Colorado Public Finance Team

Brian Colon, Managing Director and Manager of Baird’s Denver Public Finance office, has more than 25 years of experience in public finance. Prior to joining Baird, Brian was a Managing Director of Public Finance at a leading investment banking firm. As head of one of the most productive public finance offices in the Western U.S., Brian has worked directly with numerous issuers across the region, and with charter schools nationwide. He has structured many state and local government financings, has had numerous speaking engagements in national conferences, and written for several industry publications. He holds a bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of California-Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of Denver.

Jim Blandford, Managing Director in Baird’s Denver Public Finance office, has over 23 years of public finance experience. Prior to joining Baird, Jim worked as a senior banker with a leading investment banking firm, assisting major issuers in their issuance of transportation, sales and excise taxes, enterprise system, education and annual appropriated lease financings throughout the Midwestern and Western part of the United States. Jim holds bachelor’s of science degrees from Arizona State University.

Ann Erickson Gifford brings more than 25 years of industry experience to her role as Managing Director in Baird’s Denver Public Finance. Prior to Baird, Ann worked as a Director for a leading investment banking firm. She has significant experience in developing and implementing complex and innovative debt programs for municipal issuers, as well as higher education institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Montana, Washington, California, Arizona and Oklahoma. Ann holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

Marcy Finley has more than 25 years experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Baird, she was a lead Quantitative Analyst at a leading investment banking firm for the past 18 years. Her in-depth experience in the public finance industry includes financing plan structures utilizing fixed and variable interest rates, long-term capital improvement plans, various refinancing structures and tax increment district cash flows. Her experience in public finance also includes the creation of rating comparison models and municipal budget models. Marcy holds a bachelor's of science degree from Metropolitan State College.

Brian Kelso joined Baird’s Denver Public Finance office in February 2009. With several years of public finance experience, Brian has served as investment banker for various Western and Midwestern issuers, giving him extensive knowledge of numerous financing methodologies. His experience includes general obligation, water/sewer revenue, certificates of participation, lease revenue, and highway revenue bonds. He is also actively involved in tax-exempt financings for charter schools. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Colorado State University. Back To Top

Yoon-Sook, Vice President in Baird’s Denver Public Finance office, has more than 10 years experience in public finance investment banking and derivatives. Prior to joining Baird, she worked at several leading investment banking firms. Her technical knowledge and skills encompass federal tax law, credit analysis, pooled financings, variable rate and derivative strategies, multiple-lien structures, refundings, escrow structuring, reinvestment products, credit enhancement and off balance sheet financing. Yoon-Sook holds two bachelor’s degrees from Berea College and a Master in Public Affairs from Indiana University. Back To Top