
Midwest Raiders:
Built by Community, Driven by Volunteers.
The Midwest Raiders organization continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteer base. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us and help strengthen the programs we’ve built. Our Board of Directors, elected by the Raiders community, meets monthly to vote on key topics and oversee the smooth operation of our organization. Each board member also leads a committee, ensuring every aspect of our program—from logistics to events—runs efficiently. If you believe in building something great together, we welcome you to get involved and make a difference.
2025 Football Board of Directors
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Peter Spizzirri
PRESIDENT
Peter has been a dedicated member of the Raider family since 2007, beginning his journey as a cheer dad and stepping into a Head Coach role in 2019. That same year, he joined the Board of Directors, driven by a passion for the Raiders’ proud history and a vision to help grow the program and bring Super Bowl success back to the organization. In 2024, Peter became President and played a key role in merging the Hanover Park Hurricanes into the Bartlett Raiders—helping the organization grow to an impressive 355 football players. Peter is a strong advocate for youth sports and firmly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to play the game they love.
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Chris Puleo
VICE PRESIDENT
Chris is a proud Raiders coach and sponsor since 2015, having led 17 seasons as a head coach or coordinator—coaching his sons Joey, Danny, and son Andrew as the 9U Head Coach—across both gold and silver levels, with one Super Bowl appearance. He played college football and later coached the defensive line at Elmhurst University for five seasons. Since joining the board in 2018, Chris has served in various roles including Flag Director, Fundraising Director, Head of Equipment, and contributed to safety, recruitment, expansion, and cheer. Now in his second term as Vice President of Community Development, he is committed to supporting the continued growth of the Raiders. He is also CPR certified. Chris is also the owner of The Puleo Group of Neighborhood Loans.
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Rob Meziere
VICE PRESIDENT FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
Rob has been a dedicated member of the Bartlett Raiders organization for 12 years. His coaching journey began with his oldest son, continued with his second, and now proudly carries on as he coaches his third son in flag football. For the past six years, Rob has served on the board and currently holds the role of Vice President of Football Operations. In this role, he oversees the Coaches Committee and the Flag Football program. Rob’s passion for youth development and unwavering commitment to the Raiders community continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
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Jorge Guerrero
TREASURER
Jorge has been part of the Raider Nation since 2017, starting as a dedicated cheer dad. In 2019, he began coaching his son and continued to grow his involvement, joining the Board of Directors in 2023. In 2024, Jorge was elected Treasurer. He has a true passion for coaching, especially when it comes to developing linemen, and is always ready to support on both sides of the ball. Jorge believes that the role of a coach goes beyond the field—it's about helping young athletes become the best version of themselves, not just in the game, but in their communities as well.
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Maria Knapp
SECRETARY
Maria has been a proud member of the Raider Nation for five years and is currently serving her second year on the Board as Secretary. In this role, she plays an essential part not only in managing board communications and records but also in supporting key initiatives such as expansion and recruitment, as well as coordinating registration and uniform orders. Alongside her husband, Maria has shown unwavering dedication to the organization, contributing in numerous ways—from field maintenance to special events and beyond. Her commitment, teamwork, and Raider spirit continue to make a lasting impact on the success and growth of the program.
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Mark Melone
BOARD MEMBER
Mark has been a dedicated member of the Bartlett Raiders coaching staff since 2021. He currently serves as a Head Coach and proudly led the 2024 9U Gold team to a Super Bowl championship. In addition to coaching, Mark serves as a board member and the official BGYFL Representative for the Raiders, playing a key role in league communications and collaboration. His unwavering commitment to the program and passion for youth development make him a respected and valued leader within our football community.
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Anthony Passo
BOARD MEMBER
Anthony has been part of the Bartlett Raiders family since 2020, starting his journey as a coach for his son and later joining the Board of Directors. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in strengthening the program’s operations—particularly in concessions, where he brings valuable insight from his experience as a former restaurant owner. In addition to his role with the Raiders, Anthony and his wife own and operate Custom Collectives by K.A.P.S. Custom Creations, the official provider of Raiders Football apparel. Their commitment to the program shines through in the gear worn proudly by players, families, and fans alike. Anthony also runs Elite Roofing & Restoration, a locally owned business that reflects his ongoing commitment to quality and community service in Bartlett.
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Kelley Schmidt
BOARD MEMBER
Kelley has been proudly involved with the Bartlett Raiders for the past four years, supporting the athletes and community with unwavering dedication and heart. In her roles as Social Media Communications Lead and Team Mom/Homecoming Chairperson, she has played a vital part in keeping families connected, creating memorable experiences, and fostering team spirit both on and off the field. Outside of her volunteer work, Kelley is a local real estate extraordinaire with Starck Real Estate. Her years of experience have made her a trusted local market expert, known for her professionalism and commitment to always putting her clients’ interests first. Kelly considers it an honor to be part of such a passionate and driven organization like the Bartlett Raiders, and her continued involvement reflects her deep belief in the power of community, teamwork, and service.
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Katie Lullo
BOARD MEMBER
Katie joined the Bartlett Raiders family in 2022 and became a member of the Board in 2023. As a Registered Nurse and proud mom of two players in the program, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and personal dedication to her role as chairperson of Safety & Security. Katie is deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of every athlete—on and off the field. Her “get it done” mindset and passion for helping others have played a key role in enhancing the safety standards of the organization. She has led efforts to expand the education and certification of our coaches and volunteers, helping to create a safer and more supportive environment for all Raiders participants. Katie and her husband are also the owners of Bartlett-based Elite Roofing & Restoration, proudly serving their community both on and off the field.
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Mike Densford
BOARD MEMBER
Mike proudly serves on the Bartlett Raiders Board, bringing passion, dedication, and a strong sense of community to the organization. With a deep commitment to youth development through sports, he plays an active role in ensuring the Raiders program continues to provide a safe, supportive, and competitive environment for all athletes. Mike has been a dedicated coach since 2018 and joined the Board in 2019. He has been instrumental in creating and organizing some of the Raiders’ most memorable special events, including the Buccaneers Special Needs Day, Raiders Hall of Fame, Black & Silver Ball, and the Turkey Bowl—each one adding fun, spirit, and inclusivity to the program. Outside of the Raiders, Mike is the owner of Lucky’s Barber Shop, a well-known local business and proud sponsor of the Bartlett Raiders, further demonstrating his commitment to the youth and families of our community.
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Bo Nelson
BOARD MEMBER
Bo joined the Raider family in 2021 as a cheer dad and quickly became involved on the field as a flag football coach. In 2024, he joined the Board of Directors and took on the role of Flag Director. Bo is a passionate advocate for making sure every child has fun, builds confidence, and creates lifelong friendships. Outside of the Raiders, Bo is the co-owner of Elite Roofing & Restoration, where he brings the same energy and commitment to his work as he does to the field. A true Raider through and through, Bo proudly declares at every opportunity: “I LOVE THE RAIDERS!”
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Billy Hethcoat
BOARD MEMBER
Billy is a proud father of four whose journey in youth sports began on the sidelines as a cheer parent with the Raiders. When his son joined the football team, Billy transitioned from cheering to coaching, eager to support his child and the team. That experience sparked a deeper commitment to the program, eventually leading him to take on a leadership role on the board. He is currently responsible for the 8U Bowl and Sponsorship, playing a key role in creating opportunities and support for the organization. Today, he continues to help shape the future of the youth football community, blending his passion for family, mentorship, and the game he loves.
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Andy Ginnan
BOARD MEMBER
Elected to the Board of Directors in 2014, Andy has served as Vice President of Football Operations, BGYFL Town Representative, USA Football Coordinator, Director of Player Safety, Concessions Director, Commissioner of our 7v7 Flag Football League during the 2020 season, and most recently as our Camp Director and Co-Chairman of the Raiders Football Coaches Committee. You may also recognize Andy as the “Voice of the Raiders” as he is one of our prolific gameday announcers. Most importantly, Andy is the proud father to 4 sons; 3 of whom played for the Raiders from kindergarten through 8th grade and the youngest entering into his 9th season. Ginnan is committed to upholding the strong core values and traditions of our incredible program ensuring we are always adapting and evolving to achieve excellence as players, coaches, teams, and as an organization.
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Filippo Cacucciolo
BOARD MEMBER
Filippo has been a dedicated member of the Raiders Youth Football organization for the past 4 years. As a passionate supporter of youth sports, Filippo brings enthusiasm and commitment to the Raiders' mission of fostering teamwork, discipline, and community spirit. Recently appointed to the Board of Directors, he serves as the co-chair of sponsorship, working tirelessly to secure vital support for the program from the business community. These efforts ensure the Raiders youth athletic program will continue to thrive, providing young athletes with opportunities to grow both on and off the field.
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Jack Plummer
BOARD MEMBER
Jack joined Raider Nation in 2014 when his oldest son became part of the organization, and he now serves as Head Coach for his younger son. Since joining the Board in 2014, Jack has taken the lead on concessions, dedicating countless hours over the past several years to ensure we offer a great selection at fair prices. His commitment and hard work have made a big impact, and we truly appreciate all he does for the Raider community.
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Brian Mulhall
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER
Brian is entering his 16th season with the Bartlett Raiders, a proud and dedicated member of the Raiders Family. Over the years, he has had the privilege of watching his three sons grow, learn, and thrive within the organization. Remarkably, all three have earned the opportunity to compete in a Super Bowl—an achievement that speaks to both their talent and the strength of the program. For the first eight years of his tenure, Brian played a pivotal role in building the flag football program into the powerhouse it is today within the BGYFL. Over the past seven years, he has served as an offensive coordinator, highlighted by the unforgettable experience of coaching in the 2023 JV Super Bowl. Brian is a firm believer in the values and mission of the Bartlett Raiders and proudly states that there is no better organization in the area.
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Chris Wright
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER
Chris has 8 years of coaching experience including the past 4 with the Raiders. He is dedicated to fostering athletic growth, teamwork, and character development in young athletes. He has been a part of the BGYFL community since the age of 10 and continued playing football through high school. This year marks his first year on the Associate Board and he looks forward to the contributing to the continued growth and success of the program.
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Franca Klein
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER
Franca has been a dedicated member of the Bartlett Raiders organization since 2017, volunteering in various roles throughout the years. In 2025, she joined the Associate Board and currently lends her support to the concessions team as well as the fundraising committees. Franca’s continued commitment and willingness to jump in wherever needed make her a valued and appreciated part of the Raiders family.
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Tina Buchberger
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER
Tina has been a dedicated Raiders fan since she began watching her niece cheer in 2011. When her family moved to Bartlett in 2019, enrolling their twin boys in Raiders football was one of her top priorities. Since then, she has been an energetic & passionate parent, volunteer, and advocate for the program. In 2025, Tina joined the Associate Board and has played an active role in launching the new website, uniform updates, and special events. Her goal is to make a meaningful mark and lasting impact on the Raiders community.
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Shawn Havard
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Shawn has been an instrumental force behind the growth and success of the Hanover Park Hurricanes Football program. His unwavering dedication to youth athletics and his belief that every child deserves the opportunity to compete at the highest level with the best possible support has shaped the lives of countless young athletes. Over the past 18 years, Sean has coached with passion, purpose, and a deep commitment to the players and their development both on and off the field. He also served on the board of the Hanover Park Hurricanes for seven years, including as president, where he championed initiatives to expand access and improve the program’s quality.
Most recently, Shawn played a pivotal role in merging the Hanover Park Hurricanes with the Bartlett Raiders, creating one of the largest and most dynamic youth football programs in the region. His vision and leadership have not only strengthened the community but have also laid the foundation for future growth. Today, Shawn continues his work as an active contributor to the Midwest Raiders program, supporting the board, mentoring coaches, and advocating for young athletes across the area.