Meet Our Operation Motorsport Team

Operation Motorsport Program Foundation Board

Board Chair Co-founder

Diezel Lodder

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Diezel Lodder

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Secretary

Keith Gallagher

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Keith Gallagher

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Treasurer

Jason Leach

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Jason Leach

Jason Leach, a retired US Army Sergeant Major, has made significant contributions to the veteran community through his work with Operation Motorsport. Recognizing the power of motorsports as a therapeutic tool for wounded veterans, Jason became actively involved with the foundation in 2019 and has held various positions. He volunteers his time and expertise to coordinating and supporting programs for Beneficiaries while focusing on various operational elements and future growth of the organization. A trusted advisor and leader, he holds a deep commitment to empowering and uplifting those who have served their country.

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Board Member

Jason Bivins

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Jason Bivins

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Board Member

Adam Wanee

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Adam Wanee

Board Member

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Board Member

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Operation Motorsport Directors

Executive Director Co-founder

Tiffany Lodder

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Tiffany Lodder

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanylodder2015/

Tiffany Lodder is a remarkable individual, a dedicated military spouse, and an accomplished professional. As the Executive Director of Operation Motorsport, she has made significant contributions to the organization's growth and impact. With her unwavering commitment to supporting the military community, Tiffany has become a driving force behind the success of Operation Motorsport.

With over 27 years of experience as a military spouse to a Canadian Armed Forces Member, Tiffany intimately understands the challenges faced by military families. She has been a pillar of strength and support, navigating the complexities of military life while raising two incredible sons, both of whom have followed in their fathers' footsteps and become Canadian Soldiers. This firsthand experience has given Tiffany a profound insight into the needs and aspirations of military personnel and their families.

In 2017, Tiffany played a pivotal role in co-founding Operation Motorsport, a groundbreaking non-profit organization that combines her passion for motorsports and her dedication to the military community. Under her visionary leadership as the Executive Director, Operation Motorsport has flourished, becoming a leading force in using motorsports as a platform for engagement, rehabilitation, and professional development for ill, injured, and wounded service members.

Tiffany's relentless drive and innovative thinking have been instrumental in expanding Operation Motorsport's reach and impact. She has successfully built strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Crowdstrike, Mobil 1, Michelin, RECARO, Skip Barber Racing, and other veteran-focused companies. Through these partnerships, Tiffany has ensured that medically releasing service members are given opportunities to succeed and transition into meaningful paths for their future. These partnerships have not only provided crucial support to Operation Motorsport but have also opened doors for veterans to access unique opportunities in the motorsport industry.

Her unwavering dedication and innovative approach have made a lasting impact on the lives of veterans involved with Operation Motorsport, providing them with a platform for personal growth, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Tiffany Lodder's indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment have positioned her as a true champion for medically releasing service members and wounded veterans, and an inspiring figure in the world of motorsports. Her extraordinary journey as a military spouse, combined with her strategic acumen and passion for empowering others, has shaped Operation Motorsport into a transformative force, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals within the military and veteran community.

Director of Operations

Jason Leach

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Jason Leach

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Director of Development & Partnerships

Amy Taft

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Amy Taft

Dr. Amy Taft is the Development and Partnership guru at Operation Motorsport. Bringing over ten years of expertise in nonprofit development and partnership creation. She has a robust background in military nonprofits and excels at building strategic collaborations that enhance programs and community initiatives. Her commitment to service is evident from her participation in the inaugural Bush Institute Veteran Stand to Leadership program and her work with the Institute for Veteran and Military Families as well as the USMC Marine for Life program. Approachable and dedicated, Amy combines her professional insights with a genuine passion for connecting people and nurturing growth. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Learning and a Doctor of Education with a concentration in Leadership from Liberty University. Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys a fulfilling family life with her Navy Veteran husband and daughters, who reside in Florida. Amy also enjoys spending time with her two dogs and soaking up a good book in a sunny corner of her house.

Operation Motorsport Managers

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US Programs Manager

Jason Simon

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Jason Simon

US Beneficiary Relations Manager

Nate Dowd

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Nate Dowd

Social Media & Public Relations Manager

Lachelle Laney

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Lachelle Laney

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eMotorsport Program Manager

Tyler Reed

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Tyler Reed

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Academy Program Manager

Darren Scott

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Darren Scott

Operation Motorsport Coordinators

Administration Coordinator

Diana Scott

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Diana Scott

Diana Scott is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to both the military community and the field of education. Her inspiring journey began when she met and married Darren Scott, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, and together they have worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of military personnel and their families.

Diana's dedication to education led her to pursue a career at Royal Roads University, where she has served for several years. At Royal Roads, Diana has demonstrated her passion for empowering individuals through education and has become a respected figure in the academic community.

In addition to her work at the university, Diana was involved with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), where she made a lasting impact. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in supporting military families have not gone unnoticed. Diana's outstanding contributions were recognized when she received the prestigious Volunteer Award from the Governor General for her exemplary work with the MFRC. This recognition highlights Diana's dedication to service and her ability to positively impact the lives of those around her. She has become a role model for others, inspiring them to give back to their communities and make a difference.

After a fulfilling career and happily retiring, Diana's desire to give back to the veteran community remained strong. Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and their families, she sought ways to contribute her time, skills, and passion to make a meaningful impact.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their loved ones, embracing the joy and resilience that comes from a strong support system. Her compassionate nature, combined with her unwavering determination, has truly made her a shining light for the military community and beyond.

Diana Scott continues to inspire others to give back and make a difference, showcasing the transformative power of service and compassion. Her tireless dedication to supporting veterans and their families serves as a testament to her character and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

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Motorsport Immersion Event Coordinator

Greg Meismer

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Greg Meismer

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Outreach Coordinator

Paul Morro

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Paul Morro

Paul Morro is a dedicated volunteer and an integral part of the Operation Motorsport team, based in Raleigh. With a passion for automobiles and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, Paul has found his calling in combining his love for motorsports with his commitment to serving those who have sacrificed for their country. As an active member of Operation Motorsport, Paul plays a vital role in supporting the organization's mission of providing recovery and rehabilitation opportunities to ill, injured, and wounded military veterans through motorsport experiences. He understands the profound impact that motorsports can have on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals facing challenges.

Through his career in the automotive field, Paul developed a long association with the Independent Garage Owners of NC, a professional trade organization, which he has used to benefit Operation Motorsport. IGONC has provided Paul with a gratis booth at their annual trade show for several years now, where Paul has raised funds and spread the word about Operation Motorsport’s mission. This show draws hundreds of automotive repair shop personnel from 13 states and 2 countries.

Beyond his involvement with Operation Motorsport, Paul continues to foster his passion for motorsports in various capacities. He actively participates in local racing events, attends automotive exhibitions, and keeps up with the latest developments in the industry. His dedication to staying informed and connected within the automotive community allows him to provide valuable insights and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys working on his own vehicles, fine-tuning their performance, and exploring new automotive technologies. He also takes pleasure in mentoring aspiring automotive enthusiasts, sharing his wealth of knowledge and encouraging them to pursue their passions.

Paul Morro's unwavering commitment to both Operation Motorsport and IGONC exemplifies his compassionate nature, love for motorsports, and dedication to supporting those in need. His volunteer work and passion for the automotive industry make him an invaluable asset to the organizations he serves, as well as to the community at large.

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Volunteer Coordinator

Melanie Manning

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Melanie Manning

Sheri Herrmann has been a communications professional, storyteller, and visionary. She's grown up in racing, so it's no surprise she's spent most of her career working in the sport. Prior to starting her own company, Sheri worked at Continental Tire, where she built their content marketing team from the ground up. She helped build industry-leading campaigns that re-imagined tires and led the company's efforts in IMSA and off-road racing. Before that, she worked at RFK Racing, where she worked with some of NASCAR's top drivers and initiated the team's foray into social media. While Sheri hasn't served in the military, her father, grandfathers, and uncle all served. Sheri is the Social Media Chair on the Women In Sports and Events (WISE) Charlotte board and is active with the Iron Will Network helping veterans.

Team Photographer (Motorsports)

Brian Cleary

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Brian Cleary

Advisory Board

CrowdStrike / AWS

Michelin

President: TPG Brand Strategies LLC / dba The Page Group:

Bob brings to Operation Motorsport an extensive motorsports and entrepreneurial background focused on building high value brands, strategic planning, partnerships, licensing and event marketing strategies. Skills have lead to numerous companies improving sales, creating loyal customers, improving brand messaging, and enhancing corporate valuations thru efforts delivered. Since 2017 he has filled the role of motorsports manager leading all client development and engagement activities for CrowdStrike and AWS in all of their USA motorsports activities. He has functioned as the interim CEO for Adobe Road Wines, and TRG Racing, and has had numerous brand and strategic planning clients inclusive of: Indian Motorcycle, Ferrari N/A, KC Masterpiece, Pulse Evolution, Caterpillar, Fox, Disney, Patron, American Honda, Excelsior Henderson, and many more. Additionally, Bob has owned several companies in the apparel, motorcycle, and residential development arenas, and engaged in a number of boards. A graduate from the University of Minnesota.

Mobil 1

President: TPG Brand Strategies LLC / dba The Page Group:

SRO Motorsports America

President: TPG Brand Strategies LLC / dba The Page Group:

FEL Motorsports

President: TPG Brand Strategies LLC / dba The Page Group:

Ambassadors

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Lynn Friedman

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Chris Walsh

Organization and Mission

Additional Information

Established on June 28, 2017, Operation Motorsport promotes the physical, emotional, psychological, and educational life skills necessary for recovery and reintegration into civilian life.

Operation Motorsport has three distinct roles: to provide motorsport as a recovery activity, to provide training and qualifications to return beneficiaries to work, and as relationship managers to the motorsports and automotive industry for vocational opportunities for ill and injured service members and disabled veterans.

Involvement in the preparation, development, coaching, and teamwork in motorsports competitions is a hugely cathartic experience. By competing in racing and working together in motorsports hospitality, we engender a real team ethos.

It is about so much more than just driving—car preparation, logistics, support, and race management all present challenges to be overcome.

All of these aspects will be part of the Excite – Engage – Empower programs, and Operation Motorsport’s beneficiaries will enter the program at the Excite level and transition through at their own speed and desire to the Engage and Empower programs.

The Community Need

Approximately 1,000 Regular Force members of the Canadian Armed Forces are medically released annually because they no longer meet the Universality of Service.

The Joint 2013 Life After Service Survey found that 25 percent of medically released respondents, who were veterans of Regular Force Service, reported a very or moderately difficult transition to civilian life, and of that, 60% of disabled veterans are unemployed.

The US Army numbers are even more staggering. With the Army being the largest of the 4 services, there are approximately 17,000 US Army Soldiers that are separated with a medical disability annually.

Programs

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Meet Our Operation Motorsport Team

Operation Motorsport Program Foundation Board

Board Chair Co-founder

Secretary

Treasurer

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Operation Motorsport Directors

Executive Director Co-founder

Director of Operations

Director of Development & Partnerships

Operation Motorsport Managers

US Programs Manager

US Beneficiary Relations Manager

Social Media & Public Relations Manager

eMotorsport Program Manager

Academy Program Manager

Operation Motorsport Coordinators

Administration Coordinator

Motorsport Immersion Event Coordinator

Outreach Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Team Photographer (Motorsports)

Advisory Board

CrowdStrike / AWS

Michelin

Mobil 1

SRO Motorsports America

FEL Motorsports

Ambassadors

Lynn Friedman

Chris Walsh

Organization and Mission

Additional Information

The Community Need

Contact Info

Site Links

Store Links