Founder and President
A bestselling author, adventurer and entrepreneur. Sequoia is the founder of Di Angelo Publications; a modernized book publishing firm that headquarters in Texas and publishes over 12 titles a year, including works by bestselling authors Jocko Willink, Garrett Roper and Slim Thug. In her personal life Schmidt is an avid alpine climber, traveler and Base Jumper. Her adventure writing includes “Journey of Heart” and “Changing Gears” - with her anticipated third book “Dream of Flight” set to be released in spring 2020. Sequoia resides in Los Angeles with her Fiance’ John.
Founding Board Member and Treasurer
A graduate of Northwestern University with an accounting degree and a Law degree, Connelly served as Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service. He later rose to the level of Special Trial Attorney before becoming a shareholder and the head of Chamberlain Hrdlicka law firm's Tax Controversy and Litigation Section. George has handled virtually every type of federal tax matters in both civil and criminal settings. He headed up a task force for the Standards of Practice Committee of the Tax Section of the American Bar Association that responded to proposals by the IRS for changes in Circular 230, which defines the standards of practice before the IRS. Heavily involved in multiple non-profits on a board level, Connelly’s commitment to charitable work speaks volumes to his character. George resides in Houston, Texas.
Secretary
Angeline Mathew is from San Antonio, TX, currently working as a Credit Research Associate at Deutsche Bank in NYC.
Angeline deeply values the importance of art, of all mediums, in creating a sense of balance and beauty to life. As a supporter and participant of Burning Man, she has been involved in the community for several years, and enjoys collaborating and creating with her like minded peers. In their latest project, her group is working towards a large scale interactive installation that will explore the merging of science, sustainability, and art.
She believes, the gratification in creating something, free of judgement or concern; where your only agenda is to have fun, and to inspire joy in others is one of the best feelings in the world.
In her spare time, Angeline likes gardening (a very proudly maintained rooftop farm), reading, traveling, trying new activities, picnics with friends, and enjoying “a good sit"
Angeline resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and their dog Roofus.
Founding Board Member
A realist painter trained in and an exponent of the atelier method which emphasizes classical painting techniques. Graydon regarded as one of the most prominent artists of his generation. Parrish has served on the board of multiple high profile non-profits including but not limited to the Austin Grand Opera. Graydon resides in Austin, Texas with his husband Scott and dog Mr. Biscuits.
Board Member
Having served as the United States Ambassador to Kazakhstan and as the United States Ambassador to Armenia. Ordway retired from a distinguished career in the United States Foreign Service in 2008 as a Senior Foreign Service officer. John served abroad at the U.S. Embassies in Prague, Moscow, and in Brussels at the U.S. Mission to NATO. He served twice as Director of African Affairs for the National Security Council (NSC). During this period, he was a member of the U.S. negotiating team that achieved and then helped implement the agreement that led to Cuban withdrawal from Angola and the independence of Namibia. His non profit work includes multiple board positions. Ordway resides in California with his wife Maryjo and dog Ella.
If you are interested in possible service opportunities on the Board of Directors or Advisory Council, please email info@denalifoundation.org.
Tricia Roth
Amy McDowell, Director of Operations
