Board of Directors

Pete Atkinson-President

I am Pete Atkinson, president and founding member of Winter of the Beard. I have been helping the community I grew up in my entire life, I volunteered for youth coalitions and diversity groups and many other things to help in the community! I work in television entertainment mostly sports, I am also a country musician. I started this charity with my friends to honor our best friend who took his life in 2013. This was my way of carrying his legacy and continuing to help our community but in a different manner. As we continue expanding I look forward to seeing the volunteer base grow and the hearts of everyone shine!

Andy Dillard-Vice President

Hey all, I’m Vice President and one of the founding members of Winter of the Beard. I handle most of the graphic design for the charity as well as assisting where needed. When not chariting it up I enjoy playing board games, my giant dog, creating, competition and tom foolery. I dislike roasting in the hot sun, stubbing toes, waking up too early and wet socks. I’m looking forward to the growth of the charity, touching even more lives.

Cory Mullins-Secretary

The strength of a community can be measured by the compassion of its members. As a grandson, nephew and friend of service veterans, I am passionate about increasing and improving the opportunities available to those in our community. In my twelve years as a therapist serving the needs of individuals coping with addiction, mood disorders, trauma and other challenges, I have seen first-hand the need for bolstering our existing health and service infrastructure. Building community capacity, fundraising and highly motivated people are just a few of the things that inspire me. When not working or Bearding, I enjoy sports, nature, travel and my two wild dogs.

Chuck Nelson-Treasurer

Treasurer and Founding Member of Winter of the Beard. Chuck plays a key role in organization, and execution of our annual golf outing, The Brian Smith Memorial 3 Person Scramble. Chuck keeps the books organized, and makes sure all your donations are used to their maximum potential by also serving on the endowment committee for the Brian Smith Memorial Grant. Chuck likes posting random food pictures on Instagram, starting political debates when he’s bored, and has a rockin salt and pepper beard. Chuck dislikes under ripe fruit and bad drivers. Chuck is a freelance broadcast engineer that focuses mainly on sports broadcasting. He also finds writing autobiographies in third person to be very strange. Chuck looks forward to what the future hold for Winter of the Beard, and all of our members.

Zack Behler-Legal

A Founding member of Winter of the Beard, Zack handles the legal work for the organization. Zack also serves on the Endowment Committee. When his isn’t volunteering for Winter of the Beard, Zack makes his living as a civil litigation attorney specializing on intellectual property, environmental, and municipal law. In his spare time you can probably find him birding or working on his 100 year old house.

Jessica Acena-Resident Veteran

Hi my name is Jess Acena I’m a Veteran and Board member for WOTB. I love serving the Veteran Community and feel that it is my calling. As a 13-year service member, I believe in the advocacy and service to those who have been so selfless. I am currently a student at Eastern Michigan University studying Social Work, a degree that I plan on using toward a job serving Veterans and military families. I enjoy every moment spent amongst my brothers and sisters and absolutely love this organization. I am the only woman on this board at the moment so I look forward to seeing other female leadership in the future!