Steering Committee

The steering committee for the Fremont Chili Cookoff is made up entirely of volunteers. They work tirelessly for months scrutinizing over every tiny detail to bring this fundraising event to life.

Daren R. Young

Event chairperson (Chief Chili-head) Daren R. Young is the owner of Dryco Construction Inc. located in Fremont. He is a past president of the Niles (Fremont) Rotary club and is an active member in the community.

Steve Landon

Steve Landon is the Vice President of James R. Griffin, Inc. and is an active member in Niles Rotary and on the board of directors of YMCA.

Gerry Fogel

An Operations Captain with the Fremont Fire Department, Gerry Fogel is an active member of the International Association Fire Fighters Local 1689.

Fred Penning

Fred Penning is Division Manager for Allied Waste Services of Alameda County serving the cities of Fremont and Union City.

Steve Cho

Steve is a former Fremont City Councilmember and has been a member Niles Rotary since 2001. For the past 25 years, Steve has been self-employed as a software consultant.

Gerri Hussey

Gerri joined Fremont Sunrise Rotary in September, 1992. Sunrise started The Great Chili Cook-Off in March, 1992 so she missed the first one. She hasn’t missed one since. She is a Past President of Fremont Sunrise (now Fremont Warm Springs Sunrise, the morning Rotary club in Fremont) and a Past Assistant Governor for Area 3, District 5170.

Merna Morse

Merna works with Interact students at Washington High School, where as advisor for the past twenty years she has worked with some of the most dedicated youth who value “service above self”. These young leaders of tomorrow are Rotary’s New Generations focus. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to service projects they tackle. Her connection with Niles Rotary has grown from her initial involvement with Interact. She also taught a Niles Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil many years ago.

Gordon Paulus

Gordon Paulus is senior director of marketing for the Semiconductor Solutions Group of LSI Corporation, where he is responsible for customer and strategic marketing. Gordon is married with one daughter and has lived in the Warm Springs district of Fremont for 12 years. He is an active member of the Fremont Rotary Club since 2010. His interests include family outdoor activities, biking, cooking, skiing and community service.

Jeboy Koshy

Jeboy is a member of the Fremont Warm Springs Sunrise Rotary, Past President in 2009 - 2010, Incoming Assistant Governor in 2011 - 2012. He is an Information Technology Management Consultant and a hands on supporter of volunteer organizations within the community. As a passionate traveler for cultural understanding he has travelled extensively to many parts of the world.

Stephen Allen

Stephen is the owner of Allen Graphic Design, an award winning Design firm based in Fremont since 1976, and an active member of the Niles Rotary Club.

Nancie Allen

Nancie Allen is the Broker/Owner of MasterKey Real Estate in Fremont. She is the President-Elect Nominee for the Newark Rotary Club and volunteers for other Community organizations.