medicare growth manager, optum

David Nila is a proud father of 2 and husband to his wife. David enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid mountain biker. David is the Colorado Medicare Growth Manager for Optum medical. David develops and nurtures the relationship between Optum’s medical clinics and our partnered insurance brokers focusing on educating and helping patients as they become Medicare eligible. David has been in the insurance industry for 25 years in various roles. The majority of his career has been spent managing insurance brokers in California, Nevada and Colorado. David sent a few years as an insurance sales broker before joining Optum. It was the years spent at Humana that David developed a passion for serving the older adult population. David also volunteers at the Action Center when he is able to. David was seeking an opportunity to make a difference within the older adult population and took advantage of that opportunity by joining the Board at the Senior Assistance Center. David has a passion for educating and training those in need, especially when it comes to Medicare, and community involvement.

program manager, city and county of denver

Kenneth Arellano (Ken) is a seasoned Program Manager with the City and County of Denver’s Denver Careers Construction Program (DCCP), part of Denver’s Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO). With over 25 years of experience in Workforce Development, Ken has dedicated his career to working with non-profit, private, and government entities, specializing in Career Consulting and Outplacement Services. His passion for supporting special populations, including older adults and justice involved, drives his commitment to creating impactful solutions for Denver residents.

vice president of sales, benefits life

Carissa grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and has lived in the Denver community for over 25 years. Carissa loves experiencing Colorado’s beautiful outdoors and enjoys bringing her 4 Australian Shepherds along with her hiking, camping, and paddle boarding. Carissa is the Vice President at Benefits Life, an agency located in Denver Colorado that supports health and life insurance agents across the region. Among other responsibilities, she is responsible for connecting agents to and creating community engagement initiatives to promote overall Medicare awareness and education. Carissa graduated from University of Denver Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Minor in Spanish. Carissa has been supporting older adults in different roles for most of her life including her family’s foundation which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of developmentally challenged adults with little to no family support. She was previously a representative and manager with Humana involved in numerous initiatives dedicated to closing the gaps in care for older adults between providers and health insurance companies. She has also been involved in numerous non-profit initiatives dedicated to connect older adults to resources to combat food insecurity, loneliness, housing instability, income/employment opportunities and lack of transportation. Her efforts have focused on creating programs that enhance access to healthcare for older adults and building partnerships that support the community’s holistic health needs. Carissa is a servant leader who is passionate about solving challenges for others, especially older adults who have unique needs and circumstances. Carissa has witnessed firsthand the lack of resources accessible to older adults in the community. This experience has created her passion and advocacy for older adults. The Senior Assistance Center’s mission aligns with Carissa’s commitment to connecting older adults to resources and improving their health and well-being.