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WHO WE ARE

Get to know the patriots who believe in the Folds of Honor mission and are working hard to change lives in their city.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Doug Mitchell

President

I am pleased to serve as President of the Board for the Folds of Honor Saint Louis Chapter.  I reside in Saint Charles, MO with my wife Barb (41 years of marriage), and proud father of two daughters, and have two grandchildren.

I was raised on a grain farm in Central Illinois, and moved to Saint Charles in 1987.  I am a Business Owner of TQS Inspections, Inc. established in 1990.  I enjoy golf, further developing my business, and supporting the mission of the Folds of Honor Foundation and the St. Louis Chapter.

Matt Schwarz

Vice President

My wife and I reside in Chesterfield, MO a suburb of St. Louis.  We are blessed with three wonderful children.  I am the President & General Manager of Courtesy Products, located in St. Louis.  I attended college and graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia.  Other volunteer activities have included American Hotel & Lodging Association – Board of Directors, Mercy – Corporate Partners Counsel and Regional Business Council – Mentor Network.

Being a member of the Folds of Honor St. Louis Chapter provides the opportunity for us to give back to the families of our fallen and disabled service members.  Each scholarship awarded changes a life.

Frank Kuchnicki

Secretary

My appointment to the position of Secretary of the Board, for the STL Chapter of Folds of Honor, is one I will work tirelessly to fulfill my duties in our mission to help support all veterans and their families. I did not serve our country, but my father and stepfather both served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Needless to say, I was raised to appreciate those who sacrifice everything.

As a member of the Alton community, I have cooked meals for the Alton Police Department, volunteered/participated in numerous fundraisers (most notable is the Blake Snyder Memorial Golf Tournament) and many charities associated with our Community Outreach Team at Leidos (such as Mission Continues, charity drives for STL Children’s Hospital, STL Area Foodbank and Stray & Rescue STL).

I feel as though our veterans, and their families, are willing to sacrifice everything so it was past due for me to serve and help them. Along with being a member of the Folds of Honor Board, I participate in the American Corporate Partners (ACP). ACP offers veterans a yearlong, one-on-one mentorship with a professional from different career paths.

Suzanne Lay

Treasurer 

I am honored to serve as the Vice President / Treasurer for the Folds of Honor St. Louis Chapter. I am a St. Louis native and retired from AT&T where I held numerous positions in operations, finance and human resources. I earned both my undergraduate & graduate degrees from Webster University. Since retiring I have pressed into many volunteer opportunities and my passion to Honor God and Help People makes working with Folds of Honor a perfect fit.

I also currently serve on the board of a non-profit, Home of the Free, Inc., which directly supports Folds of Honor by sponsoring a charity auction & golf event annually at Whitmoor Country Club. This organization’s fundraising so far has raised over $225,000 for Folds of Honor.

I live in west county with my husband, Tony Ellebracht, and have 2 sons and 2 amazing grandchildren.

Alejandra (Ally) Berra

Director of Communications

I am Portfolio Manager for Commerce Trust Company in Clayton. My husband and I reside in Webster Groves and we stay busy raising 2 beautiful little girls. I grew up with Honduran parents that were active in our community – I am continuing that example for my daughters. I am proud to be a member of the Folds family and give back to those who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us. I believe in education as key to building strong communities and our country’s economic development. Folds of Honor is changing lives and creating an impact.

I came to the United States to attend University of the Ozarks where I double majored in Business and Economics, I met my husband and moved to St. Louis. I later earned my MBA from Webster University and continue to support many organizations such as Operation Food Search, Marian Middle School, Mosaic Project, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Regional Business Council’s Young Professional’s Network. 

I am proud to be a naturalized U.S. citizen and stand next to many men and women who call this beautiful country our own. Many of which serve in different branches of the military so we can continue to enjoy our freedom. Thank you for your service!

Joy Petty

Joy Petty

Director of Corporate Relations

Maybe as a result of being born on an Air Force Base in Edwards, California, I’ve always felt a strong connection and intense admiration for the 1% who serve our country. As a Marketing Director for Schnucks, I had the incredible opportunity to develop the grocery store’s first Round Up at the Register campaign.  Knowing how deeply the St. Louis community cares about both the military and education, Folds of Honor was the ideal partner.  We were overwhelmed by the generosity of Schnucks shoppers and have made the Round Up at the Register campaign to benefit Folds of Honor an annual event.  I couldn’t be more excited to serve on the St. Louis Folds of Honor Board to help spread the word to even more in our community about the incredible life-changing work that Folds of Honor is doing. I served on the American Made Matters board for four years.  Then five years ago, co-founded a service club for grade-school age children, called Wonder Workers, that continues to be a huge source of inspiration as we teach the next generation to live generously. I’m a “boy mom” through and through with three teenage sons who eat like horses and keep me running back to Schnucks to fill the fridge … again!

Tim Maxvill

Director of Business Development

I am a proud St. Louis native.  I graduated from Lindenwood College in St. Charles and have mastered Relationship Marketing through excellent communication skills focusing on family and friendships.  As a self-employed medical consultant, I have a passion for helping individuals by always creating a professional, positive environment uniting groups via successful networking.  I have been involved with several charities over the years primarily focusing on youth and veterans, and currently a Board Member. 

I reside in the O’Fallon, Missouri area with my wife & high school sweetheart Mariann and our beloved dog.  I remain very close to our large family.  A few of my favorite hobbies are fishing, golfing, and traveling.

Bob Fishbeck

Director of Marketing 

I am honored to be a part of the St. Louis chapter of Folds of Honor.  My journey with this life changing organization began in 2010 at Anheuser-Busch where we established one of the first national Folds of Honor programs with the flagship brand, Budweiser.  It’s a program that lives on today, and I am very proud of the work that the team has done to provide thousands of scholarships to the families of our fallen and injured servicemen and women.  I’m excited to continue supporting this great mission.  

I’m a lifelong St. Louisan, having worked in marketing for over 25 years at great companies such as AB and Bayer.  I’ve been married to my wife, Beth, for over 20 years.  We love to travel when we can and I love to golf! 

Jack Stapleton

Advisory Board 

I am proud to serve as the Vice President for the Folds of Honor St. Louis Chapter, and this opportunity is very meaningful in so many ways. My Father, Robert S Stapleton, served in the Army Air Corps with honor in WWII, as did his 5 brothers…all in different branches.  At a very early age I was fortunate to be surrounded by family, friends and neighbors who all appreciated freedom and what it took for this great country to be THE beacon of freedom for the rest of the world.  

I learned true appreciation for all military from my father and family and I simply have to pass that on and give back!  I am so fortunate to have friends that serve and have served in the military and for Folds of Honor and when they needed foot soldiers… I had to step up! I am honored to serve our Folds Families and this incredible community.

My wife Bet and I have been married for 33 years and have five children and one amazing granddaughter. I serve on The Children’s Hospital of St. Louis Foundation Board, The St. Louis Sports Commission Board, The Children’s Miracle Network Board and am the past President of the Boston College Alumni Chapter of St. Louis organization (GO EAGLES).

Michelle Fahy

Media Relations & Event Marketing Coordinator 

Supporting our country’s military members has always been a passion of mine – with both friends and family having served. Knowing these individuals sacrificed so much without question, the least I can do is give some of my time, talent and experience to help support the families impacted by the most selfless act one could make. It’s my chance to help take care of those who have willingly taken care of my family’s freedom.

I assist the local chapter by leveraging my marketing background and education to build awareness surrounding Folds of Honor throughout our local community.  

Born and raised in St. Louis, I am grateful and honored to be a part of such a great team and organization that supports those locally that have sacrificed so much.