MEET THE P4P BOARD

President and Co-Founder

Paul Zais

A Wisconsin native come to Johnston County NC via Fort Bragg, Paul AKA “The Mule”, took the crazy challenge offered by our Co-Founder Allen Williford in 2013.  They both embarked on the maiden journey down the Neuse River quite literally, Paddling for Pennies. 
Paul being one of 3 generations of Fire Chiefs and a combat veteran has a deep passion for the mission of P4P and the individuals they have assisted over the years. 
Paul has had the support of his wife and two grown sons since day one of this adventure.  As our group Elder, he has taken quite a beating by the Neuse River and some say, by the Media coverage as well,. If you click on the link from 2013 on our MEDIA page you will see how he acquired the nickname, “THE MULE”. Be careful what you say while the cameras are rolling, it just might make the 5PM news!
When you don't see Paul out doing something in his spare time to help out his fellow Man, you will find him at Northside Fire & Rescue where he is the Assistant Chief working for his Community.  I dare say you will be hard pressed to find a more dedicated selfless individual! Paul is looking forward to the next adventure. or whatever “crazy” thing Allen brews up next time!

Vice President, Brandon Jones

Brandon Jones was born and raised in Grantham North Carolina, He has been married to his bride Michelle since 2002 and they have 2 wonderful children. He is the Chief of Thoroughfare Volunteer Fire Department a Captain with the City of Goldsboro Fire Department and the Assistant Chief of Mar Mac Volunteer Fire Department. He was first introduced to the Paddling for Pennies group in 2015 when his brother-in-law Ian McClanahan was the recipient of this groups generosity. Ever since then he has been an strong advocate for everything Paddling for Pennies stands for.

Treasurer and Co-Founder

Allen Williford 

Lieutenant Allen Williford of Northside Fire and Rescue, resides in Clayton NC with his wife Kory and their four children.  Allen is the outdoor enthusiast and the all-around adventure seeking person of our organization, said to come up with some pretty crazy ideas.  Back in 2013 Allen had just that, a crazy idea, but somehow, he convinced Paul to join forces and travel down the entirety of the Neuse River in just 5 days' time to raise money and awareness for First Responders. The challenge was accepted, and P4P was formed!

In addition to this non-profit, Allen is also involved with a cancer non-profit "Love is Bald," started in honor of a good friend of his.  Although you'll never hear it from him, the motto of service before self is alive in this guy. We all find him rather infectious!

Secretary

Lisa Thompson 

Lisa resides in Kenly NC with her husband Brett. She has two adult children, one local in NC and the other, overseas in Japan. She is the owner of two small businesses, the part-time office manager at Hydrocut Land Clearing & our P4P Secretary.
 
Coming from an entire family of First Responders, she joined up with P4P for the 2021. Paddle.  Though she threatened to quit a couple times along the journey, she did complete it!  Her personal claim to fame is that she did so, in a barely suitable Walmart kayak. Since then, she has been dedicated to making her dad, a past Chief, proud by continuing her involvement with P4P and last year, slaying the 2022 Long Paddle!  Oh, and thankfully she got herself a sweet, upgraded kayak!                   
 In addition to her business ventures and non-profit work, Lisa also enjoys spending time at the barn with her TWH horse "Red". 

Lauren Panameno

Lauren Panameno is the Strategic Partnership Manager for Civic Federal Credit Union. She was elected to the Paddling for Pennies Board in 2021. Lauren shares the credit union vision of ‘people helping people’. With over 10 years of marketing and innovation experience, she brings a diversity of thought and talent providing real insights into unique challenges. Connecting passion and purpose Lauren identifies creative solutions that help strengthen and propel the success of Paddling for Pennies.
Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Barton College.