Our Team

Each USAV team member is committed to cultivating the bond that brings USAV affiliates together. We understand that the highest level of success is best achieved when effectively working together. Our team offers a variety of experience, knowledge, and personality making us well equipped to deal with nearly every situation. Most importantly, we believe work should be fun and we strive to incorporate that mentality into our everyday activities.

USAV Staff

K.C. Schwarz

CEO

K.C. is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former Air Force pilot. After his first Air Force flying assignment in medical evacuation, he moved into flight test simulation and analysis, first in the Air Force, and then working for Northrop on the B-2 (Stealth) Bomber program. In the early 1990’s K.C. moved to Colorado and took over information systems management for Ball Aerospace, implementing client-server computing for the company. Following his service at Ball, K.C. worked in institutional investment banking as a technology analyst. Subsequently, he has founded and led several early stage companies, personally negotiating sales or mergers for many of these firms. K.C. was an early investor and advisor to USAV in 2002. Later, in 2006, he joined USAV full-time, first as COO and then as CEO in 2007.

K.C. and his wife Anne enjoy the mountain grandeur of Colorado. Anne is a retired elementary school teacher and now enjoys accompanying K.C. in his travels. His two daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren also reside in Colorado. When not working, K.C. can be found running and volunteering at his church and several local charities.

Chris Whitley

CFO/Founder

Chris graduated from the University of Arizona and shortly after earned his CPA license working with Ernst & Young’s (E&Y) audit and tax practices in Tucson, Ariz. Following his tenure at E&Y, Chris became the CFO of a high-tech engineering design firm that he helped sell to Fluor Corporation. After the sale, he moved to Denver and became the CFO of Fluor’s Mining and Metals Operating Company and a member of Fluor’s acquisition and integration group. Following the mining crash in the mid-late 1990’s, Chris moved to Southern California and worked with E&Y’s merger and acquisition group. As a senior manager, Chris managed numerous engagements over several years for both financial and corporate strategic acquisitions. Missing the mountains and outdoor activities in Colorado, Chris moved back to Denver starting his own business consulting practice providing business valuation, acquisition, integration, and CFO consulting services. While consulting for a local audio-visual company in Denver in 2001, Chris co-founded USAV. He has been a full-time employee and shareholder in the company ever since.

Chris, his wife Melanie, and their five children—two boys and three girls—enjoy living in Colorado. Melanie manages the busy schedules of a large family and is a fitness instructor. Chris is an avid cyclist and enjoys running, competing in duathlons (run-bike-run races), and climbing Colorado’s many Fourteeners. Chris is also active in the local community serving on the Easter Seals of Colorado Board of Directors.

Rachel Volk

Marketing Manager

Rachel is a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She joined USAV to help bring focus to the company’s marketing strategy and assist with event planning. She brings several years of marketing and public relations experience to our team having successfully managed complex marketing programs for a variety of organizations. Rachel is professional, creative, and organized, skills that are vital to developing and executing integrated marketing programs. Her attention to detail and excessive need to stay on schedule play a major role in USAV's successful execution of events throughout the year.

In her free time, Rachel can be found outside enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather, running, or completing the daily WOD at her CrossFit gym. She is blessed to have a wonderful and supportive husband, two beautiful girls, and a sweet little boy.

Shanda Carlsen

Office Manager

Shanda is an accomplished administrator with many years of experience in office management. Her experience spans multiple industries, including medical offices and contracting companies. She has been with USAV for over five years, keeping our team organized and efficient. Shanda is USAV’s first line of contact for information concerning Integrators, Preferred Manufacturer Partners, and everything else.

Shanda enjoys the great outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and touring historical sites and parks. Of Shanda’s four children, two have launched as successful adults. Her younger son and daughter enjoy land sports and ocean activities.

Peggy Metz

Director of Administration

Peggy attended the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a BA in Communications. She has used her education in this field for over fifteen years, acquiring progressive experience and expertise in sales, communications, and office administration. Peggy has also had the adventure, opportunity, and singular experience with early stage companies. Her greatest strength is her ability to accommodate multiple needs and personalities, as well as a company's evolutionary changes, with skill, precision, and diplomacy.

In her free time, Peggy enjoys hiking the Colorado trails, perfecting her CrossFit training, snowboarding with friends, and traveling the world, most recently a trip to India. She also cherishes the joy of quiet time, whether it is curling up with a good book, a movie, or the peaceful pleasure of her own contemplation.