"Leading the way so you can go further"
Our mission is to be a trusted presence in times of crisis, independently observing and reporting on rapidly evolving conditions to deliver reliable, real-time information to emergency services and relief organizations, empowering them to act with clarity and confidence.
Disaster Responses (in-person)
U.S. States Assisted
Property Debris-Clearing Assisted
Hours Volunteered
A Journey of Compassion and Community Support
Grounded Boots Relief was born out of necessity during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In those early days, our mission was to help anyone who needed it, in any way possible. We cut trees, delivered supplies, checked on neighbors, and offered hands-on support wherever there was a gap. Like many grassroots efforts that begin in crisis, we tried to be everything for everyone. What we discovered was that true impact comes not from doing it all, but from doing what we do best.
As we continued to grow, we began refining our purpose. Through experience, collaboration, and countless miles on the ground, we learned that our strongest contribution comes from assessment and communication. Our teams enter affected areas immediately after a disaster to evaluate conditions, identify hazards, and document the situation through clear data and imagery. That information is shared with emergency managers, NGOs, and local authorities, allowing them to make informed decisions in real time.
This shift allowed us to specialize in what we call the “eyes and ears” phase of response. By focusing on reconnaissance and reporting, we provide a foundation for larger organizations and EOCs to act effectively and safely. Every road we map, every bridge we assess, and every image we send helps shape the path for coordinated relief efforts that follow.
We have evolved from an all-purpose relief effort into a focused, professional response organization. Our approach is grounded in accuracy, transparency, and collaboration. We still value the same heart that drove our first deployment, but we now pair it with discipline and direction. Grounded Boots Relief stands ready to move first, see clearly, and share what we learn. This allows others to act with confidence, and communities can begin to heal faster.
September 2024 - Helene
Grounded Boots Relief activated in response to Tropical Storm Helene by establishing a distribution hub to receive, organize, and deploy critical supplies. Off-road capable volunteers transported food, water, propane, and other essentials into communities cut off by damaged roads and infrastructure. In parallel, teams conducted field assessments and relayed real-time information to support coordination with local partners, helping ensure resources reached the areas of greatest need.
February 2025 - Virginia Flooding
When severe flooding struck Virginia, Grounded Boots Relief moved quickly to support affected families. Our teams delivered generators, MREs, clean water, and propane to communities cut off from basic resources. By supplying power, food, and safe drinking water, we helped households regain stability during the critical first days of recovery.
April 2025 - Polk County Wildfires
As fires spread across Polk County, Grounded Boots Relief delivered food, hydration, and logistical support to fire crews working in high-risk areas.
July 2025 - Tropical Storm Chantal
Grounded Boots Relief collected and relayed real-time field information to local emergency management, supported recovery efforts in Saxapahaw and Mebane, and assisted residents with supply delivery, needs assessments, and cleanup. Throughout the response, we maintained our role as an independent, field-based resource focused on enabling informed and effective action.
January 2026 - Winter Storms Fern/Gianna
In quick succession, Winter Storms Fern and Gianna impacted Western North Carolina, rendering many roads impassable to standard vehicles. Grounded Boots Relief activated experienced driver volunteers with off-road capable vehicles to transport healthcare workers to and from hospitals and clinics, helping maintain operations with minimal disruption.
Meet our Leadership Team
Our leadership includes a board of directors and a panel of trusted advisors who bring specialized expertise. Each volunteers their time and skills to strengthen and guide our organization.
Our Board of Directors
John Badger
Founder & Executive Director
Read John's Bio
John leads Grounded Boots Relief with a focus on operational execution, strategic growth, and field-ready response. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, his career spans high-performance kitchens, automotive sales, and logistics, where he developed adaptability, resource management, and leadership under pressure. Following Hurricane Helene, he founded Grounded Boots Relief to address critical gaps in early-stage disaster access and coordination. John’s leadership emphasizes preparedness, accountability, and scalable volunteer systems that integrate effectively with response partners. He is responsible for organizational vision, partnerships, and ensuring the organization delivers measurable, mission-aligned impact.
Sarah Barat
Co-Founder & Vice-President
Read Sarah's Bio
Sarah Barat brings over a decade of experience in emergency communications, public relations, and customer service leadership. Her background in 9-1-1 dispatch provides direct insight into crisis environments, communication flow, and decision-making under pressure. She supports organizational governance, continuity, and strategic alignment, ensuring Grounded Boots Relief maintains consistency in mission and execution. Sarah’s experience as a collegiate rower and coach reinforces her strengths in teamwork, discipline, and leadership development. She is currently pursuing aviation training, with the goal of expanding operational capabilities and supporting both aerial and ground-based mission coordination.
Thomas Gioello
Director of Emergency Management Integration
Read Thomas's Bio
Thomas Gioello brings extensive experience in all-hazards emergency management, with a focus on preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. He currently serves as an Emergency Management Planner and Workplace Violence Coordinator for Cone Health, where he develops system-wide emergency plans, leads large-scale training initiatives, and coordinates with regional partners. His previous work with the Triad Healthcare Preparedness Coalition supported continuity planning across 18 counties. Thomas holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and serves as Secretary of the North Carolina Emergency Management Association. He ensures Grounded Boots Relief aligns with established emergency management frameworks and integrates effectively into coordinated response efforts.
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Laura Block
Director of Volunteer Operations and Partnerships
Read Laura's Bio
Laura Block brings decades of experience in clinical healthcare, disaster response, and volunteer leadership. A retired clinical hospital pharmacist with a doctorate in Pharmacy, she has served as an event medic since 1997 and deployed with Disaster Medical Assistance Teams. As a senior leader within Team Rubicon, she supports membership operations across the eastern United States. Laura also serves on the Board of Directors and Co-chairs the Volunteer Management Committee of North Carolina VOAD and contributes to state-level emergency response coordination. At Grounded Boots Relief, she oversees volunteer systems, partner relationships, and organizational collaboration, ensuring scalable, professional volunteer engagement aligned with national response networks.
Our Advisory Panel
John Finley
Strategic Growth and Operations Advisor
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John Finley is a technology and operations executive with more than 30 years of experience building resilient, high-performing organizations. His expertise includes real-time systems, disaster recovery, and business continuity across both startup and enterprise environments. He has led complex digital transformations, operational integrations, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives. John brings a structured, systems-oriented approach to organizational growth, helping Grounded Boots Relief strengthen scalability, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. His advisory role supports leadership in aligning mission execution with capacity, ensuring the organization can expand responsibly while maintaining performance under demanding conditions.
Cayce Johnson
Treasurer and Financial Oversight Advisor
Read Cayce's Bio
Cayce Johnson provides financial oversight, compliance, and accountability for Grounded Boots Relief. With professional experience in nonprofit accounting, she ensures accurate financial management, reporting, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Cayce supports budgeting, financial planning, and long-term sustainability, working closely with leadership to align funding with operational priorities. Her attention to detail and commitment to transparency strengthen organizational credibility with donors, partners, and grantors. She plays a key role in maintaining financial integrity while supporting the organization’s growth and capacity to respond effectively.
Jackie King
Advisor for Meteorological Risk and Forecasting
Read Jackie's Bio
Jackie King holds a degree in Meteorology and brings professional experience forecasting hazardous weather across global regions. She has led teams responsible for delivering weather intelligence that supports both aviation and ground operations, with a focus on safety and operational decision-making. Jackie specializes in translating complex meteorological data into clear, actionable insights that inform planning and response. At Grounded Boots Relief, she supports pre-impact analysis, risk identification, and deployment positioning. Her work enables the organization to anticipate conditions, prioritize resources, and operate with greater precision in rapidly evolving environments.
Jeremy Strutz
Director of Equipment and Asset Readiness
Read Jeremy's Bio
Jeremy Strutz brings over 30 years of experience in automotive repair and a background in mechanical engineering. His expertise includes vehicle systems, equipment maintenance, and off-road capability, all critical to Grounded Boots Relief operations. He oversees the organization’s equipment inventory, ensuring all assets are functional, safe, and deployment-ready. Jeremy also advises on equipment acquisition, maintenance strategy, and cost-effective resource management. His practical, solutions-oriented approach supports operational reliability and ensures that field teams are equipped to perform in demanding and unpredictable disaster environments.
Key Achievements
Grounded Boots Relief has developed a strong operational footprint across multiple disaster responses, including hurricanes, flooding events, winter storms, and wildfires throughout the Southeast. Since our initial activation, our teams have consistently supported field operations through off-road transportation of personnel and critical resources, rapid needs assessments, and real-time information sharing with partners and emergency management. From maintaining healthcare access during severe winter storms to delivering supplies into cut-off communities and supporting recovery efforts on the ground, our work is defined by speed, adaptability, and reliability. Operating as a self-sufficient resource, we have built a reputation for strengthening access, improving coordination, and helping ensure that support reaches the right places when it matters most.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Media and Press Inquiries
For journalists, media outlets, and storytellers interested in covering Grounded Boots Relief, we’ve prepared a press kit with background information, leadership bios, approved images, and key facts about our mission and work.
You can access our full Media and Press Kit by clicking Press Kit. For interview requests or additional materials, please contact us at [email protected]