Leadership | Young Americans Center

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Young Americans Executive Team

Young Americans staff members bring years of banking, financial, educational, fundraising and communications skills together as one team to further the mission of Young Americans.

Lang Sias

President and CEO

Lang joined Young Americans as President and CEO in January of 2025.

Lang’s background is as diverse as it is impressive. As a former Colorado State Representative (2015–2019) for House District 27 in Jefferson County, he was known for his bipartisan approach, focusing on education, healthcare, small business support, and government transparency. His ability to solve complex problems and build coalitions is invaluable in advancing our mission to empower youth with financial knowledge and skills.

Additionally, Lang’s experience as an attorney and advocate for entrepreneurs has given him a unique perspective. Growing up in a small family manufacturing business, he developed a deep understanding and loyalty to small businesses and their communities. His legal career at Cooley LLP with emerging technology companies and investors further reinforced his ability to drive innovation and foster growth.

Lang also has a distinguished 27-year military career as a Navy and Air National Guard fighter pilot, including combat missions in Operation Desert Storm and leadership roles as a TOPGUN instructor. His service exemplifies the dedication, discipline, and leadership he brings to this new role.

Lang, his wife Rene, and their three children (also alumni of our YA programs) are deeply rooted in Colorado, and his passion for education, entrepreneurship, and public service aligns perfectly with our mission.

Gaddi Layden

SVP, Innovation & Growth

Gaddi A. Layden is a visionary leader whose journey from Mexico to Wall Street embodies the power of perseverance, purpose, and growth. She joined Young Americans in January 2024 as Senior Vice President of Innovation & Growth for Young Americans Bank and Young Americans Center for Financial Education. In this role, she leads the organization’s strategic transformation—integrating marketing, technology, and business development to expand access to financial education for youth.

Her story began humbly. After immigrating to the United States, Gaddi worked as a nanny—and it was during that time that she first discovered Young Americans. The organization’s mission to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship ignited a lifelong passion that propelled her to pursue a degree in finance and build a career on Wall Street. She went on to hold a global institutional role at Goldman Sachs Asset Management in New York City, followed by leadership positions at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management and Univision Communications, where she advanced strategic business development initiatives in the telecommunications industry.

Over her 17+ year career, Gaddi has built a reputation as a catalyst for innovation and partnership. As Grants Impact Manager at the Daniels Fund, she forged collaborations with major corporations such as Univision Communications, United Airlines, Crest Rock Partners, and with leading private foundations including the Morgridge Family Foundation, Dakota Foundation, Telluray Foundation, Adolph Coors Family Foundation, and Gates Family Foundation. Her leadership revitalized the Daniels Fund Rapid Response Program, delivering record results in its first year, and she also served as the Fund’s official Spanish-language spokesperson, expanding its reach across diverse communities.

As Co-Founder and Principal of ABOKI Capital, Gaddi demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen, attracting major investors and pioneering innovative financial strategies. Her experience across Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, MBIA Asset Management, Univision Communications, and Citizens Financial Group refined her expertise in strategic partnerships, investment strategy, marketing, and business development.

Today, Gaddi’s work at Young Americans reflects the heart of her personal and professional mission: to empower young people to Take Charge of their financial futures. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Italian, she brings a global perspective, creative vision, and a steadfast belief that innovation and education can change lives—just as they changed hers.

Gaddi and her husband, Brian, a pilot, and flight instructor for United Airlines, are proud parents of two children, ages 17 and 18, who have been active participants in Young Americans programs since the age of six. Together, they share a love of exploration and travel, continually seeking opportunities to learn from cultures around the world.

Anna Leer

SVP, Programs

Anna joined YouthBiz in 2013 as an enthusiastic advocate of all students’ access to quality education. Since then, she has redesigned the curriculum with the goal of impacting more students through entrepreneurship education.

Prior to YouthBiz, Anna worked with Bridgepoint Education in postsecondary Student Relations, collecting and analyzing student data to increase student retention and graduation rates. Anna began her career as a Teach For America corps member in Miami-Dade, Florida, teaching third grade. During her experience, she accomplished significant achievement gains with her students, designed state level mathematics curriculum, and conducted several seminars around the state on upper elementary literacy education.

Victoria Aragon

SVP, Bank

Victoria started her career in bank management in 1999 and has managed several large banks before coming to Young Americans Bank in 2022. She has extensive experience in day-to-day operations, customer service, compliance, security, and employee relations. She came to Young Americans because she is passionate about setting our youth up for financial success at a young age. Both of her adult children had the opportunity to experience Young AmeriTowne and International Towne when they were younger which left a long-lasting, positive impression.

Erin Gardner Haas

SVP, Finance & Operations

Erin joined Young Americans as Senior Vice President, Finances & Operations in September of 2024.

Certified Public Accountant, (C.P.A), B.S. (Accounting), Accountant with 20 years of accounting experience in facilities ranging from local small business to international companies.

Amanda Krische

VP, Programs Operations and Execution

Amanda joined Young Americans staff in 2008 working in International Towne and Young AmeriTowne as a Programs Assistant. After several years of working in and directing programs, summer camps and other outreach programs, Amanda is now Vice President/Programs.

Prior to working at Young Americans, Amanda attended the University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in Communication. After graduating in 2005, Amanda worked for the YMCA of metro Denver running the 2nd largest summer camp in the city and largest before and after school program for the YMCA. Amanda is native to Colorado and has first-hand experience working in Young AmeriTowne as a 6th grader at Henry Middle School. She also has two young children that she hopes will be experts on financial literacy and finances some day.