer.
Since becoming a political consultant in 2002, MacDonald has been instrumental in many high profile political campaigns. Over the past several years she has worked on No on 101, 60 and 61, Yes on Amendment 50, Fastracks YES!, and Ritter for Governor. She has also developed an expertise in running local campaigns throughout the state dealing with water, land use, and school mill and bond issues.
In 2007, The Colorado Statesman named MacDonald to its class of “Fifty for the Future.” Selection for this honor was based on career accomplishments and ability to serve as a role model. In 2008, MacDonald was recognized as an inaugural inductee into the Denver East High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
She also serves on the boards of HOPE Online, the Washington Park Tennis Club and the Dale Tooley Cancer Steering Committee. MacDonald is a past participant in the Denver Community Leadership Forum. She is married to Mark Luna, a teaching tennis pro at the Denver Tennis Club.
Sheila MacDonald is the founder and CEO of The MIDG Group, a campaign consulting firm primarily focused on issue campaigns. MacDonald, a native of Denver, graduated from Denver East High School in 1983. She then spent a year working, volunteering and backpacking through Europe before attending the University of Connecticut to study Political Science and play soccer.
Since becoming a political consultant in 2002, MacDonald has been instrumental in many high profile political campaigns. Over the past several years she has worked on No on 101, 60 and 61, Yes on Amendment 50, Fastracks YES!, and Ritter for Governor. She has also developed an expertise in running local campaigns throughout the state dealing with water, land use, and school mill and bond issues.
In 2007, The Colorado Statesman named MacDonald to its class of “Fifty for the Future.” Selection for this honor was based on career accomplishments and ability to serve as a role model. In 2008, MacDonald was recognized as an inaugural inductee into the Denver East High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
She also serves on the boards of HOPE Online, the Washington Park Tennis Club and the Dale Tooley Cancer Steering Committee. MacDonald is a past participant in the Denver Community Leadership Forum. She is married to Mark Luna, a teaching tennis pro at the Denver Tennis Club.
David C. Benson, Vice President
David C. Benson is an Executive Vice President of Willis of Colorado who has served as Head of Office, Managing Partner and Head of Commercial Insurance. He has over 30 years of insurance experience in client management, underwriting, marketing, sales, claims, loss control and risk management. His degrees include a BS in Business Administration (1982) from the University of Montana, a MS in Sports Management (1994) from the University of Massachusetts, and an AS in Photography (2013) from the Art Institute of Colorado. David also serves as a board member of the Littleton Adventist Hospital Foundation, member of the Denver Rotary Club, and member of the University of Montana Business Advisory Council. A former Denver Barbarian, he has served as the Assistant Head Coach of the University of Colorado men’s rugby team since 1994. David has proudly served on the Board of Senior Support Services since 2012.
David C. Benson is an Executive Vice President of Willis of Colorado who has served as Head of Office, Managing Partner and Head of Commercial Insurance. He has over 30 years of insurance experience in client management, underwriting, marketing, sales, claims, loss control and risk management. His degrees include a BS in Business Administration (1982) from the University of Montana, a MS in Sports Management (1994) from the University of Massachusetts, and an AS in Photography (2013) from the Art Institute of Colorado. David also serves as a board member of the Littleton Adventist Hospital Foundation, member of the Denver Rotary Club, and member of the University of Montana Business Advisory Council. A former Denver Barbarian, he has served as the Assistant Head Coach of the University of Colorado men’s rugby team since 1994. David has proudly served on the Board of Senior Support Services since 2012.
Bob Nelson, Treasurer
Francie Miran, Secretary
Francie joined Temple Emanuel as Development Director in August 2012 with responsibilities for fundraising for the synagogue and its Shwayder Camp. In this role, she focuses on developing a culture of philanthropy in the organization that will ensure that Temple has the resources to continue to provide its amazing opportunities for worship, study and acts of loving kindness for generations to come. Her work ensuring the future of Shwayder Camp has included a $6 million campaign to replace many of the aging camp buildings.
Francie has been working in non-profit organizations and government for more than 20 years. She has a strong background in fundraising having spent 15 years working as a freelance grant writer for many organizations in the community. Prior to joining the Temple staff, Francie had the position of Development and Marketing Specialist with the Public Education & Business Coalition. She also served as executive director of the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists. Francie has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Francie served as the Director of the Denver Commission on Aging from 1992 to 1996 and was introduced to Senior Support Services during that time. Since then she has strongly supported the mission of Senior Support and, in addition to serving on the Board, she volunteers as often as she can serving meals and working on special events.
Francie joined Temple Emanuel as Development Director in August 2012 with responsibilities for fundraising for the synagogue and its Shwayder Camp. In this role, she focuses on developing a culture of philanthropy in the organization that will ensure that Temple has the resources to continue to provide its amazing opportunities for worship, study and acts of loving kindness for generations to come. Her work ensuring the future of Shwayder Camp has included a $6 million campaign to replace many of the aging camp buildings.
Francie has been working in non-profit organizations and government for more than 20 years. She has a strong background in fundraising having spent 15 years working as a freelance grant writer for many organizations in the community. Prior to joining the Temple staff, Francie had the position of Development and Marketing Specialist with the Public Education & Business Coalition. She also served as executive director of the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists. Francie has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Francie served as the Director of the Denver Commission on Aging from 1992 to 1996 and was introduced to Senior Support Services during that time. Since then she has strongly supported the mission of Senior Support and, in addition to serving on the Board, she volunteers as often as she can serving meals and working on special events.
Members
Julia Weichselbaum
Julia Weichselbaum got her bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University and her master's degree in Gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado. She has always had a special place in her heart for older adults, making the especially vulnerable nature of the clients at Senior Support a priority for her. After volunteering, interning, and working at Senior Support Services, she is aware of the particular needs of the clients, as well as the importance of successfully implementing programs.
As a gerontologist, she understands the challenges the older population faces as the Baby Boomers age. She believes strongly in the unique mission of Senior Support and wants to help ensure that the organization is around for years to come.
Julia Weichselbaum
Julia Weichselbaum got her bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University and her master's degree in Gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado. She has always had a special place in her heart for older adults, making the especially vulnerable nature of the clients at Senior Support a priority for her. After volunteering, interning, and working at Senior Support Services, she is aware of the particular needs of the clients, as well as the importance of successfully implementing programs.
As a gerontologist, she understands the challenges the older population faces as the Baby Boomers age. She believes strongly in the unique mission of Senior Support and wants to help ensure that the organization is around for years to come.
Steve Archibald
Steve is an attorney and mediator, currently with Community Mediation Concepts. He graduated with a BA in Political Science and English Literature from Saint Mary’s College of California. He earned his law degree from New England Law in Boston and helps Senior Support Services’ staff and clients with pro bono legal work.
Steve is dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness as he volunteers his time at Colorado Poverty Law Project to assist on legal issues that are unique to this community.
He is active in his community and enjoys hiking, running and biking with his wife Sarah and son, Dylan.
Steve is an attorney and mediator, currently with Community Mediation Concepts. He graduated with a BA in Political Science and English Literature from Saint Mary’s College of California. He earned his law degree from New England Law in Boston and helps Senior Support Services’ staff and clients with pro bono legal work.
Steve is dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness as he volunteers his time at Colorado Poverty Law Project to assist on legal issues that are unique to this community.
He is active in his community and enjoys hiking, running and biking with his wife Sarah and son, Dylan.
Robert Jordan
