OUR TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Irvine
Founder & Chairman

World-class chef and entrepreneur, and a tireless philanthropic supporter of our nation’s military.

The host of Food Network’s hit show Restaurant: Impossible, he has given struggling restaurateurs a second chance to turn their lives and businesses around in over 200 episodes and counting.
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Gail Kim
Board of Directors

A legend in professional wrestling, she is a retired star of TNA Wrestling.

Gail was inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame after retiring in 2017. Gail shares her husband’s passion for military advocacy and often accompanies him on base tours and USO tours.
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Justin Leonard
Board of Directors

Justin currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Chef Robert Irvine.

He has been working with Robert for 10 years. He is a magma cum laude graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
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Dave Jeffries
Board of Directors

Dave has been practicing business law for 30 years, and working with Robert for the last 10.

As part of his personal mission, Dave forms not-for-profit entities for individuals and groups desiring to give back.
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Scott Sonnemaker
Board of Directors

Scott Sonnemaker served our nation in the US Navy. He was on Active Duty from 1985-1990.

Scott served through 4 deployments. Scott has worked closely with Robert Irvine and the Foundation through his previous roles as Chief Customer Officer of Sysco Corporation and Group President of Genuine Parts, North American Automotive.
Throughout his successful business career, Scott’s desire to support our veterans and their loved ones has become a true passion.
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Pam Swan
Board of Directors

The Sr. Director of Military Relations & Business Development for Veterans United Home Loans.

In addition to working on internal programs, Pam is very active with the military community. She has utilized her financial background to educate and help military families. Her personal desire is to enhance the quality of life for all men and women that serve. When not working Pam enjoys spending time with her husband, Retired U.S. Army Soldier, John, and their two children.
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EXECUTIVE STAFF

Judith Otter
President

Judith Otter brings with her decades of experience establishing and developing new organizations.

After a successful career in finance, Judith worked alongside Gary Sinise to create and scale the Gary Sinise Foundation, a Veteran Service Organization. During her tenure, she served as Executive Director as well as Chief Operating Officer. Judith started working with the Robert Irvine Foundation in 2020 and looks forward to helping grow their mission and give back to our American heroes.
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David Reid
VP, Director of Military, Veteran, and First Responder Outreach

As a boy, David dreamed of one day serving his country and enlisted in the Army in 2008.

After boot camp, he became part of the Army’s Special Operations unit, the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Regiment. David deployed three times to combat zones in the Middle East, once to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. During his second tour of Afghanistan in 2010, he was seriously wounded; while clearing rooms of an enemy compound in the midst of an intense firefight, an IED exploded, badly injuring his lower left leg, which doctors were unable to save.
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Anthony Spadaro
VP, Director of Development and Special Projects

Anthony Spadaro is a retired United States Marine Corps senior noncommissioned officer.

Anthony retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2020 after a distinguished 35-year military career.
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CONTACT US

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THE ROBERT IRVINE BRAND FAMILY

Veterans in Crisis
1-800-273-8255
A single act of kindness can help someone feel less alone. Your actions could help save a life. #bethere

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
1-800-959-TAPS
Whether you are in emotional crisis, need to connect with TAPS resources and programs, or just want to remind yourself that you are a part of a loving, supporting family.

Marine Corps Distress Line
1-877-476-7734
24×7 anonymous phone, chat and referral service using a ‘Marine to Marine’ approach.

Robert Irvine Foundation
Robert Irvine Foundation A tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #46-5420676). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Impact statistics are reported from our inception in 2014 to present.