Meet the People Behind the Mission
Our dedicated board members are family, friends, and community leaders who carry forward Stephen’s vision with passion and care. Each member plays a vital role in steering the foundation’s initiatives, ensuring that we deliver both food security and educational opportunities with integrity and impact.
The board
Stephen’s eldest brother and a successful business owner of Goosehead Insurance Agency, leads the Sules Foundation with a profound sense of brotherhood and dedication. Nothing is more special to John than family, and his natural talent for building relationships and closing deals has made him the perfect trailblazer for this foundation. His leadership combines business acumen with heartfelt commitment, ensuring Stephen’s legacy thrives through impactful programs that nourish and empower the community.
Stephen’s oldest sister is a seasoned marketing executive, entrepreneur, and CEO. Known for her creativity and strategic thinking, she leads the foundation’s communications, marketing strategy, and donor relations with passion and professionalism. Chelsea’s innovative approach and deep personal connection drive the foundation’s outreach, ensuring the mission reaches those who share Stephen’s spirit of generosity.
As Stephen’s youngest sister, Zoe M. Lyons holds a special place in the family — Stephen was not only her big brother but her protector and guide. Zoe brings this same fierce loyalty and care to her role as treasurer and co-founder of the foundation. Her dedication is both personal and practical, ensuring the foundation’s resources are managed with integrity while honoring the close bond she shared with Stephen.
Stephen’s father, Steve Sules, owner of a State Farm Insurance Agency, carries his son’s namesake with immense pride and love. To Steve, Stephen’s legacy is deeply personal and profoundly motivating; it is a continual source of strength and inspiration that fuels his commitment to the foundation. Steve’s leadership blends business experience with heartfelt devotion to carrying forward his son’s vision of community care.
Lorraine M. Sules, Stephen’s mother, is his biggest fan, unwavering cheerleader, and the wellspring of his passion for cooking. It was in her kitchen, surrounded by love and tradition, that Stephen’s culinary journey began. Lorraine’s nurturing spirit and boundless encouragement remain the heart of the foundation’s mission, inspiring every act of kindness and support that honors Stephen’s legacy.
A trusted advisor and close friend to the Sules family, Stephen R. Donat brings his legal expertise to the foundation, ensuring that sponsorships and donations are managed with transparency and compliance. His skill in navigating complex agreements strengthens the foundation’s partnerships and financial integrity, allowing the mission to flourish with confidence and trust.
A lifelong friend of Stephen’s and a finance professional, Kurt Puff provides invaluable insight grounded in authenticity. He understands deeply what Stephen would have valued and how to preserve the foundation’s true spirit. Kurt’s perspective helps maintain the foundation’s commitment to genuine impact and community connection, guiding decisions with integrity and heart.
A lifelong friend, entrepreneur and real estate agent Julian Diaz brings a wealth of connections and business savvy to the board. His extensive network and entrepreneurial spirit amplify the foundation’s reach, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships. Julian’s dedication honors Stephen’s memory by expanding the foundation’s ability to support families and aspiring chefs in meaningful ways.