SCOTTSDALE, AZ – In a year that saw a return to the full Fiesta Bowl event schedule and community activities, the Fiesta Bowl Organization selected its Volunteer of the Year award winners for 2021-22, recognizing six outstanding individuals for their service and enthusiasm.
 
The honorees were selected from the Fiesta Bowl volunteer program, with a base of more than 3,000 volunteers, Yellow Jacket Committee, Ambassadors and Board of Directors.
 
"The Fiesta Bowl's calling card is our amazing team of volunteers, who are the best in the country," said Patrick Barkley, Chair of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors. "Our volunteers were there as we picked back up this year to serve our community, our teams, our guests and our stakeholders. Every time I see our volunteers in action, I continue to be impressed with how much passion they exhibit on behalf of the Fiesta Bowl to make our impact even greater."
 
Each year the Fiesta Bowl honors six volunteers who have enhanced the organization through their commitment, dedication and extraordinary efforts in a variety of areas. The awards are selected based on evaluations and nominations from Fiesta Bowl volunteers, board members and staff.
 
Glenn Hawkins Volunteer of the Year – Brian Mallory
Named after one of the nine founders of the Fiesta Bowl, the Glenn Hawkins Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates the same characteristics on which the Fiesta Bowl was founded – dedication, enthusiasm and the desire to create an unmatched experience. Mallory has been involved with the Fiesta Bowl Parade for 18 years and currently leads the equipment and logistics areas, while also being known as the utility man wherever there is a need. He is a popular figure on the Parade committee and his impact is felt in every area of the event.
 
George Leonard Rookie of the Year – Max Starks IV
The George Leonard Rookie of the Year is presented to a Yellow Jacket Committee Member in his/her first or second year who made an immediate impact on the Fiesta Bowl through volunteering and fundraising. In his first year with the Yellow Jackets, Starks was a regular at Fiesta Bowl events where he could be found volunteering and making an instant impact on the committee through his drive and professionalism. The two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and 10-year NFL offensive lineman has given back to his community throughout his career.
 
Randi Knappenberger Ambassador of the Year – Pauline Argeros
The Randi Knappenberger Ambassador of the Year is given to a dedicated Ambassador who embodies the Fiesta Bowl spirit in her dedication to the organization. Argeros was a great support leader for the Ambassadors throughout the year, exemplifying positivity and ingenuity in every interaction she had with fellow Ambassadors and everyone with whom she interacted. Argeros volunteered at the PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive, PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl media operations and community relations activities.
 
Outstanding Fiesta Bowl Committee Member of the Year – Andy Shultz
The Outstanding Fiesta Bowl Committee Member of the Year is awarded to an active Yellow Jacket Committee member who served on multiple committees and provided support and dedication to several events. Shultz is one of the most dedicated Yellow Jacket Committee members who volunteers wherever assistance is needed and can be found at nearly every event throughout the year. In addition to his roles at the PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive and as an ESPN liaison for the Bowl Season games, Shultz stepped in midseason as a Sales Coach and guided his team to exceed its goals.
 
Ellie Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Chair of the Year – Rob Drake
Newly-named in honor of a personable, selfless leader, the Ellie Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Chair of the Year Award goes to the event chair who provides significant leadership and exemplary effort. Drake stepped up when called upon to serve as chair for Media Operations to help in a transitional time. The 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award winner guided the volunteer group through a hectic week that had some late-game logistical changes due to COVID compliance. Drake has attended every Fiesta Bowl game since 1973.
  
Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award – Jeff Smith
 The Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is chosen by the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors and Life Directors to honor a member of the Fiesta Bowl family who has served the organization for more than 12 years. A Yellow Jacket Committee Member since 2008, Smith has served in numerous roles and has seen success at every stop. He has been instrumental as a Game Operations Committee member, served as a team liaison for multiple years, led fellow Yellow Jackets as Committee Chair in 2018-19 and this past season acted as a Sales Coach when called upon midseason due to a staffing need. Smith actively volunteers to represent the Fiesta Bowl at community outreach events, team arrivals, through charitable giving and as a mentor to the younger generation.
 
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION
The Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year round, during and outside of Bowl Season.