David Swain
President
David has been involved with the Chile Pepper for several years. Running is a big part of his life, and he was on John McDonnell’s UA team. He also swims now, and encourages his children and kids of all ages to get out there and run for the joy of it. David oversees the building of hotels with Gary Brandon Construction, and enjoys the challenge of pulling together diverse resources to put together the Chile Pepper Festival.
Mike Armstrong
Vice-President
"I love being involved with the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival because it includes junior high through masters athletes, promotes involvement in a sport that can last a lifetime, and gives significantly to the youth of Northwest Arkansas. From my involvement with track and field around the US, I also know that it is one of the premier cross country events in the country."
Mike directs Christ on Campus, a non-denominational Christian ministry to students at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as president of the Arkansas Association of USA Track & Field and the U of A Track Officials' Association and chairs the Officials' Continuing Education Group for USA Track & Field.
He enjoys spending time with his wife and family; officiating track and field around the US; and playing racquetball.
Jay Lewis
Race Director
A 6th generation native of Fayetteville, Jay has enjoyed running in over a dozen Chile Pepper Runs…many in costume to celebrate the event. Jay is a competitive cyclist who is the reigning 45+ Arkansas State Road Race Champion and has crossed the US on a bike in 32 days. He loves the freedom and spirit of running, and that carried him through 9 marathons and dozens of shorter events.
“This festival is important for Northwest Arkansas and the Lewis Family has supported it from the start. My late uncle Tom Lewis, (probably the world’s most unlikely runner who was bow legged and slow), always ran with a smile. He was steadfast in his support for Joe and the Chile Pepper for 20 years, and encouraged everyone around him to get out and run. I want to carry on that tradition…maybe not the slow and bow legged part…but to support the Chile Pepper and continue the great things it provides for our community.”
Jay has been involved with local and international companies in sales, and has held leadership roles in civic, school and professional associations. He is devoting his time this season to direct this event.
Wanda Lanier
Treasurer
Wanda has been a CPA in Fayetteville for 20+ years. She enjoys her career, but finds most days are spent indoors. Therefore, she spends her “Free” time enjoying the great outdoors. She loves to bike, hike, canoe, and walk. Wanda got involved with the Chile Pepper organization because of her belief that cross country running is an excellent sport that is a lifelong pursuit. It is also a sport that is adaptable to the other constraints that are always present throughout your life. Supporting the high school cross country teams is a way for her to encourage young people to keep active, stay healthy, and get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Her favorite Quote: “Do your best!”
Jon Bitler
Secretary
Jon brings a can do spirit and humor to the organization. “I've run the Chile Pepper for many years, and now it's my turn to help. Actually, Steve McBee (former Chile Pepper Board Member) tricked me into it.” Jon is one of the best runners in the area and enjoys trail running, ultimate frisbee, and townie cycling. He is an Engineering Manager at Kennametal. Jon claims to be a transplanted yankee, and has lived in Fayetteville since 1995.
John McDonnell
Board Member
“Coach” is the retired head coach for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks track team. He began as the cross country track coach for the University in 1972 and became head track coach in 1978. Under his leadership, the University of Arkansas won 42 NCAA championships, including 11 cross country, 19 indoor track and 12 outdoor track. McDonnell retired after the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships. He enjoys spending time on his 2,500-acre cattle ranch, and has been involved with several non-profit organizations, including the American Heart Association and the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute. He works closely with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to promote prostate cancer awareness.
McDonnell earned his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Louisiana (now Louisiana-Lafayette) in 1969, while competing to become a six-time all-American in track and cross country at USL, become the 1966-67 AAU 3,000-meter champion, and won the mile at the 1966 British Selection Games.
McDonnell is married to the former Ellen Elias of Bayonne, New Jersey and has two children, Heather and Sean.
Reuben Reina
Board Member
“I got involved with the Chili Pepper Race to give back to the sport that has given me so much in life, and to help the next local kid to have the opportunity to reach his or her dreams in the sport.”
Reuben’s accomplishments are legendary. He was on a John McDonnell coached team for the University of Arkansas and graduated as a Razorback. During his career he was an 8 Time All-American, 2 Time NCAA Champion and a 1992 USA Olympian. He is the Head Personal Trainer at Fayetteville Athletic Club, who coaches several athletes in the local area.
“I’m a big running fan, and love the outdoors. One of my favorite hobbies is fishing.”
Craig Sharkey
Board Member
Craig Sharkey is an attorney with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Craig was a swimmer in college and switched to running in order to get a change of scenery. He is a competitive triathlete and a fixture in local races. Craig married over his head to a beautiful Fayetteville native who is a renowned pediatrician in the area. They have two daughters.
Danny Green
Board Member
Danny Green is in his 15th year as the director of cross country and track and field operations for the Arkansas cross country and track and field programs. A former Razorback runner, Green believes in the Chile Pepper Festival and joined the board to continue to grow the event.
As the director of cross country and track and field operations, Green is responsible for a myriad of duties including management of the Razorbacks' equipment needs, management of home meets at John McDonnell Field and the coordination of details in the coaches' recruiting efforts and the team's travel arrangements.
A 1995 graduate of Arkansas, Green earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology while competing for head coach John McDonnell. He was a member of nine NCAA Championship Razorback squads. Primarily a distance runner, Green earned All-America honors in the 5,000-meter run at the 1993 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Green is married to the former Sarah Martucci. They have one daughter, Sophie Jane, and two sons, Wyatt and Roman.
Natalie McBee
Board Member
Natalie brings an energetic spirit not only as an organizer but as an active participant! During the week she works for Shell as an account executive, and keeps herself challenged on the weekends as an adventure racer which includes running, biking, boating and climbing to name a few pursuits. Her love for the Chile Pepper comes form running it several times and volunteering for different tasks over the years.
Steve McBee tricked her into marrying him several years ago, and fortunately it worked out great!