Heather Steinman brings transformative leadership and strategic vision to her role as Executive Director of Friends of the Children – Colorado. With a distinguished career in nonprofit management and an unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable youth, she combines operational excellence with a deep understanding of community impact.
In her most recent role as Chief Operating Officer at Pikes Peak United Way (PPUW), Heather demonstrated exceptional leadership in launching the PPUW Family Success Center in southeast Colorado Springs. This flagship initiative serves children and families in the city's most under-resourced areas, exemplifying her ability to transform strategic vision into tangible community impact.
At Friends of the Children – Colorado, Heather brings her comprehensive expertise in overcoming complex challenges facing vulnerable youth. Her extensive community involvement and collaborative leadership style position her to lead the organization in expanding its reach while fostering meaningful partnerships and sustainable growth.
Through her positive, uplifting approach and commitment to measurable outcomes, Heather hopes to advance Friends of the Children's mission while strengthening its impact in the communities we serve.
Colonel (Ret.) Bob McLaughlin, U.S. Army
Colonel (Ret) Robert "Bob" McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. He began developing the concept immediately after retiring from over 28 years of service in the U.S. Army in 2014. The Mission of the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is: “To provide best practices for our military, veterans, and their families with accessible programs, integrated resources, and collaborative partnerships that empower lives and strengthen our community.” The Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center serves as a beacon of support for those who have served and sacrificed for our nation and their families. Through a variety of partnerships, programs and services, the center has become a leader in best practices across the region and the nation.
Bob is a native of Lexington, Massachusetts, and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant from the ROTC program at the University of Massachusetts. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Service Staff School and the Command and General Staff College. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College with the class of 2009.
Bob’s deployments include Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia Herzegovina as part of Multi National Division North where he served as the Division Chief of Operations and Plans Officer. During his assignment with the 2nd Marine Division, he participated in Operation Enduring Freedom as the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Joint Fires Officer. He has two tours of duty as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
First, he served with the 2nd Marine Division in the Al Anbar province where he was the Division Fire and Effects Coordinator. After that, he commanded the 5th Battalion 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. The battalion deployed to Northern Iraq as a maneuver task force as part of Multi National Division North and conducted counterinsurgency operations in support of the 2007 Surge. After completing the Army War College, Bob served as the Garrison Commander of Fort Carson. His final deployment was as the Chief of Staff, US FORCES-Afghanistan.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6), Joint Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6), Army Achievement Medal (6), Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge.
He is married to Cindy McLaughlin and they have five children: Kevin, Adeline, Mary Kate, Michael and Ryan.
