Thomas V. Kissinger

Thomas V. Kissinger, President

Meet Tom. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Board Member; El Jefé (Board Chair).

What is your role here?

I set the strategic direction for the organization, determine priorities and focus on the future.

Click Here to read more about Tom

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

“Chief, Cook and Bottle Washer.” The Board of Ignite reviews and approves the organization’s budget, funding, policies, personnel decisions, compensation and bylaws. It spearheads fundraising and investment decisions and responds to legal, and governmental issues such as tax returns. As for my role, I am first and foremost a volunteer instructor.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been volunteering my entire life, ten years at Ignite.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

We all face challenges every day – some big, some small. I am inspired by the commitment to overcome those challenges and forge forward to make our lives, our communities and our world better.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love being outside. Skiing, snowboarding, skate skiing, making snow angels in the winter; biking, swimming, running, hiking and exploring in the warmer months.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

There is nothing more rewarding than helping people realize a dream. Every day at Ignite, our volunteers show our athletes that where there is a will there is a way.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

I am a USAC cycling coach who helps Type 1 diabetics enjoy endurance cycling events with JDRF and a Red Cross certified lifeguard.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, CX Skier, and Snowshoer.

John Leporto

John LoPorto, Vice President

Meet John. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Board Member; our Vice Presidente under El Jefé.

What is your role here?

I pick up the ball when Tom drops it. I’m still waiting for the ball.

Click Here to read more about John

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

I am very excited to be involved in the planning of our new World Headquarters at Eldora. The Board of Ignite reviews and approves the organization’s finances, policies, personnel decisions, compensation and bylaws. As for my role, I am first and foremost a volunteer instructor.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been drawn to volunteering since learning that value system as an Eagle Scout. I have been a volunteer instructor with Ignite for five years and a board member for four.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I find inspiration in trying to make the world a better place. In addition to Ignite, I am involved in the clean energy transformation, so we can strive to leave our children and grandchildren a world in better shape than we found it.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Skiing is my number one passion (other than my wife) but I also enjoy mountain biking, hiking and fly fishing. I have taken up learning to play the guitar as a late life crisis. My deaf dog is my number one fan. My two cats with perfect hearing, not so much.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

Health is not something to be taken for granted. I enjoy serving those who cannot take this for granted. I particularly enjoy working with our younger athletes as my own grandchildren live far away.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

I love being Grampy to eight wonderful grandkids.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Downhill Skier, Snowshoer, ex-Snowboarder, and a really poor Cross Country Skier.

Stuart Ollanik, Treasurer

Meet Stuart. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Volunteer Instructor, and a Board Member; Treasurer.

What is your role here?

I am the Alpine Skiing Instructor.

Click Here to read more about Stuart

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

I have the privilege of skiing with awesome athlete-clients!

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been volunteering for fifty five years, four with Ignite Adaptive Sports.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I am inspired by my family, the Ignite athletes, my clients, and a great young generation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy outdoor adventuring, playing guitar, photography, and writing.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

Because it is great fun! It spreads the love, and I enjoy giving back.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

There are far too many quirky things about me, I wouldn’t know where to start.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Downhill Skier and a Cross Country Skier.

 

David Whitten, Board Member

Meet David. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Volunteer Adaptive Instructor and Board Member.

What’s your role here?

Helping in any way I can in fulfilling the mission of Ignite.

Click Here to read more about David

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

Go home after every lesson day with a smile on my face (and sometimes a tear in my eye) at seeing what our athletes accomplish, and how much joy they derive from their time with Ignite.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been volunteering in a variety of ways and initiatives on and off since my early youth, which was over 60 years ago! I have been with Ignite since 2019.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

Wanting to see the world become an ever-better place to live in for everyone, today and for future generations.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy time with my family and friends, traveling, skiing, hiking, golfing, bicycling, bowling and watching sports, especially rugby.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

To help folks with challenging disabilities experience the joy of snowriding.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

I grew up in Australia and was a fanatical surfer but didn’t ski for the first time until my 24th birthday, in Austria. I became so hooked that I spent the next three years as a ski bum, spending winters working at a resort in Austria and the summers in Northern Canada, earning enough to supplement my meager winter income.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Downhill Skier.

Michael Stone, Board Member

Meet Michael.

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Board Member.

What is your role here?

To support our entire community. From our athletes to fellow board members in creating the greatest winter sports experience possible.

Click Here to read more about Michael

What is it you really do here?

I get to hear Tom Kissinger talk and drink really good coffee at board meetings.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been volunteering for over 30 years. However, this is my first year with Ignite.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I am incredibly fortunate to not have to look very far to find inspiration. Being a physically challenged athlete, specifically blind, I have the privilege to associate with some of the greatest people in the world. People who have overcome challenges that would be considered debilitating for most. While I am beyond inspired to see how these amazing people meet their challenges and redefine limitations, it is how they deal with the challenges that everyday life brings that inspires me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

While most people associate me with the various sports that I do, my passion is actually in music. I play several instruments and also love to paint.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?


Being classified, “Disabled,” I know how isolating life can be, especially during the Winter. Ignite provides a wonderful opportunity to help, “Us” be outside and enjoy what a Colorado Winter can offer. That, coupled with having the opportunity to affiliate with the most kind and generous people I have ever known!

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

First off, I love quirky people! I love to hear people’s stories. Be it strangers that I randomly meet or others that I have the opportunity to call friends. That, and I can eat pizza every day of the week.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?


I grew up as a skier. I took a snowboard lesson from Ignite a couple of year’s back and loved it! I am hoping to do more of that in the future. That said, my passion is in Nordic Skate Skiing.

Paula Galloway, Emeritus

Meet Paula. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am an Instructor and Emeritus Board Member.

What is your role here?

I help people with disabilities enjoy time on the snow.

Click Here to read more about Paula

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

I bring smoked salmon for après-ski.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I’ve been volunteering for over 25 years, and have been with Ignite since 2003.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I am inspired by the love of my friends and family.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy being active outside, whether it is with skiing, hiking, bicycling, gardening, or fishing.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

I volunteer to do my part to allow everyone that wants to be on the snow to get out there and have fun.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

I am one cat short of crazy cat lady status.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Downhill Skier, and Snowshoer.

 

Zac Clark, Board Member

Meet Zac. 

What’s your title here at Ignite?

I am a Board Member.

What is your role here?

I support the Board and their direction for the organization.

Click Here to read more about Zac

Yes, but what is it you really do here?

I am new to the Board so I am still trying to figure that out. Right now… Listen, learn, and help anywhere I can.

How many years have you been volunteering in general, and how many with Ignite?

I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember. I am currently in my first year of volunteering with Ignite.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I am inspired by every human’s ability to grow, adapt, and accomplish seemingly impossible goals.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like spending time with friends, preferably while skiing, golfing, fishing, or traveling.

Why do you volunteer at Ignite?

I love helping people reach their full potential. There are few things more rewarding than that.

Can you please share something quirky about yourself?

I can eat A LOT of food. I have won several eating competitions.

Are you a Snowboarder, Downhill Skier, Cross Country Skier, or Snowshoer?

I am a Snowboarder and Downhill Skier.

 

David Levin

David Levin, Après Skier

David Levin, Ignite Volunteer and Board Member 1998-2017;  when he wasn’t on the mountain with Ignite his time was spent as an Investor, board member of the Boulder JCC, and avid balloon pilot. He was an active member of the Balloon Federation of America and won National and World Championships in Gas and Hot Air Ballooning. He was a member of PSIA and was certified in alpine, telemark, and adaptive instruction. His other interests included paragliding, hiking, golf, sailing, and scuba diving. His inspiration came from his wife Roberta and their two children, Matthew and Rebecca. In 2017, the Board of Directors honored David’s memory by making him a permanent member of the board, titled Après Skier.  In honor of David Levin (1948-2017)

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