SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 6, 2026) – As Fiesta Sports Foundation continues to build on its legacy as one of Arizona's premier nonprofit organizations and a cornerstone of the college football community, it has named Nick Smith as Board Chair for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.

In addition, the Foundation welcomed two accomplished executives to its Board of Directors, with the addition of LUV Car Wash Chief Financial Officer Jim Kebert and Levine Investments attorney Lisa Bullington. Starting a two-year term as Chair-Elect is Merrill Lynch Managing Director David Dorward, while Judy Bernas will serve as Chair Emeritus after completing her two-year term as Board Chair.

Under Smith's leadership, the Board will provide governance, management oversight and strategic direction of the nonprofit organization as it continues to serve a prominent role in college football and execute extensive community and charitable initiatives, including the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe and a year-round calendar of community events.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Board Chair of Fiesta Sports Foundation, an organization that has had a profound impact in the Arizona community for 55 years and will make a positive difference in the lives of Arizonans for generations to come," Smith said. "I am committed to pushing us forward in this exciting new era of college football and with engaging events in our communities. My personal philosophy is to use the power of enthusiasm combined with the desire to succeed in order to achieve my life goals and to inspire others to pursue theirs."

Smith brings deep familiarity with Fiesta Sports Foundation, having served on the Yellow Jacket Committee since 2012. He quickly made an impact when he earned Rookie of the Year honors, then served multiple seasons as Media Operations Chair and Chair of the Aerospace Challenge committee. In addition to leadership roles as Engagement Commissioner and Sales Commissioner, he served as a Team Liaison for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, leading to his appointment as Yellow Jacket Committee Chair during the organization's 50th Anniversary season in 2020-21 before joining the Board of Directors.

A four-year letter winner at linebacker for Notre Dame, he helped the Irish to a 41-8 record from 1989–92 under legendary Head Coach Lou Holtz. Smith serves as executive vice president of client success at National PEO, a technology and human resources company. He originally came to Arizona in 1993, when he and Irish teammate Irv Smith opened a series of Smoothie King franchise locations.

"Nick Smith embodies everything we value at Fiesta Sports Foundation – passion for community, a servant-leader mentality, a love for the game of football and a tireless commitment to excellence," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director & CEO Erik Moses. "I am equally thrilled to welcome Jim Kebert and Lisa Bullington to our Board. They bring exceptional professional expertise, and more importantly, a genuine love for this organization and this community."

Along with Smith's appointment as Board Chair, Dorward starts a two-year term as Chair-Elect. He joined the Fiesta Sports Foundation Board of Directors in 2020 and served as Yellow Jacket Committee Chair for the 2019-20 season, leading the group to fundraise a then-record $3.42 million. Since joining the Yellow Jacket Committee in 2010, he was Committee Member of the Year in 2015-16, held several leadership roles, was a team liaison and chair of multiple events. Dorward serves as senior resident director of Merrill Lynch's Flagship Phoenix Office and is a managing director with the firm. He has held a number of leadership positions with Merrill Lynch and has been named to the prestigious Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" list for the past seven years.

Bullington is an accomplished attorney and lifelong Arizonan with deep roots in the state's real estate and business communities. She has served as in-house counsel for the past 13 years at Levine Investments LP, one of the largest private real estate portfolio holders in Arizona and across the United States. In that role, she has negotiated contracts, leases and easements and worked on major development projects, collaborating with city managers, mayors and planning staff. Bullington attended Xavier College Prep, earned an undergraduate degree from University of Arizona and law degree from St. Louis University School of Law. Bullington attended the Fiesta Bowl as a child and has remained a dedicated supporter of the Foundation's mission throughout her life.

Kebert brings finance expertise as chief financial officer of LUV Car Wash, where he has been with the company since its inception and has helped guide it through more than 40 acquisitions to reach more than 80 operating sites and approximately $130 million in annual revenue. His career includes serving as CFO of cStor and senior roles at Tech Data (formerly Avnet Technology Solutions), where he managed an annual sales budget of $1.2 billion, and Insight Enterprises. Kebert graduated with honors from Pennsylvania State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Joining the Fiesta Sports Foundation Yellow Jacket Committee in 1999, he earned the Ellie Ziegler Chair of the Year award in 2006, Committee Member of the Year in 2019–20, the Frank Snell Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 and has chaired multiple committees. He also serves as board treasurer of Future for Kids, having previously served as Board Chair.

With a base of more than 3,000 dedicated individuals, Fiesta Sports Foundation volunteers help put on the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the Rate Bowl and the many community events the organization operates throughout the year.

About Fiesta Sports Foundation
Since its inception in 1971, Fiesta Sports Foundation 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, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the 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. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on social media.