Our Story
Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for relief efforts in tornado-stricken Joplin, Missouri, a community of about 50,000 residents. Competition barbecue teams from eight states answered the call to help feed displaced families and emergency personnel. The group was able to serve over 120,000 meals over 11 days. Food was delivered to shelters, hospitals, senior living communities and the Humane Society. Volunteers loaded food into vehicles and delivered directly to families in the impacted areas. The operation was made possible by all who contributed food and supplies and funding from across the country.
Board of Directors
Will Cleaver
Why did you get involved?
I have looked for different ways I could possible make a difference in this world, with OBR I feel like my talents and convictions can best be used to help others in times of need.
Scott Webb
Bio
Scott Webb is the Vice President of Domestic Sales, Marketing and Innovation for Seaboard Foods.
Scott obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics from Fort Hays State University in 1985, and his master’s degree in Business Administration with Honors from Rockhurst University in 2000.
Scott brings more than 30 years of professional experience in sales, operations, marketing and business development to his current position.
David Rosen
Why did you get involved?
People helping people is a beautiful thing. That is why I got involved with OBR. It is an honor to be asked to help guide, develop, and support an organization that provides comfort in the form of a hot meal during a crisis. We take pride in knowing it makes a difference.
Stan Hays
Why did you get involved?
Because the feeling you get providing warm BBQ meals to those in need and the hardworking first responders is amazing, I can’t think of another way to say it.
David Dzanis
Bio
David Dzanis has spent more than twenty-five years in the sports marketing industry representing leading properties, events and brands.
He currently owns and operates Azuero Group, LLC a marketing consulting company focused on domestic and international sporting events, properties and athletes.
Executive Team
Stan Hays
Why did you get involved?
Because the feeling you get providing warm BBQ meals to those in need and the hardworking first responders is amazing, I can’t think of another way to say it.
Will Cleaver
Why did you get involved?
I have looked for different ways I could possible make a difference in this world, with OBR I feel like my talents and convictions can best be used to help others in times of need.
David Rosen
Why did you get involved?
People helping people is a beautiful thing. That is why I got involved with OBR. It is an honor to be asked to help guide, develop, and support an organization that provides comfort in the form of a hot meal during a crisis. We take pride in knowing it makes a difference.
David Marks
Why did you get involved?
October 29, Hurricane Sandy came barreling up the East Coast. I saw all the devastation around me and on the news. I knew that I was the lucky one, and I needed to do something. I assembled some food supplies, packed my bags, hooked up and was on the move.
Jeremy Bruce
Why did you get involved?
Knowing that I am making a difference in a person’s life during a time of need is so gratifying. OBR makes a difference in the world one meal at a time and I am so honored to be a part of this great organization!
Dana Reed
Why did you get involved?
Being involved with OBR is to be part of something bigger than any one person. To witness how a group of people completely unknown to each other can converge on a disaster scene and start to provide hope and compassion one meal at a time is indescribable. This has been my experience since 2012 and looking forward to serving alongside the countless volunteers that share in OBR’s mission.
Paul Peterson
Why did you get involved?
I got involved with OBR to help others. I stay involved because of the amazing volunteers and partners that come together during a disasters and just make things happen! The look on someone’s face when you hand them a hot meal says it all. This is the best the human spirit has to offer. Partners and volunteers, selfless giving during another’s time of need is just an amazing thing to experience.
Operational Team
Nick Woolfolk
Why did you get involved?
Cooking is my passion, and to be able to use my passion to help get that one meal to that person in need is in itself why i got involved and couldn’t stop serving with this wonderful organization.
Scott Guy
Why did you get involved? I volunteer for Operation BBQ Relief because I love to help people in need. I have a strong drive to make things work no matter how hard they are.
John Orr
Why did you get involved? It allows me to do something I love, BBQ, and help those in need.
Shane Petzold
Why did you get involved? I volunteer for Operation BBQ Relief because I love to help people in need. I have a strong drive to make things work no matter how hard they are.
Patrick Banks
Why did you get involved? Patrick and Kathy became involved with Operation BBQ Relief in the spring of 2012.
Stuart Cohen
John Wheeler
Brian Polak
Mike Davis
Mike Moore
Elaine Moore
Karen Espey
Chris Huggins
Territory Leads
Dewayne Daniel
Why did you get involved?
I volunteer for OBR because I love to help people in need. I have a strong drive to make things work no matter how hard they are.
Joey Rusek
Mike Richter
Jerry Stitzel
Chris Kelly
State Leads
Brian Bruce
Mark Crigler
Dewayne Daniel
Tom Moore
Keith Segura
Jamie McDonald
Ron Templeman
Kenny Nadeau
Lyle and Barbara Powell
Rich Jones
Roger Dietrich
Greg Powers
Kevin Manring
Mike Whitlow
Meg Ferguson
Eoin Lynch
Steve Coddington
Mark Lambert
Amy Hays
Tyrel Hamilton
Troy Youngblood
Marc Mangano
Neil Gallagher
Jerry Stephenson
Bob Stanfiel
Roger Dietrich
Roy Powell
Tim Lambert
Don Adkins
Allen Smith
Bryan McLarty
Joey Smith
Bill Jones
Chris Kelly
Ezra Braden
Tim Schopp
State Leads Map
Hover over the map to view State Leads for each state. We are in need of more volunteers to become State Leads in the states lighter in color and labeled “Open.”
If you are interested in becoming a State Lead in your area, please email us here.
State Leads Map
