Our Story & Team
Every Second Counts
Seconds to Save is a nonprofit organization dedicated to placing life-saving bleeding control kits in every classroom. We believe that in a critical moment, the right tools paired with basic knowledge can make the difference between life and loss. Our mission is simple, urgent, and deeply personal: empower schools, staff, and students to act when every second matters. Seconds to Save was founded by a father and a firefighter who has seen firsthand how quickly a situation can change and how vital immediate action can be. After responding to countless emergencies, it became clear that while first responders do everything they can, they are not always the first ones on scene. In many cases, ordinary people become the first line of care. That understanding inspired the creation of Seconds to Save. We work to ensure that classrooms are equipped with accessible, high-quality bleeding control kits designed for rapid use in emergencies. Along with the kits, we advocate for community awareness and support training initiatives that build confidence and preparedness among teachers, staff, and students. Our vision is a world where every school can respond effectively to life-threatening bleeding before help arrives. Every classroom equipped. Every educator empowered. Every student safer. Because when lives are on the line, seconds truly matter.
Meet Our Team
Our team at Seconds to Save is passionate about keeping students and staff safe. With experience in emergency response and a commitment to preparedness, we work together to ensure that when seconds matter, lives are protected.
James Knowles
President and Founder
James is a firefighter with 10 years of service and a paramedic with 15 years of experience in the Denver metro area. A father of two, he is committed to protecting his community and ensuring safety through preparedness.
Beth McNalley
Director
Beth McNalley is a retired Boulder Police Detective who specialized in domestic violence, crimes against children, and human trafficking. She created youth programs like the Youth Academy and Cadet/Explorer Post, and now serves as Director of Denver’s Juvenile Services Center, leading initiatives that support high-risk youth and combat human trafficking.
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Dave Harris
Director
As Colorado Clean Energy Fund's COO, Dave oversees strategy and operations, bringing 10+ years of experience building teams and companies. He previously served as Director of Operations at Rockies Venture Club, supporting nearly 200 funding rounds and managing the Rockies Venture Fund. Dave has advised numerous startups and held finance roles at Thomson Reuters. A University of Colorado Boulder graduate, he enjoys the outdoors and cooking.
Jesus Lopez
Director
Jesus has served as a firefighter since 2017 and is deeply passionate about emergency medicine. A devoted husband and father, he values spending quality time with his family outside of his professional duties. He is committed to advancing public knowledge and awareness of bleeding-control techniques, firmly believing that Seconds Count when it comes to saving lives.