SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Volunteers are at the heart of the Fiesta Bowl and following another year with a full slate of event and community impact activities, the organization announced its 2022-23 Volunteers of the Year.

"Our volunteers are essential to our success as an organization and help to ensure that we continue to provide the world-class hospitality the Fiesta Bowl organization and the Valley of the Sun are known for," said Erik Moses, Fiesta Bowl Executive Director & CEO. "In my short time here, I've seen first-hand just how impressive this team of volunteers is and how critical our Fiesta Bowl volunteers are to our ecosystem. These award winners went above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts to positively impact our community and guests."

The Fiesta Bowl honors six volunteers annually for their commitment, dedication and efforts in helping advance the mission of the organization. Fiesta Bowl volunteers, board members and staff select the honorees – from a base of more than 3,000 volunteers, Yellow Jacket Committee members, Ambassadors and Board of Directors – through evaluations and nominations.

Glenn Hawkins Volunteer of the Year – Ro Gonzalez
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. Gonzalez served on the Game Operations Committee this season to support the super flag during the National Anthem and managed more than 350 volunteers. He played a key role in Guaranteed Rate Bowl load-in and stadium preparation for the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. Gonzalez also runs a 501c3 non-profit Valors Veterans Community AZ and provides opportunities for veterans with the Fiesta Bowl and throughout the community.

George Leonard Rookie of the Year – Chip Pray
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, Pray was a regular, volunteering at Fiesta Bowl events making an instant impact on the committee through his drive and professionalism. Pray made a key impact by providing food, drinks and snacks for the Arizona Milk Producers Fiesta Bowl Youth Football Clinic as well as taking leadership roles on the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade Committee and Game Operations Committee.

Randi Knappenberger Ambassador of the Year – Karen Casassa
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. Casassa was an impactful leader for the Ambassadors throughout the year, serving as the Secretary for the committee. Casassa volunteered more than 85 hours at Fiesta Bowl and Fiesta Bowl Charities events, such as PNC Fiesta Bowl Par 3 Challenge presented by Chapman Automotive, Kindness Arizona, Team Arrivals and as a Media Operations volunteer for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. She is passionate about serving the community and has been an influential Fiesta Bowl Ambassador since 2017.

Outstanding Fiesta Bowl Committee Member of the Year – David Weissman
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. Weismann made a significant impact on the Yellow Jacket Committee as the lead Cheer Liaison for the University of Michigan during its stay for the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. He also was the assistant chair for VIP Hospitality for Oklahoma State during the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and assisted as a Commissioner for the Fiesta Futures to provide guidance and support for first-year Yellow Jackets.

Ellie Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Chair of the Year – Kirk Harbaugh
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. Harbaugh served as chair for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Pregame Parties to help with the new premium party, Club '71, which enjoyed a new location and first-time activations. He brought in several new ideas to create an elevated experience for fans and led his group of Yellow Jackets and volunteers throughout the week to prepare and set up.

Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award – Karolyn Kiburz
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. Kiburz started volunteering with the Fiesta Bowl in 1994 and joined the Fiesta Futures in 1996 where she quickly became a Yellow Jacket in 1998. She has held several leadership roles as a Yellow Jacket including Sales Coach in 2001 and 2006. In 2015, Kiburz became a life member. As a life member of the Yellow Jacket Committee, she has continued to be active at community outreach events, is a regular at Committee meetings and serves on several event committees.

ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION
Since 1971, 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 during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.