Board of Directors
Meet The Team
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President
Wesley Kleitches
Wesley has devoted his life to public service, beginning at 16 with the local fire department and continuing through five years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter and EMT. After his honorable discharge, he graduated as class leader from the police academy and served as a Police Officer for a decade. Moved by the impact of Hurricane Helene, he founded Operation Providing Hope to support disaster response efforts. Today, as President and CEO, Wesley continues his mission to aid communities in crisis through compassionate, hands-on leadership

Vice President
Trent Howerton
Born in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and raised near Emporia, VA, Trent developed a love for the outdoors and sports early in life before joining the Marine Corps at age 18. Over a 20-year career, he served across the globe with multiple combat deployments and held roles ranging from heavy equipment operator to senior instructor and advisor. Trent played a key part in training thousands of Marines and contributed to major logistical transitions, including the global rollout of the JLTV. After retiring in 2021, he transitioned into the insurance industry and now works as an independent agent specializing in business insurance and workers’ compensation. He lives in Advance, NC, with his wife of 20 years, Jennifer, their two daughters, and their Dobermans, Blu and Bella.

Secretary
Autumn Lance
Autumn, a native of Western North Carolina, was inspired to serve others after witnessing the devastation in her hometown. She now works as an emergency room nurse at a Level 1 trauma center in Greenville, SC, where she cares for patients in critical need. Her passion for helping others led her to join Operation Providing Hope, where she found a shared mission and close-knit team. Outside of work, Autumn enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and has a lifelong love of horses—earning a national equestrian scholarship to Berry College. She remains committed to supporting disaster relief efforts and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing hardship.
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Treasurer
Sarah Bishop
Sarah, a Liberty, NC native, began her journey in service at 16 as a junior firefighter and soon became an EMT, working for her local EMS agency. She earned her bachelor's degree from UNC-Greensboro and a master’s in physiology from NC State, all while serving as an Advanced EMT. Currently pursuing her physician assistant degree at UNC Chapel Hill, she plans to follow it with a doctorate. Outside of her studies and healthcare work, she enjoys time with her sister Ashlynn and her Yorkie, Tucker, and has volunteered with several community-focused organizations. Her lifelong passion for service drives her continued commitment to making a difference through both healthcare and nonprofit work.
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Operations Director
Jason Kampfer
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Veterans Affairs/First Responders Director
Kerri Crossley
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Board of Directors
Dr. Michael Johnston
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Assistant Medical Director
Alan Grizzard
Alan, also known as “Grizz,” grew up in a military family and was involved in philanthropy from an early age, shaping his lifelong commitment to service. With over 25 years in healthcare, he has served as a Paramedic, Registered Nurse, and now a Nurse Practitioner, graduating summa cum laude with his Master of Science in Nursing. A founding member of Operation Providing Hope, Alan is passionate about rapid disaster response and its critical role in saving lives and aiding recovery. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys time with his wife Sterling, their children Rylan and Natalie, and their pets. He is also an avid saltwater fisherman, sports enthusiast, and active community member, having served on the board of Twin City Santa.

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Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
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Events Director
Sterling Grizzard
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Communications Director
Laura Craven
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.

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Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.