Our Leaders

2026/2027 Student Executives

President - Ben W.

Hi! I'm a senior and I've been with the GearCats since I was a freshman. Last year I was the exec of the Mechatronics subteam and was our Driver for the past two years. I've participated in FIRST since middle school where I did FLL. In addition to the GearCats, I am involved in my high school theatre and I am a part of the bass section of my school's select choir, Madrigals. In my free time I like indoor rock climbing and playing video games.

Mechatronics - Evan R.

I'm a junior and have been with the GearCats since I was a freshman. I am the Mechatronics Lead this year, which covers the combined functions of electrical, mechanical and CAD. I have been involved in FIRST since I was in elementary school, with FLL as a member of the Wharf Rats. Outside of the GearCats, I like to play tennis, and to garden.

Programming - Simon Q.

I'm Simon, and I'm the programming executive this year. This is my second year on the team and my first as an exec. I am a senior and involved in my school's IB program, cross country and track and field teams. Outside of the GearCats, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking and almost anything outdoors.

Impact - Samuel B.

Hi - I'm the student executive of our Impact subteam which includes leading our outreach efforts, both with community organizations and schools as well as corporate and individual sponsors. I am a junior and this is my second year with the GearCats.

Field Operations and Strategy - Rowan E.

Hi - I'm a senior and have been with the GearCats since I was a freshman. I am the executive in charge of Field Operations, leading the team that builds our field elements at the start of a build season. During competitions, I am the Strategy lead, managing our scouts, collecting and analyzing data, and talking to other teams to help our Drive team develop our game strategy. Outside of the GearCats I do parkour and like to play video games.

Our Mentors

Mrs. Stephanie Petzold

A former string orchestra teacher, I have worked with the GearCats since 2018 , currently serving as Lead Mentor. My focus is administrative tasks and things not technical!

Mr. Ben Edwards

I am Mr. Ben and I work for one of our sponsors Schneider Electric. I have been on the team since 2018, am a parent of a current and a former GearCat, and I work mainly with the Mechatronics subteam.

Mrs. Jennifer Mulrooney

I have been with the GearCats as a parent/mentor for over 6 years, and serving as the team's Treasurer for 5 years. I am also an active volunteer with Millbrook High School, having graduated two children from Millbrook.

Mr. Bennett Petzold

I am a Linux Firmware Engineer at Schneider Electric and a proud GearCat alumnus. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science (2023) and Master of Science (2024) in Computer Engineering. I have been helping to mentor the team since 2021.

Ms. Joanne Ward

I am an attorney for a life sciences company and proud GearCats parent (x2!). I've been mentoring the team since 2022 and help out with non-technical areas including finding build space, sponsorships and outreach opportunities.

Jason Ward

I support the team as a mentor focused on community outreach and strategy. As a marketing executive in the agricultural industry, I have a background in analytical problem-solving, organizational planning, and local community initiatives and help the team develop communication, outreach and long-rang strategy. I am committed to guiding the students both as they grow in their technical abilties and their leadership skills.

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