Team Rubicon believes that leadership isn’t just about position—it’s about action. The disaster relief nonprofit’s Culture Coin program recognizes volunteers—or Greyshirts—who embody the organization’s core values and demonstrate exceptional commitment to mission. For volunteer appreciation week, we’re highlighting the 2024 recipients of the “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin, and celebrating those who stepped up—or aside—when it mattered most.
What is the “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin?
The “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin recipients demonstrate that understanding their purpose within Team Rubicon isn’t about staying in their lane—it’s about recognizing where you can add the most value, stepping up when needed, and sometimes stepping aside to let others lead. These exceptional Greyshirts show us that knowing your role is fundamentally about serving the mission, supporting your team, and getting shit done when communities need Team Rubicon most.
The “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin is awarded to Greyshirts who, while serving the organization in either operational or non-operational capacities, stepped into critical roles despite limited experience or qualifications—or conversely, stepped aside to allow someone more qualified to serve. There may or may not be glamor in the role assigned, but by executing it with understanding and pride, while showing emotional and spiritual support to the Greyshirts around us, is of more importance than rank. By understanding each person’s role, we can see how all our efforts work in harmony toward achieving our goals. Recipients of the “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin maintain a positive esprit de corps and demonstrate unwavering commitment to Team Rubicon’s broader mission and objectives while in the field.
Meet the 24 Exceptional Greyshirt Winners of the 2024 “Everyone Has A Role. Know It.” Culture Coin
Frank Alvarez
Through unwavering commitment and hard work, Frank earned the position of Philadelphia Metro Area Membership Coordinator. His comprehensive understanding of each leadership role within the metro team has significantly enhanced the planning and implementation of activities for 2025. Frank’s ability to connect with and understand every role has created a more efficient and cohesive team.
Marci Beaudette
Despite facing her own life challenges, Marci consistently checks on her fellow Team Rubicon members while continuing to organize events. Her resilience and dedication shine through as she coordinates training events again and again, knowing her role in building team capability.
Marc Beaulac
Despite being an extremely experienced Logistics Section Chief, Marc stepped in as Deputy Logistics Section Chief to mentor a less experienced colleague. He dedicated an entire week to training them to excel in the LSC role, going above and beyond to build capacity within the organization.
Laura “Happy” Block
Laura not only knows her role but understands it so thoroughly that she effectively passes her knowledge to others. Regardless of circumstances, she consistently performs at her best. With years of experience spanning all areas of Membership, Laura exemplifies how deep knowledge of your role becomes a resource for the entire organization.
Marc Boyd
As a mentor to new planners in Florida, Marc has quickly become a popular choice for Mission Planning Team Lead during operations. His leadership and mentorship have strengthened Team Rubicon’s capabilities in the region, demonstrating how knowing your role can elevate an entire team.
Jamey Carlile
Always ready to answer any call or concern, Jamey would stay up late helping strike team leaders submit work orders and ensuring their success. He also made time to boost morale around the fire pit, sharing stories and building camaraderie—understanding that his role included both technical support and team cohesion.
Kristi Chaney
Kristi’s actions went far beyond her assigned duties as a General Responder. She identified a problem during an operation and created an entirely new role to solve it, ensuring mission completion. Her initiative exemplifies how understanding where you can add value is crucial to our success.
Rachell Cook
Rachell’s positive attitude and commitment to South Branch and Team Rubicon as a whole have pushed her beyond her comfort zone, helping her overcome challenges like public speaking. Her determination to accomplish jobs despite limited knowledge demonstrates her understanding of her role, while her can-do attitude toward training shows her commitment to continuous improvement.
Kenny Crane
Many Greyshirts wear multiple hats, but Kenny demonstrated exceptional ability by smoothly handling dual roles during an emergency where a community was in immediate need. As both a logistics leader and responding Greyshirt, he maintained a positive attitude while keeping Greyshirt safety and comfort in mind—proving that knowing your role creates success for both the mission and those carrying it out.
Mike Doyle
As an excellent chainsaw instructor, Mike has fundamentally transformed the Southeast Saw cadre for the better. He’s made the program more inclusive (especially for women), more student-friendly, and considerably less intimidating—understanding that his role extends beyond teaching skills to building a more accessible and diverse organization.
Stephanie Evans
Described as an honor to serve alongside, Stephanie’s contributions extended beyond her exceptional fieldwork. She exemplifies what Team Rubicon cherishes and strives to demonstrate to the communities we serve—understanding that her role includes representing the organization’s values.
Wes Foraker
With his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Wes creates a welcoming team atmosphere wherever he goes. His leadership style energizes volunteers, and his excellent communication skills enable teams to forge ahead and Get Shit Done. Wes exemplifies how understanding your role includes inspiring those around you.
Alex Groff
Alex has created a safe, enriching environment where all Greyshirts can grow. He consistently puts others first, helping them become better at what they do and prefers to put fellow Greyshirts in the spotlight rather than himself.
Art Hasegawa
Art serves as a “bastion of culture” both on and off operations, providing Greyshirts with immensely positive and impactful experiences. His understanding of Team Rubicon’s cultural foundation ensures that our values permeate every aspect of our work.
Stan Kubik
Stan’s efforts have engaged and activated Greyshirts who typically cannot deploy for extended operations but have a desire to serve. By creating opportunities for these members, he’s building the foundation for future deployments and expanding our capacity to respond.
Dave LaRivee
Dave’s honest communication with community partners about Team Rubicon’s capabilities and limitations builds trust and sets realistic expectations. He finds ways to execute operations under budget by leading Command and General Staff teams in meal preparation, mixing saw fuel, and organizing carpooling. Never too busy to lend a hand or mentor fellow Greyshirts, Dave embodies the balance between leadership and service.
Eric McKee
Eric’s “I got it covered” approach significantly contributed to field operations, ensuring teams were well-fed and their chainsaws remained operational. His leadership during Operation K Greenwood Co. SC – TRojan Moon left a lasting impact on all deployed Greyshirts, demonstrating how fulfilling your role with excellence elevates the entire mission.
Larry Montoya
In operations and training environments, Larry consistently strives to make everyone around him a better Greyshirt. Understanding that his role includes elevating others, Larry embodies the mentorship and leadership that make Team Rubicon stronger with each deployment.
Kaleb Morgan
Despite his youth, Kaleb demonstrates a stronger sense of identity and purpose than many twice or three times his age. He embodies the noble values of both our armed forces and Team Rubicon in everything he does. Working with Kaleb gives his colleagues hope for the future—showing how knowing your role includes inspiring the next generation.
Ken Peebles
With over 100 deployments, Ken’s experience is extraordinary. He has braved extreme conditions—including a Bomb Cyclone and Atmospheric River—to train new Greyshirts, ensure mission readiness, and keep the chainsaws sharp. His dedication to capacity building shows how knowing your role includes passing on critical knowledge.
Larry Singer
A constant positive presence in the OH/MI Mission Planning Team, Larry is always ready to mentor newer members or direct them to the right resources. He vigilantly monitors the area for events that might trigger an Initial Situation Report and is first to “get shit done” when “grey skies” hit. During “blue skies,” he works tirelessly to improve processes by developing tools that enhance everything the team does, even extending help to Mission Planning Teams outside his Geographic Area of Responsibility.
Sheri Sperin
Working in recruiting, Sheri consistently helps Alabama sign up as many potential Greyshirts as possible. She provides everything needed to onboard future members and helps resolve issues to move people forward. Her exceptional recruiting numbers speak to her dedication and understanding of her critical role in building Team Rubicon’s capacity.
Pete Wawrzonek
Pete’s unwavering commitment to team safety and his passion for serving communities in crisis were instrumental to mission success. His leadership and dedication elevated the impact of the entire operation, showing how knowing your role includes ensuring both mission success and team welfare.
Pamela Zuteck
Pamela goes above and beyond to engage other Greyshirts and encourage greater involvement with Team Rubicon. Her efforts to push others to get involved are creating a multiplier effect, potentially bringing more dedicated members like her into the organization.
