Our Leadership
Executive Leadership Team
Life Network is blessed to have a leadership team called by God, using their unique skills and experience to live out their passion for life.
To learn more about our Executive Leadership Team members, hover over or click each individual’s name and photo to read a short bio.
RICH BENNETT
President/CEO
RICH BENNETT
President/CEO
After serving on Life Network’s Board of Directors for five years, Rich became the President and CEO in January 2017. He has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the corporate and non-profit sector, most recently as part of Focus on the Family's executive team where he led Family Ministries and Marketing Strategy during his 12 years tenure. Prior to that, he served in leadership roles at Sprint Corp. and Honeywell. Rich is passionate about championing the value of life and helping parents “do family” well and live out an active Christian faith. He and his wife, Stephanie, celebrate more than three decades of marriage and are the parents of two young adults, Parker and Macy.
DR KEVIN WEARY
Medical Director
DR KEVIN WEARY
Medical Director
Dr. Weary has been a practicing OB/GYN physician in Colorado Springs since 1996, during which time he has delivered more than 5,000 babies. Through his practice, he partnered with Life Network early on to provide free ultrasounds and pregnancy consultations. Married to Jennafer since 1994, they have two sets of twins and prioritize faith and family. The joy they find in prioritizing family is second to their desire to follow the Lord. Kevin and Jennafer have been united and committed in their support of Life Network since 1996. Kevin began serving on the Board in 2017 and became the Medical Director in 2021.
CHRISTINE REYES
Chief Operations Officer
CHRISTINE REYES
Chief Operations Officer
Christine is committed to valuing human life, having spent the last four decades in key roles at pregnancy centers in four states, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, and Colorado. Having previously served as Executive Director here until 2013, she left to lead the CPC of Greater Phoenix for several years and returned to Life Network to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2018. Married to Raul for 44 years, faith and family are the delight of her life. She treasures spending time with her five children and their spouses, as well as their eight grandchildren (so far), along with her dogs, cats, chickens, and horses.
CATHERINE MAST
Chief Financial Officer
CATHERINE MAST
Chief Financial Officer
Catherine, a former CPA, moved to Colorado Springs in 1995 and discovered Life Network at Walk for Life. A founding family of The Classical Academy, she later joined Life Network in 2020, combining her love of numbers and ministry. She enjoys community, church, business ventures, travel, and outdoor activities, especially tennis.
TRACY GILLIN
Pregnancy Services Director
TRACY GILLIN
Pregnancy Services Director
Tracy became Life Network’s Pregnancy Services Director in June 2024 after moving from Texas in 2023. Prior to relocating, she served as Senior Director of Programs at Pregnancy Assistance Center North, which operates two pregnancy centers in Montgomery County, Texas, just north of Houston. Additionally, she has worked in both nonprofit leadership and retail management roles for over 20 years—14 of those in leadership with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, which serves 26 counties in Southeast Texas. She holds a degree in Anthropology and has been married to Bill since 1999. They enjoy Colorado’s hiking and OHV trails.
BARBRA ROLDAN
Nurse Manager
BARBRA ROLDAN
Nurse Manager
Barbra joined our Life Network team as a Nurse Manager in 2024. She has a long history of working with underserved patients in both the US and N. Africa. As Nurse Manager, she oversees our team of nurses to ensure patients receive the highest quality initial pregnancy and STD medical care at our four pregnancy centers. Barbra has been a professional in the medical field for over 25 years as an RN and as an FNP since 2017. Barbra has been happily married to her husband, Phil, for 13 years and loves spending time with their two active boys. Her favorite family activities include traveling, hiking, and camping.
LUZ DAVIDSON
Director of Operations
LUZ DAVIDSON
Director of Operations
Luz has been a valued member of Life Network since December 2011. Driven by a deep calling to serve others, she is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves.
As the Director of Operations, Luz oversees a wide range of responsibilities that keep Life Network running smoothly. Her role includes administrative leadership, property management, safety and security, IT support, and the development and implementation of organizational processes and procedures.
This year, Luz joyfully celebrates 31 years of marriage. She and her husband are proud parents of three adult sons. In her free time, she enjoys attending musicals, watching classic black-and-white films, and getting lost in a good book.
BRENDA SHULER
Director of Staff and Client Care
BRENDA SHULER
Director of Staff and Client Care
Brenda has served at Life Network since September 2004. She oversees both the client services staff and the post-abortion recovery program. Passionate about her roles as a wife and mother, Brenda also finds joy in sharing the gospel and offering hope to those suffering from the pain of abortion. In addition to her work at Life Network, Brenda and her husband conduct marriage seminars with Building Lasting Relationships, Inc. and Family Life Ministries. Brenda received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan in 1982. She then earned a Masters of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary in 1985. She and her husband, Clarence, were married in 1985 and are the proud parents of three adult daughters.
SHELLY BUSBY
Parenting Program Director
SHELLY BUSBY
Parenting Program Director
Shelly started with Life Network as a volunteer in 2019, worked at the Thrift Store in 2020, and joined the Life Steps Parent Education team in early 2021. Shelly has served in both vocational and non-vocational ministry for over 19 years in Texas and Colorado. She is passionate about reaching moms through our parent education program and empowering them through mentorship and support. Shelly celebrates over 35 years of marriage and enjoys spending time hiking, playing games, and reading with her children and their growing families.
ROB DENLER
Men’s Services Director
ROB DENLER
Men’s Services Director
Rob, a veteran of Life Network, rejoined our team in 2021. After helping us found the Men's Services program several years back, we were delighted that he returned to continue the work of empowering fathers through education and mentorship. Rob is passionate about providing opportunities for young fathers to learn what it means to be a man and father. He strongly advocates for men to have a supporting voice in the pregnancy decision. Rob has served in church and pregnancy center ministry for over 20 years. He has been married for over 25 years and has an adult son living in New York City. Rob loves the outdoors, reading, and playing with his dog, Dude.
ALLEN HUNTER
Director of Church and Community Relations
ALLEN HUNTER
Director of Church and Community Relations
Allen is a Colorado Native, and now calls Colorado Springs his home. His focus at Life Network is community outreach and engagement. He loves to lead the next generation into a deeper meaning of life. He has worked with youth and families for more than 25 years in non-profits and schools. He holds a Master’s Degree in Youth, Family, & Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also a Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse and Neglect in Colorado. Allen and his wife enjoy riding their tandem bicycle, and they continue to grow their parenting skills with their three adult children.
SUE OTT
Life Network Family Thrift Store Director
SUE OTT
Thrift Store Director
Sue Ott came to the Life Network Family Thrift Store with 30 years of retail management experience. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and has a daughter who is a Weapons Director in the United States Air Force. She and her husband Kenneth are members of Discovery Church and volunteer when able. Sue loves karaoke, live concerts, reading, shopping, decorating, traveling, and occasionally, trying out a new recipe.
ANNE MARIE RUNNELS
Director of Marketing and Communications
ANNE MARIE RUNNELS
Director of Marketing and Communications
Anne Marie is our Marketing and Communications Director. She joined Life Network in 2022 and brings 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, working in marketing and as a nonprofit evaluation consultant. Anne Marie is married to Brandon, an Associate Professor at Iowa State University's Department of Aerospace Engineering. Brandon and Anne Marie have three children. Their favorite activities include playing music, going for walks, and playing games.
MIKE HESTERMANN
Director of Donor Relations
MIKE HESTERMANN
Director of Donor Relations
Mike joined Life Network in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of nonprofit experience to his role. He’s passionate about being part of a ministry that values life and considers it an honor to connect with donors who help make this work possible.
A gifted storyteller, Mike counts it a privilege to share the “what,” “why,” and “how” of the mission with individuals, businesses, and foundations. His heart for relationships and deep development experience make him a vital part of the team.
Mike and his wife, Cindy, have been married for more than 40 years and are proud grandparents of nine. They enjoy the outdoors and making memories with their growing family.
Board of Directors
Our faithful Board of Directors leads Life Network through stewarding our organization’s vision, mission, and resources. This gifted group of individuals represent a variety of backgrounds and areas of our community, from pastoral care at local churches to national ministries and more.
To get to know our Board, hover over or click each individual’s photo to read a short bio.
DEREK HANSON
Chairman
DEREK HANSON
Chairman
Derek Hanson’s greatest joy is to see God’s hope coming to a broken world, and his life purpose is to serve Christ in that work. Derek has served at Focus on the Family for over 20 years in various capacities, including marketing, program development, strategic planning, business intelligence, and global ministry outreach. In addition to his work at Focus on the Family , Derek serves as the Strategy Fellow at the Tandon Institute, a consulting team that brings strategic coaching and advice to Christian non-profits around the globe. Derek lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife and three children. Derek joined the Life Network board in November 2017.
LINDA GOULD
Vice Chairman
LINDA GOULD
Vice Chairman
Linda Gould is an attorney in Colorado Springs. Her law practice includes Business Planning, Probate, Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Trademark Prosecution. She is trained by Peacemaker Ministries to provide counsel and mediation in conflict situations. Linda and her husband Bob are members of First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs, where they serve on the marriage mentoring team. Linda has served on the Life Network board since 2016.
CHRIS BANTA
Treasurer
CHRIS BANTA
Treasurer
Chris is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the AICPA. He is an Audit Manager at Hoelting and Company Inc. Outside of his career, Chris and his wife, Gillian, are privileged to raise two sons. Chris and Gillian met playing music and they both serve as worship leaders at Woodmen Valley Chapel. They also enjoy hiking and camping adventures that bring them closer to nature's beauty. Chris is passionate about giving back to the community and has contributed his financial expertise to numerous non-profit organizations, through accounting and consulting services and as a board member. Chris’ life revolves around the balance of professional excellence, family bonds, outdoor exploration, and heartfelt service to our community and faith.
MAURA NORDBERG
Secretary
MAURA NORDBERG
Secretary
Maura Nordberg, a native of Colorado, loves living in Colorado Springs, CO with her husband, two daughters and one son. She has served as the Secretary of the board of Life Network for several years. Professionally, Maura worked as a School Psychologist for six years, providing universal mental health for students preschool through fifth grade in Falcon School District 49. Currently, Maura enjoys staying home with her children, whom she is homeschooling, supporting her husband Dan, a former State Representative in Colorado House District 14, and enjoying a variety of activities outdoors in beautiful Colorado.
PASTOR BRYAN MEYERS
PASTOR BRYAN MEYERS
Bryan grew up in Colorado, attended a Bible College in Nebraska, and then served several churches in Iowa before coming to Colorado Springs in 1993. He has over 40 years of ministry experience and has served as the senior pastor of Academy Christian Church since December 2005. Bryan married Diane, a dairy farmer’s daughter from Wisconsin, in 1982. They have three sons—Bryce, Blake, and Brandon—who are all married with children. Bryan loves to ski and snowboard in the winter and climb Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks in the summer.
CHRIS ODELL
CHRIS ODELL
Chris Odell has been a successful executive in both corporate and start-up environments within the network communications industry and has served as a board-level contributor to local high-tech startups. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Goodwill of Colorado, as well as an active elder in his church since 1992. Chris and his wife, Molly, have been Colorado Springs residents since 1982. They have been Life Network supporters for almost thirty years and have a deep commitment to the sanctity and dignity of life. Chris and Molly have four married children and twelve grandchildren. Chris enjoys spending time with his grandkids, family, and friends in the great outdoors of Colorado.
ELLIE HADDAD
ELLIE HADDAD
Ellie is passionate about Life Network's desire to advocate for the unborn and bring wholeness through life in Christ. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years and currently works as an Early Interventionist, providing support and therapy to children with developmental delays or disabilities from 0 – 3 years old and their families. She is also a certified infant massage instructor and teaches parents who have babies with physical challenges how to apply a variety of massage techniques to encourage bonding and development. Ellie has volunteered with Young Life for more than 25 years, serving on the local Young Life Committee and volunteering with teenagers. Ellie and John have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of four adult children.
DEBBI RAYBURN
DEBBI RAYBURN
Debbi grew up in a military family and after moving from coast to coast, settled in Colorado Springs where she attended Mitchell High School (colors: blue and orange). She graduated from Wheaton College (colors: blue and orange) with a degree in Physical Education. After graduating, she married Bentley Rayburn in the Air Force Academy chapel. Bentley was a commander numerous times in the three decades to follow, and Debbi enjoyed her role as a commander’s wife. In this role she “was stretched and out of [her] comfort zone but God always provided the strength and guidance.” Debbi and Bentley returned to Colorado Springs after Bentley retired in 2006. She likes the Broncos (colors: blue and orange), and loves living in Colorado Springs near her parents. She and Bentley have four married children and five grandchildren.
DAVE YORK
DAVE YORK
Dave joined the Board of Directors in 2022 after he and his wife, Mary, had been long-time supporters of Life Network. They are passionate about protecting the preborn, building marriages, and preserving families. Dave has served in a variety of leadership roles in the high-tech industry and also in various volunteer roles (elder, deacon, teaching) in the evangelical churches he and Mary have attended over the past 30+ years in the Colorado Springs area. Dave and Mary met and married in 1984 after Dave graduated from the US Air Force Academy. They moved back to the Colorado Springs area in 1990 and remained here after Dave left the Air Force in 1992. They have three adult children and six grandchildren and enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the beautiful year-round activities in Colorado.
BRIDGET LEE
BRIDGET LEE
Bridget Lee joined the Board of Directors in 2021, and she is passionate about our life-affirming ministry. Bridget was born and raised in Ohio and has called Colorado her home since 2009. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and she has over 10 years of experience caring for patients in Southern Colorado. Bridget and her husband Bryan have been members at Austin Bluffs Evangelical Free Church for 12 years and are very involved in ministry. They have four children and together enjoy hobby farming, hosting, and enjoying the outdoors.
RICH BENNETT
President/CEO, non-voting member
RICH BENNETT
President/CEO, non-voting member
Rich has served as the president and CEO of Life Network in Colorado Springs for eight years. He also serves as the Board Chairman for the Colorado Pregnancy Care Alliance, advocating for the services of over 30 pregnancy help organizations statewide. Prior to his role at Life Network, he served as a member of Focus on the Family executive team for more than a decade – and he’s also held leadership positions at T-Mobile and Honeywell. Rich is passionate about promoting the value of life, assisting parents in nurturing their families, and living out an active Christian faith. He and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for more than 30 years and are the parents of two young adults.