Email: katie@thestarboardgroup.com
Phone: 303-807-4583
Katie brings a wealth of experience to her clients. Prior to co-founding the Starboard Group, Katie established a track record of successful fundraising campaigns.
Katie served as the Finance Director for Congressman Mike Coffman’s successful 2008 campaign to represent Colorado's 6th Congressional District. As Finance Director, Katie developed the strategic finance plan and managed all fundraising operations of the campaign that resulted in an astounding $1.5 million war chest.
In 2006, Katie served as Finance Director for Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and GOP treasurer candidate Mark Hillman. Katie also counts Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer's successful fundraising efforts for campaigns in 2003 and 2007 among her accomplishments. Katie has also had the pleasure of working for U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former Colorado Governor Bill Owens and former U.S. Senate candidate Pete Coors.
In addition to political campaigns, Katie has worked for a variety of corporate and association clients in her role as Associate at Phase Line Strategies, a public affairs firm. At Phase Line, Katie was responsible for managing client services as well as soliciting new business.
A native Coloradan, Katie is passionate about giving back to the community. She currently serves on various non-profit committees in the Denver area. Katie is a graduate of the University of Colorado and makes her home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Email: kristin@thestarboardgroup.com
Phone: 303-518-8970
In 2008, Kristin co-founded the Starboard Group. Prior to starting her own business, Kristin served as the Director of Development for the Metro Denver Sports Commission, a non-profit organization with a mission of bidding and attracting premier sporting events to the Metro Denver area. In addition to fundraising operations for the organization, Kristin was also responsible for managing major events and meetings.
Before she joined the Sports Commission, Kristin served as Deputy Finance Director for the Congressman Bob Beauprez’s campaign for Governor. Kristin brings the company great experience and knowledge of both the non-profit, political, and banking sectors.
Actively involved in the Denver community, Kristin brings to the Starboard Group a vast knowledge of not only the Metro Denver area, but also local businesses, foundations and sports. As a graduate of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Impact Denver Class of 2008, she also is currently involved as a committee member with such events and organizations such as: Denver Zoo Corporate Committee, Western Fantasy, MAX Fashion Show, Step Up for Cancer and the Museum After Dark. Kristin also serves as a board member of the Strohm-Link Family Foundation and the Women’s Bean Project.
Kristin holds an undergraduate degree in history and Spanish from Coe College, where she was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist and Student Body President. She also has her MBA from the University of Denver. She and her husband make their home in Denver, Colorado.
Email: laurie@thestarboardgroup.com
Laura Leprino joined the Starboard Group as an Advisor in 2009. With 32 years of experience, Laura is a proven successful community leader in the business community and as a political activist.
Throughout her career, Laura has been involved in banking and business development including serving as Vice President of Marketing at the First National Banks and a Principal with a Colorado based general contracting firm. While Laura has noted accomplishments as a business woman, her avocation is politics.
Most recently, Laura served as Director of Special Events for former Congressman Bob Beauprez in his 2004 congressional campaign and his 2006 gubernatorial campaign. During this time, she took on the responsibility of fundraising, major event planning and cultivating donor and volunteer relations. Additionally, Laura played a pivotal role in Congressman Beauprez’ congressional district office as the Special Events Coordinator organizing events for the Congressman’s policy advisory committees and constituent focus groups.
Laura has been involved in several Colorado charitable organizations including serving as a Board Member for the Red Rocks Community College Foundation Board. Currently, Laura serves as a member of the University of Colorado Hospital Foundation.
Laura resides with her husband, George Feeney, in Wheat Ridge.
elizabeth@thestarboardgroup.com
Cell: 303-731-7102
Elizabeth joined the Starboard Group in 2009. Elizabeth brings a unique combination of in state and out of state fundraising experience.
Most recently, Elizabeth served as Finance Director for the Colorado Republican Party. As Finance Director, Elizabeth managed all of the fundraising operations of the State Party. During her tenure Elizabeth oversaw the creation of the Colorado Republicans first Small Donor and Political Action Committees, oversaw an increase in major donor contributions by 13% and helped retire over $400,000 of outstanding State Party debt from previous election cycles. In 2008 while working for the State Party, Elizabeth simultaneously served as the Finance Director for the Colorado Victory program, managing over $10 million in assets.
In 2007, Elizabeth served as Finance Director for the Tennessee Republican Party. There she created and implemented a $3.1 million finance program.
In addition to her wealth of fundraising experience, Elizabeth has a strong background in policy. Prior to moving to Tennessee, Elizabeth was a Bush appointee to the Department of Homeland Security policy office and served under Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson. Prior to joining the administration she served as a Deputy Legislative Assistant to Senator Chuck Hagel R-NE.
Elizabeth continues to devote her time to a number of outside organizations. She is a graduate of the Republican National Committee’s Finance College, is a member of the Denver County Republican Women’s Club, the Vanderbilt Alumni Association, the Kappa Delta Alumni Association and the Junior League.
Elizabeth is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and makes her home in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
andrew@thestarboardgroup.com
Cell: 303-269-1225
A Colorado native, Andrew returned home to Colorado in 2009 after spending several years in Washington, D.C. During his time in Washington, Andrew worked on Capitol Hill including time spent in Rep. Marilyn Musgrave’s office and Rep. Joe Pitts’ office, where he served as Communications Director. Upon returning home to Colorado, Andrew served as Press Secretary for Josh Penry’s gubernatorial campaign. Prior to joining the Starboard Group in May 2010, Andrew worked as policy advisor for the Senate Republican Caucus at the state capitol. Bringing both policy and communications experience, as Senior Associate, Andrew will serve as campaign manager for Attorney General John Suthers’ re-election campaign for the 2010 cycle.
Andrew holds a Bachelors Degree in Politics from Regis University and a Masters Degree from the School of Public Policy at George Mason University. Andrew volunteers his time in several capacities. He serves on alumni committees for Regis University and is involved in his local community where he serves on the Licensing Authority for the City of Littleton. Andrew lives in Littleton with his wife and two daughters.
Creigh@thestarboardgroup.com
Cell: 720-771-9935
Creigh Behnke joined the Starboard Group team in 2009. As an Associate, she is responsible for managing the daily operations of the company and assisting the managing partners with client services. Creigh also serves as the Finance Director for Representative Steve King.
During her time in college Creigh interned with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. There she assisted with the marketing and public relations efforts of the museum, its exhibits and coming attractions. She also spent the summer of 2007 in Kenya, Africa teaching students with disabilities and hearing loss in addition to managing their extracurricular activities. Creigh also serves on the Hip Safety Board, a teen safe driving campaign to identify new drivers in a hip, fun and friendly way.
Creigh graduated cum laude from Colorado State University with Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science as well as Journalism & Technical Communication concentrating in Public Relations. Creigh is a native Coloradan and currently resides in Golden, Colorado.