Our Trustees have dedicated their time to helping improve the quality of life for Southern Utah seniors.
Steven Mielke
President As President of the SUSF since 2020, I enjoy working for the benefit of others with people who have a common goal. I was a Reserve Police Officer in Kansas for six years and volunteered with the March of Dimes as a walk-a-thon chairperson, serving as the chapter’s campaign director for many years, achieving the highest donation total in a single year. Until retiring and moving to Southern Utah fourteen years ago, I worked in the printing industry. Since moving to Southern Utah, I have volunteered in my HOA as a neighborhood representative, chaired several committees, and served on the Board of Trustees. When I was approached to be on the Foundation’s Board, I jumped on the opportunity to be of service to the seniors in Southern Utah.
Erik Nilsson
Secretary I have a passion for service to others and finds enjoyment in helping to make their lives easier. After finishing a career as an Aerospace Engineer, designing, constructing, and the use of satellite test stations for the government, I found I could use my skills as a member of the HOA Board to benefit the residents of the community. Now a senior myself, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I joined the Foundation in a continuing effort to make Southern Utah an even more amazing place for seniors to live.
David Patten, ScD
Treasurer Serving on the Board of SUSF since 2020 has been an opportunity to return the support we received from the people of Washington County. My wife and I fell in love with the area while visiting my parents. We were overwhelmed by the care and support we received from local friends, relatives and even strangers when my mother became ill and we moved here to care for her. Raised in Utah Valley, I met my wife of 50 years while earning an advanced degree in Engineering in the Boston area. I retired as the Director of a product development laboratory for a multinational truck part supplier. Since retiring, I have volunteered my time on the HOA Board for both communities we have lived in, and have served in Church leadership positions both at the local and state level for 25 years. The SUSF was another way for me to give back to the Southern Utah community.
Debra Rozema
I am a Wyoming native who was given the opportunity to go through the Nursing Program at Southwest Community College in Rock Springs Wyoming. As a single mother of two, with the support of my family I graduated in 2005. I found my passion caring for others as a nurse in Home Health & Hospice, surrounded by the beautiful red rocks here in Southern Utah. For over 17 years now, I strive to make a difference for those whom I have the opportunity to care for on a daily basis. Volunteering my time as a member of SUSF provides another opportunity to continue to make a difference to the Seniors in our community.
Doug McKinley
I have long enjoyed serving the underserved. I served a number of years on the Junior Achievement's Northeast (US) Board of Directors, received recognition awards for marketing contributions to both the American Red Cross, and Alzheimer's Association, and I am no stranger to the Switchpoint St. George volunteer corps. I owned and operating an advertising firm for 17 years in Connecticut, and joined the Board of Directors of the SUSF in June 2020. I enjoy working as a board member for this all volunteer foundation because "every dime we receive in donations goes directly to those in need”.
Brett Denham
Over the past 10 years, I have worked for Zion's Way Home Health & Hospice as a Patient Care Advocate and Community Liason. I've grown to absolutely love Southern Utah and the people in this great community. Becoming part of the SUSF has provided me with another opportunity to serve the needs of our senior population. Having worked very closely with seniors, I understand the health care industry and what's available for them. The health industry and insurance world can be very frustrating and difficult to navigate at times. I feel for the senior population and enjoy being part of a positive solution and helping them find answers to their questions. My wife, Lindsey, and I have lived in St. George since 2012 with our four young children. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. Prior to moving to Southern Utah, I worked as a TV Sports Anchor & Reporter for five years, notably in Great Falls, Montana and Waco, Texas.