Denver Sister Cities International
Our Board
Different backgrounds. A shared commitment to connecting Denver with the world.
Meet the leaders supporting our volunteers, strengthening our international relationships, and helping citizen diplomacy thrive.
Serving DSCI as a whole. Our six-member interim Board brings experience in diplomacy, international business, finance, governance, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. Directors support the organization and all of its city relationships, including when they also participate in individual committees.
The Board will serve until the annual election results are confirmed at the Annual DSCI Members Meeting in January 2027.
Board of Directors
Experience, service, and global perspective.
Cherish Edwards
Chair
Cherish’s connection to DSCI began through hosting students from Brest, France. She has visited both Brest and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia—two remarkable experiences that deepened her appreciation for the friendships made possible through Sister City relationships. She has also helped welcome Mongolian delegates to Colorado. A connection through Denver’s partnership with Takayama, Japan, also helped lead her into the commercial space industry.
She is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Narravity, Inc., a Colorado-based commercial space company working to make microgravity research more accessible. At DSCI, she has supported communications, digital tools, committee relationships, and the 2026 leadership transition, with a belief that international friendship grows person to person.
Mark Dillen
Vice Chair
Mark brings decades of experience in international affairs, diplomacy, communications, and public service. A former Senior Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, he served in Washington and at U.S. embassies in Moscow, Berlin, Bonn, Rome, Belgrade, and Sofia.
He serves on the board of Ukrainians of Colorado and has helped develop Denver’s Friendship City relationship with Dnipro, Ukraine. His work emphasizes the connections among civic agencies, community organizations, educational institutions, and people that give an international partnership lasting meaning.
Fred Kaplan
Secretary & Treasurer
Fred provides continuity through longstanding volunteer service and a deep knowledge of DSCI’s history and operations. His work has included financial reporting, committee accounts, donor records, insurance, financial controls, and helping committee leaders navigate the practical details behind programs and events.
During DSCI’s leadership transition, he helped maintain organizational continuity and restore the Board through the membership election process. In addition to serving his final term as Treasurer, he is serving as Secretary, supporting the documentation of Board decisions, resolutions, and official records.
Susan Weller
Director
Susan brings international business experience, knowledge of Japanese business relationships, and an appreciation for the history and trust behind DSCI’s partnerships. She is interested in the international programs and volunteers that bring those relationships to life.
Her perspective supports the Board’s work on committee engagement, membership, and participation: helping members discover committees, welcoming new volunteers, and giving committee leaders dependable organizational support.
Jim Wagenlander
Director
Jim brings decades of international experience and longstanding service to citizen diplomacy. An attorney active in international affairs and Colorado’s consular community, he serves as Honorary Consul for Mongolia.
Having visited Mongolia more than 40 times, Jim brings firsthand experience with the enduring relationships sister-city programs foster. He contributes institutional knowledge and experience in governance, policy, strategic planning, and international relations as DSCI strengthens its foundation for the future.
Jeff Popiel
Director
Jeff brings business leadership, philanthropic experience, and a strong international network to DSCI. As Chair of the World Trade Center Denver Board, he is connected with internationally engaged companies, trade professionals, and organizations across Colorado.
His experience supports DSCI’s work on fundraising, strategic partnerships, business and trade, and professional exchange. He helps explore how sister-city relationships can connect entrepreneurs, universities, industries, and community partners alongside cultural and student exchanges.
Organizational Support
Janice Pugh-Wohler
General Manager
Janice supports DSCI’s day-to-day work and brings extensive knowledge of its committees, members, programs, and City connections. She has visited Mongolia twice, including serving as co-leader of a delegation to Ulaanbaatar, and has also participated in delegations to Brest, France, and Takayama, Japan. She has worked with committee leaders to welcome international visitors, support events, and sustain relationships throughout Denver’s international community.
She continues as General Manager through the end of 2026, providing continuity and working with the Board on finances, committee needs, operating costs, and planning for 2027.
Leadership information updated October 2026.
Be Part of the Connection
International friendship begins with people.
Meet our committees, volunteer your skills, or help sustain the relationships that keep Denver connected to the world.
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