The Board of Directors were formed to promote running across Fairfield Country. Each director is a resident of a town in Fairfield County and has a unique background and running experience. The Directors work together to make the team unique and exciting.
President: Jonathan Mendoza
Jonathan is a resident of Norwalk, CT that has over 10 years experience in long distance running and is one of the three founding members of Valley Forge. Before getting into running, Jonathan played competitive soccer during High School and College in his home country. While having a deep passion for running, he cross-trains by lifting and road cycling. Jonathan has participated in his fair share of NYRR events, Marathon Majors, and international races such as Copenhagen and Iceland Half Marathons. As president, Jonathan promotes our team to be open to all ages and fitness levels.
Vice President: Lee Kalivas
Lee is a highly experienced cross country runner that grew up in Weston, CT for most of his life and is a resident of Norwalk. He is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science with an eye on a Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. As VP, he holds a very ambitious mindset in the distance running world, wishing to share his scope of knowledge in kinesiology and proper warmup and cooldown etiquette. He organizes meetup routes with several other officials and prescribes speed workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. His lively social personality has inspired others around him to go the extra mile.
Treasurer: Anthony Chiaverini
Anthony is a courageous marathon athlete with over 20 years of experience in running that lives in Fairfield, CT, and is one of the three founding members of Valley Forge, which formed back in November 18, 2017. He loves to run in unique, fruity colors, especially orange! To date, Anthony has competed in four marathons, soon to be five by the end of 2020. Honorably noted, he qualified for the illustrious Boston Marathon. His most favorite road race event is the half marathon. As part of the board of directors, Anthony keeps Valley Forge’s financial business in order.
Secretary: Rocio Fields
Rocio is a resident of Wilton, CT with a passion for sharing her interest in health and physical fitness. She leverages 20 years of healthcare experience as a registered nurse and holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Her certifications are: Certified Ironman coach, RRCA certified running coach, fitness nutrition specialist, NASM certified personal trainer & certified spin instructor. Rocio has Qualified for both ITU World Triathlon Championships in New Zealand and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in France. Not only that, Rocio was a four-time All American USA Triathlete and former Ironman All World Athlete. She currently holds the position of Secretary and facilitates encouragement in female participation.
Social Director: Jeff Gerbert
Jeff is a Stamford resident who has been running competitively for the last 15 months. He has taken part in several 5-Kilometers, 2 Half Marathons and participated in all of the Boston Build-Ups. Over the span of his career, he has displayed great results over the last few races and his determination and drive have given him the ability to beat his own personal best. Jeff has had experience running fundraising activities for parent organizations, and Autism Speaks. As one of our most valuable members, his vision is to not only welcome new members, but to expand our social resources!
Public Relations Director: Alicia Gerbert
Alicia is a Stamford resident, married to Jeff who is another board member of Valley Forge. She began running in February 2020 and completed her first 5-Kilometer race in March only having been able to run a mile and walking intermittently. Ever since getting into the sport, she runs every day, determined to shatter her personal bests. This motivation and self-commitment toward the sport is impressive. Alicia is now working toward completing a half marathon. Alicia has worked with many organizations such as Autism Speaks, Stamford Education 4 Autism and many other parent groups. She and Jeff have two boys, Domenick and Daniel. As Public Relations Director, Alicia communicates with our sponsors or partners and helps coordinate running and social events.
