For more information about Broomfield STEM Board, please contact our President, Erika Palmer. To learn more about being on the Board for Broomfield STEM, read our Board of Directors Participation Policy.
Broomfield STEM Board of Directors
The Broomfield STEM Board serves as the governing body for Broomfield STEM and all of its programs; overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and guiding our mission and strategic direction. The board is crucial to the success and sustainability of Broomfield STEM.
Here are its primary purposes:
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● Accountability: Ensures the organization operates transparently and is accountable to stakeholders, including donors, members, and the public.
● Compliance: Ensures adherence to legal, financial, and regulatory requirements.
● Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates risks that could impact the organization's reputation, finances, or operations.
● Policy Development: Develops and enforces policies to guide the organization’s operations and ensure consistency in decision-making.
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● Mission Alignment: Ensures all activities align with the organization’s mission, values, vision and goals, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes or address emerging challenges.
● Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracks the organization's performance, ensuring programs and initiatives effectively address the stated mission.
● Planning: Participates in setting long-term strategies and evaluating progress toward objectives.
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● Budget Approval: Approves budgets and ensures resources are used effectively.
● Fundraising: Plays an active role in securing funding through personal contributions, networking, or organizing fundraising initiatives.
● Audits and Reviews: Oversees financial audits and reviews to maintain fiscal integrity.
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● Executive Oversight: Hires, evaluates, and supports the Executive Director.
● Advisory Role: Provides expertise, advice, resources, and guidance in areas relevant to board responsibilities such as finance, fundraising, law, educational best practices, organizational structure, or program development.
● Advocacy: Acts as ambassadors for the organization, promoting its mission within networks and the broader community.
Meet the Board
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Erika Palmer
PRESIDENT
I serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Prospect Ridge Academy, a K–12 math and science-focused charter school, where I also chair the School Accountability Committee. I am also an Advisor for the Program Development Associate Initiative at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign and teaching faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder’s ATLAS Institute. I’m a health technology innovator at heart and have been part of the founding team of two early-stage startups. I currently consult with health tech companies on their innovation, R&D and marketing strategies. As a parent of a Broomfield STEM robotics student, I’m passionate about supporting STEM education and helping students develop the skills and confidence to become future innovators. I hold a PhD in Bioengineering from the joint program at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a BS in Bioengineering from UC San Diego.
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Kevin Fattor
TREASURER
I am the Chief Product Officer of Financial Finesse. Previously, I worked as a strategy and technology consultant for more than 20 years. I have previously served on boards of educational non-profits, and I am excited to help Broomfield STEM empower, inspire, and connect Broomfield's young people!
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Jamie Rumsey
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After seeing first hand the impact STEM education and FIRST have made in the lives of my sons and their teammates, I am passionate about sharing those opportunities with more students. I have 19 years of volunteer non-profit leadership experience and program coordination, including 8 years as a FIRST coach and 4 years as a FIRST Tournament Director and Volunteer Coordinator. In 2025 I was honored to be named the Colorado FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer of the Year! I have a background in elementary, bilingual, ESL and Gifted/Talented education, and am committed to helping all students foster a love for learning and the confidence to solve challenging problems.
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Julia Brown
BOARD MEMBER
I'm a Software Engineer at Medtronic in Lafayette, and I'm passionate about working with students and getting them excited about STEM learning. I grew up working on science fair projects with my dad, who inspired me to ask questions and foster a love of STEM, so I want to pass that love of learning along to the next generation. I've participated in college robotics and volunteered and mentored for all levels of FIRST robotics as well. I'm excited to help work through the logistics of expanding this organization to continue to build a community where all feel supported and brave to pursue STEM learning!
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Rochelle Nakayama
BOARD MEMBER