| Agnessa Vartanova | Associate Vice President | Agnessa.Vartanova@cu.edu | 303.837.2205 | bio |
| Justin Arico | Audit Manager | Justin.Arico@cu.edu | 303.837.2211 | bio |
| Minna Briscoe | IT Audit Manager | Minna.Briscoe@cu.edu | 303.837.2206 | bio |
| Mari Dennis | CU EthicsLine Coordinator & Fiscal Misconduct Investigator | Maricela.Dennis@cu.edu | bio | |
| Tim Dulaney | Audit Manager | Tim.Dulaney@cu.edu | 303.837.2198 | bio |
| Patty Durbin | Audit Manager | Patty.Durbin@cu.edu | 303.837.2197 | bio |
| Alisha Friedrichs | Senior Auditor | Alisha.Friedrichs@cu.edu | 303.860.2164 | bio |
| Brett Kellum | Principal Auditor | Brett.Kellum@cu.edu | 303.837.2196 | bio |
| Sean Mandel | Principal Investigator | Sean.Mandel@cu.edu | 303.837.2148 | bio |
| Karisa McCulloch | Audit Director | Karisa.McCulloch@cu.edu | 303.837.2193 | bio |
| Paul Mendoza | Senior Manager | Paul.Mendoza@cu.edu | 303.837.2124 | bio |
| Ginger Minges | Executive Assistant | Ginger.Minges@cu.edu | 303.837.2195 | bio |
| Aby Schaller | Senior IT Auditor | Aby.Schaller@cu.edu | 303.837.2143 | bio |
| Sylwia Shah | Senior IT Auditor | Sylwia.Shah@cu.edu | 303.837.2145 | bio |
| Steve Smith | Director of Investigations | Steven.Smith@cu.edu | 303.837.2192 | bio |
| Melanie Strescino | Senior Auditor | Melanie.Strescino@cu.edu | bio | |
| Brian Turner | Audit Director | Brian.Turner@cu.edu | 303.837.2128 | bio |
Mailing Address and Main Office Location:
University of Colorado
Internal Audit Department
032UCA (for intercampus mail only)
1800 Grant St., Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80203-1148
Phone: 303-837-2195
Email: internal.audit@cu.edu
Staff Detail
Justin Arico
Audit Manager
Justin.Arico@cu.edu
303.837.2211
I joined the Internal Audit team in October 2019. Before joining the team, I worked in the media industry at Showtime Networks, Inc. and in public accounting at RSM.
I earned my Master's in Professional Accounting at Syracuse University, and currently hold my Certified Public Accountant license in Colorado and New York.
In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, golfing, and spending time with family, friends, and my very spoiled pup.
Minna Briscoe
IT Audit Manager
Minna.Briscoe@cu.edu
303.837.2206
Since 2018, I've been a part of CU's Internal Audit department. With 18 years of experience, I've conducted finance, compliance, performance, and information systems audits, along with data analytics and fraud investigations across diverse industries. In the past 12 years, my focus has been on IT audits.
I'm a Certified Information Systems Auditor. My academic accomplishments include a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management and studies in international law, languages, and political science at various universities.
I love spending time with my family, exploring new destinations, and engaging in outdoor activities in my free time.
Tim Dulaney
Audit Manager
Tim.Dulaney@cu.edu
303.837.2198
Patty Durbin
Audit Manager
Patty.Durbin@cu.edu
303.837.2197
Alisha Friedrichs
Audit Senior
Alisha.Friedrichs@cu.edu
303.837.2197
I joined the Internal Audit team in January 2024. Prior to joining the team, I worked as an auditor for a media industry and national bank.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Exercise Kinesiology and Physiology.
In my free time, I enjoy anything outdoors, traveling, reading, going to the gym, and spending time with my family, friends and my two rambunctious rottweilers.
Brett Kellum
Audit Director
Brett.Kellum@cu.edu
303.837.2196
Sean Mandel
Manager - Investigations
Sean.Mandel@cu.edu
303.837.2148
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary's College in 1991. I dedicated 30 years to the Colorado Springs Police Department, rising to the rank of Division Commander. During my tenure, I graduated from the FBI National Academy and completed the Executive Leadership.
In 2022, I joined the Internal Audit's Investigation Department, bringing my extensive experience in leadership and investigations to the role.
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, exercising, and spending time with my family.
Karisa McCulloch
Audit Director
Karisa.McCulloch@cu.edu
303.837.2193
Paul Mendoza
Senior Audit Manager
Paul.Mendoza@cu.edu
303.837.2124
I was hired as the Senior Audit Manager at the University of Colorado in 2024. Before this role, I held several leadership positions, bringing over 21 years of financial leadership experience, including 16 years in higher education. I have provided strategic leadership and driven process improvements across various areas. My expertise spans Financial Reporting, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Budget Management, Human Resources, Risk Management and Compliance, and Financial Planning and Analysis.
I hold a BA in Business Economics and Accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I enjoy running and spending time outdoors and exploring Colorado with my family.
I am dedicated to supporting the CU Internal Audit team's vision of "Insight with Impact." With my experience, I am committed to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, driving meaningful changes at the University of Colorado.
Ginger Minges
Executive Assistant
Ginger.Minges@cu.edu
303.837.2195
I am the Executive Assistant for the Associate Vice President of Internal Audit and Chief Audit Executive at the University of Colorado. With 14 years of experience at CU, I play a key role in supporting the leadership of the internal audit function, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication across the university system.
Prior to joining CU, I served as a deputy sheriff and held the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army, bringing a disciplined and investigative approach to my work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at our LakeHouse with family, making the most of summer through boating, surfing, swimming, and simply enjoying quality time together.
Aby Schaller
Senior IT Auditor
Aby.Schaller@cu.edu
303.837.2143
I joined the Internal Audit team in March 2025. Prior to joining the University of Colorado, I worked as a senior auditor at a Tier 1 bank and held other IT roles at other organizations throughout my career.
I have a B.Sc. in Microbiology and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Cardiff University, Wales. I also hold various IT industry certifications.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, photography, reading, traveling and the outdoors.
Sylwia Shah
Senior IT Auditor
Sylwia.Shah@cu.edu
303.837.2145
I joined the Internal Audit team as a Sr. IT Auditor in July 2023. Prior to joining the University of Colorado, I was an IT Project Manager at a FinTech startup, and a Technology Risk Consultant at RSM.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Information and Decision Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Outside of work, I enjoy biking, paddleboarding, and going on walks with my dog.
Steve Smith
Director of Investigations
Steven.Smith@cu.edu
303.837.2192
I joined the Internal Audit team in October 2019. Before joining CU, I served in both local and federal law enforcement for a combined 27 years.
I have a bachelor's degree in business administration from Regis University, and in 1996, I earned my Master of Science degree in organizational management.
In my free time, I enjoy golfing and playing ice hockey.
Brian Turner
Senior Manager - Data Analytics & Information Security
Brian.Turner@cu.edu
303.837.2128
Prior to joining the Internal Audit team in 2022, I worked for the federal government in Cyber Security.
I earned my Master of Science degree from Baylor University and hold various industry certifications.
In my free time, I enjoy swimming and golfing.
Agnessa Vartanova
Associate Vice President of Internal Audit & Chief Audit Executive
Agnessa.Vartanova@cu.edu
303.837.2205
I have been serving as the associate vice president and chief audit executive at the University of Colorado (CU) since February 2021. Prior to joining CU, I held leadership roles in global internal audit functions at Ball Corporation and DaVita, Inc., Colorado-based Fortune 500 companies.
I have a bachelor and master of science degrees in accounting from University of Wyoming, and a professional graduate certificate in corporate sustainability and innovation from Harvard University Extension School. I am also a Certified Public Accountant in Colorado, and hold professional certifications in internal auditing, information systems auditing, fraud examination, and risk management assurance.
In my practice, I strive to elevate the role of internal audit by consistently delivering pragmatic and meaningful insight to stakeholders. I am an active member in the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA), currently serving as the Best Practices Committee Chair. ACUA is an important part of audit knowledge and methodologies exchange, and I enjoy opportunities to present at conferences and learn from my peers.
In my free time, I love to travel, read, and hike, especially the Colorado Fourteeners.