MINUTEMAN DISASTER RESPONSE - Key Persons


BILL WERNER

Job Titles:
  • Gear Coordinator
Gear Coordinator Member Since 2017 - Bill retired from Texas Instruments as an Electrical Engineer, and was able to substantially increase his level of participation in several community service organizations, providing support for those that have likely just experienced the most devastating day of their lives.

BRIAN MEAGHER

Job Titles:
  • Director of Strategic Partnerships
Director of Strategic Partnerships - Brian got involved with MDR because of working with another disaster response organization. MDR was a perfect fit for his personality, values, and beliefs. He has loved getting to know like minded folks and making an impact after survivors' worst days.

CARLA EVERETT

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant - Carla's husband, Scott, had been involved with MDR for years before she joined the team. After experiencing the excellent work that Minuteman does for those in need, Carla joined the Gala Committee and soon after, became a part of the staff team as an Administrative Assistant.

CHRIS HILL

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Collin County Judge
Chris is a sixth-generation native Texan, and a fourth-generation resident of Collin County. Chris has been married to his high school sweetheart, Laura, for 19 years. Today, they live in McKinney with their three children.

ERIC BURKES

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Executive Director, National Operations
Assistant Executive Director, National Operations - Eric learned about Minuteman's mission during a demonstration at a local church. When he learned the quality training they provided, he knew it was the right organization for him. Eric says Minuteman is designed for people who have a desire to serve others. He knows this first-hand from his deployment to Kingsland, Texas, where helped people return to their homes following the severe flooding there.

GREG STORY

Job Titles:
  • Meteorologist - Weather Operations Coordinator
Meteorologist - Weather Operations Coordinator - Greg was introduced to Minuteman via his fellow church friends who were longstanding members of the organization, and was amazed by the desire of strangers to join together and help those in need. Being a retired meteorologist, Greg found that serving in the OPS Center would be monumental to the team's success in storm tracking. "We certainly need more volunteers, and I look forward to working along side you. And trust me, the work Minuteman does is rewarding. The gratitude shown by those we assist is not soon forgotten." Greg spends his free time with his wife, Dawn, three children, and three grandchildren. He regularly volunteers at his local church and is an avid Texas Rangers Fan.

JASON HEIM

McKinney, TX District Coordinator - After traveling to Little Axe, OK, in 2013 to help with tornado cleanup, Jason felt God was calling him to partake in assisting others in a bigger way. Soon after, he joined Minuteman and quickly became a Rapid Response Team Member.

JEFF SPELMAN

Job Titles:
  • Director of Relief Operations
Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2018 - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Jeff with an outlet to volunteer. For Jeff, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Jeff has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Jeff believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting, and hands-on.

KRISTI COOPER

Dallas, TX District Coordinator - Kristi joined MDR in 2017 through her church, Gateway, after searching for ways to serve her community. She notes how rewarding it is to be the hands and feet of Christ, deploying in times of need.

MARK DAVID - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice - President

MARK NAMEY

Job Titles:
  • Membership Coordinator
Member Since 2017 - After retirement, Mark had his sights set on becoming an EMT. However when he discovered MDR, he found a more relaxed, flexible way to provide support to those in need. Mark enjoys every opportunity to talk and pray with those affected by natural disaster. Working with MDR has provided Mark with an immense personal satisfaction that comes from giving back and and helping others.

MATT PAYNE

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Executive Director - Matt got involved with Minuteman because he felt a need to serve others in their time of need while building relationships with like-minded individuals in an atmosphere of service and adventure. Some of the most rewarding experiences he's had on deployment have come from listening to a survivor's story, learning about them as a person, and allowing the opportunity to begin the healing process. Matt believes if looking for a place to volunteer your time to serve those impacted by natural disaster, Minuteman is a great place to do it.

MICHAEL GAMBLE

Job Titles:
  • Chaplain
Member Since 2011 - Grateful for being one of the four men who founded Minuteman after responding to Joplin, Missouri's EF5 tornado, Michael found an avenue to express his passion to serve those affected by disasters. For Michael, the training offered by Minuteman is not only in-depth and professional, but filled with heart, compassion and desire to effectively deploy in the midst of crisis.

MICHAEL TURNBOW

Job Titles:
  • SUAS Coordinator
sUAS Coordinator Member Since 2017 - Michael has been a drone enthusiast as long as he can recall, but even with his fascination and impressive skills, he always wanted to use his knowledge for a better cause. After teaching several drone courses inside of MDR, Michael took the position of the sUAS Coordinator.

MIKE LUDTKA

Job Titles:
  • Heavy Equipment Coordinator
Heavy Equipment Coordinator Member Since 2018 - Mike has always felt a calling to serve others in his life and has done so through many church organizations and projects. When he learned of MDR he quickly joined and with years of experience already under his belt, Mike became a master at operating MDR's heavy equipment. The resources we get to use on deployment are top-notch! There's nothing better than a shower and a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of helping others. Mike works as a Quality Assurance Supervisor for the Federal Government. He spends his time with his wife and two kids and working his classical cars.

PAUL POGUE - Founder, President

Job Titles:
  • Founder
  • President
Founding Member - Paul is a founder of Minuteman, and has remained a highly active member since its inception. While delivering donated goods to Joplin following the 2011 tornado there, he was moved by the struggles suffered by victims and the high demands encountered by first responders. He recognized there was room for prepared volunteers to help in the immediate hours following such disasters. He has seen the dreams of Minuteman fulfilled and exceeded, witnessing strong growth in the team's membership and breadth of capabilities. Asked why other people should participate with Minuteman, his reply is simple and direct:

PETE THIEL

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Director of Relief Operations
Deputy Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2019 - Pete got involved with disaster relief operations to assist those who were in situations beyond their control. Working hard to help others has always come naturally to Pete, so joining the MDR Team was a no-brainer for him.

PHILLIP REEVES

Job Titles:
  • Sawyer Coordinator

RAINEY ROGERS

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
RAINEY ROGERS Rogers-Tate Financial Group Rainey served in England as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1983 & 1984. He has been active in the community through volunteer service at his church, city and county government and with the boy scouts having served as a scoutmaster for over 12 years. Rainey is an eagle scout along with his 4 sons. Rainey also serves on City Council representing District 2. Rainey and his wife Tammy recently celebrated 31 years of marriage and are proud parents of five children, four daughter in laws and 3 grandchildren. Rainey enjoys going on adventure trips all over the world, hunting, boxing (2 time Dallas regional golden glove champion and a 3 time Ringside world Champion) and is also a bee keeper

RANDY ROGAN - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Operations - Region 4
Birmingham, AL District Coordinator - Randy became a member of Minuteman after volunteering through his local church. After getting home from his trip, he immediately became a member and began his training. He has often said that the most rewarding experience as a team member is to encourage and pray with homeowners who have often lost everything.

RANDY ROLAND - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Retired Assistant Chief of Mc
Retired Assistant Chief of McKinney Police Retired Assistant Chief Roland lives in Richardson, Texas, Collin County, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Municipal Water District as a Richardson Representative. He has served as chairman and member of the City Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment/Buildings and Standards Commission. He served on the Executive Board of Directors for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and as past President of the Board of Directors for CASA of Collin County. He is married to Dr. Sandy Roland and they have two adult children.

RON ROSS

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
RON ROSS SRS Distribution Inc. Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Ronald Ross has acquired in depth expertise in all aspects of the building products industry including manufacturing, supply chain management, operations, sales, marketing, accounting and finance. He has particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, managing a public company and in turnaround and startup operations. For the last 25 years, he has functioned at the CEO/Chairman/Board level. On February 29, 2008 Ronald partnered with AEA Investors to complete the acquisition of Suncoast Roofers Supply. From 2008 through 2012, SRS expanded from 8 locations in Florida to 84 locations in 28 states through 28 acquisitions and the opening of 36 greenfield start-up locations. In February 2013, SRS was purchased from AEA by Berkshire Partners, a Boston, MA based investment firm. Since the acquisition by Berkshire Partners, the Company has completed over 27 additional acquisitions, and grown the business to over 200 locations operating in over 41 states nationwide. The Company now operates under 21 brand names, all of which have an operating heritage in their local markets, and is the 3rd largest Roofing distributor in the U.S.

RUSSELL DOBBS

Job Titles:
  • Area Sales Manager / Loan Officer for Bay Equity Home Loans
  • Church Partnership
Church Partnership Member Since 2017 Having lived through a tornado in 1999 and participated in relief efforts through church groups in years after, Russell wanted to get involved with a group that was organized and had the same vision that he did in serving those affected by disasters. The most rewarding experience he's had was serving during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and seeing how truly grateful the people were. Russell is the Area Sales Manager/Loan Officer for Bay Equity Home Loans in Frisco, Texas. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and being near the water.

Sawyer Coordinator

Sawyer Coordinator Member Since 2023 - Phillip has been involved with disaster relief operations for many years and came into contact with MDR while serving those in need. After being impressed by the organizations structure and training, he joined the team and quickly became a regular volunteer on the team. I love helping people, but my true passion is teaching and increasing capability in others. Helping inexperienced sawyers become faster and more efficient has been very rewarding. Phillip is an Afgahanistan army combat veteran, former school teacher, and contractor. His girlfiend, also an MDR Member, and him split their time between their home in Louisiana and their home in Puerto Rico where they build response capabilites and oppurtunities.

SCOTT EVERETT

Job Titles:
  • Director of National Expansion
San Antonio, TX District Coordinator - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Scott an outlet to volunteer. For Scott, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Scott has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Scott believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting and hands-on.

SCOTT OLSON

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

SHANNON "AL" HOPE

Job Titles:
  • Director of Logistics & Training
Director of Logistics & Training - After more than ten years as a first responder for the feder al government and an equ al amount of time volunteering for emergency management Al felt the need to continue using those skills to serve those in need. After moving to Texas, Al discovered Minuteman through the Collin County website and became a member the same day.

STAN SHERWOOD

Job Titles:
  • Field Communications Coordinator
Member Since 2016 - Stan learned of Minuteman Disaster Response while his church was looking for ways to aid those suffering after a natural disaster. After attending a meeting and learning more about MDR, the concept of the rapid response team was especially appealing to him. From the start, joining MDR has been a very rewarding opportunity for Stan to make a difference in the lives of natural disaster victims, and even more rewarding to aid the first responders and families that have suffered in the same disaster. MDR is a great team of God-loving people who I'm honored to work with. When not assisting with Minuteman, Stan enjoys spending time with his wife or working at the company he's co-owned for more than 23 years. Stan has two married sons and a daughter who's soon to be married.

TIMOTHY ADAMS

Job Titles:
  • Director of Member Success
Director of Member Success - Timothy first became involved with Minuteman after creating a short documentary about the organization in college in 2018. After finishing college, Timothy joined as a volunteer shortly after focusing on capturing the devastation and coming together of volunteers through photography and videography.

Tucker David

Job Titles:
  • Owner of Tucker David Investments
Tucker David Investments Mark is an owner of Tucker David Investments which owns and develops property in North Texas. He has worked as an attorney and as a commodity futures and options trader. He is a former board member of the Heard Museum and the Texas Map Society. Mark is a member of Minuteman's Rapid Response Team and its Flood and Swift Water Rescue Team. He enjoys traveling and playing masters basketball.

W.A. DEVORE

WILLIAM (W.A.) DEVORE Tulsa, OK District Coordinator - W.A. joined the Minuteman team in 2019 after witnessing first-hand disaster strike and the flood of volunteers that had come to assist residents impacted. Quickly following his joining of the organization, W.A. was placed as the District Coordinator for Tulsa, OK. "Anyone that wants to help people and enjoys working with other volunteers should join MDR" W.A. is retired from the oil industry and enjoys spending time with his wife, Arlynaa, and family. Contact

WILLIAM "BILL" SOMMERS

Job Titles:
  • Maintenance Coordinator
Member Since 2017 - After retiring from the McKinney Post Office, Bill was looking for a way to "pay it back" with the free time he had on his hands. When he learned about Minuteman Disaster Response he thought that it would be a perfect fit for him. Bill recounted his early days with MDR by saying that the group is full of incredible individuals that come together for a common goal.