Staff

Young Americans staff includes 35 individuals who bring years of banking, financial, educational, fundraising and communications skills together as one team to further the mission of Young Americans.

Richard Martinez, Jr., President and CEO

As President and CEO of Young Americans, Rich is responsible for managing and ensuring the success of Young Americans Bank and the nonprofit programs of Young Americans Center for Financial Education. Prior to becoming president in 2007, Rich served as Senior Vice President and CFO, managing the bank's operations, regulatory compliance functions and investment portfolios, along with the information systems and technology functions for the organization. He joined the bank in 1999 after serving as a bank examiner at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Denver Branch. Rich holds a Bachelors degree in Finance & Real Estate from CSU and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Regis University.  Rich was appointed by Governor Ritter to serve on the State of Colorado Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education in 2010.  He was also appointed by Governor Hicklooper to serve on the Colorado State Banking Board in 2011.  Rich also serves on the Colorado Nonprofit Association Board of Directors and the University of Denver – Bridge Project scholarship committee, as well as the CollegeInvest board of directors.

Sue Euser, Vice President/Human Resources

Sue oversees all aspects of human resources for Young Americans including recruitment, policies, benefit and payroll administration, as well as general management in the areas of budgeting and strategic planning as related to human resources. Prior to joining Young Americans in 2006, she served as Director of Administration for the American Indian College Fund. Sue holds a Master of Business Administration through the University of Denver, a certification in Nonprofit Management from Regis University and a PHR Certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute.

Kevin Jones, Vice President/Development

Kevin leads the business development and fundraising efforts for Young Americans Center for Financial Education.  Kevin works with a strong team to help donors make an impact through their strategic investment in Young Americans.  He previously served as VP of Development for Goodwill and Director of Corporate and Major Gifts for National Jewish Health.  Kevin received an MPA in Nonprofit Management from the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy.

Katie Payer, Vice President/Communications

Katie manages major marketing campaigns for all aspects of the organization. She coordinates media outreach and ensures that stakeholders and the community hear Young American's story in an engaging way. Prior to joining Young Americans, she worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Cleantech Open.  Katie has also worked in Media Relations for the San Jose Sharks.  Katie majored in Marketing and Communications at Santa Clara University in California.

Cory Peterson, Vice President/Young Americans Bank

Cory is the Vice President of Young Americans Bank.  He manages all aspects of the bank including deposit and loan operations, compliance programs and community outreach activities.  With more than 10 years in banking and management positions, Cory was the General Manager of a boutique consulting business and a Vice President at FirstBank prior to joining Young Americans.  He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and received a MBA from the University of Phoenix.   Cory also obtained a Graduate Certificate from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

Natae Swanson, Vice President/Finances

Natae joined Young Americans in 2008. She is responsible for directing the accounting, financial and audit programs for all segments of the organization. As Vice President of Finance Natae prepares, analyzes and maintains the accounting records, regulatory reports, statistics and financial reports. She joined the organization after serving as controller for The Redemptorists. Natae has a BS in Business Administration with a major in accounting from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Colorado.

Nathan Wannlund, Vice President/Programs

Nathan joined Young Americans in August 2010.  He recently worked as a Branch Manager for US Bank in the Northern Colorado district where he was responsible for sales and operational management of a retail branch.  Prior to being a banker, Nathan served as Associate Executive Director of the YMCA in Orange County, California, where, besides managing a facility, he developed a school-based health program, and worked on fundraising events and community projects.  Nathan majored in economics at the University of California.