Meet the Chef

David Marks, Head of Business Development

David Marks has been involved with Operation BBQ Relief at the highest of levels. It all started in 2012 when David helped serve over 100,000 meals to families and first responders in New York and New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy. Since that time, David has held several leadership roles for the organization, including Chief Operating Officer (2015-2016) and Chief Marketing Officer (2016-2019). He currently serves as the Head of Business Development. His participation has played an integral part in the 10,000,000 meals served by Operation BBQ Relief throughout the years. David also spearheaded many significant projects such as Pigapalooza, the Operation BBQ Cookbook, and Operation BBQ Relief Seasonings. David is often seen in the disaster zone while on deployments, where he provides hope, friendship, and compassion with the healing power of BBQ.

When he’s not with Operation BBQ Relief, David is the Head Pitmaster of Wilbur’s Revenge competition BBQ team out of Collegeville, PA. In 2010, his franchised Famous Dave’s BBQ began to compete in MABA, SCA and KCBS contests. He wen on to win multiple Grand and Reserve Grand Championships in the BBQ world. In 2012, his team won Tyson’s “Best Wings on The Planet” at The National and World Championships, giving them their first national and world titles. This success has been followed up by many other awards, including three-time Pennsylvania State Champion, two-time New Jersey Iron BBQ Chef Champion, and Delaware State Champion. You can also catch David in the Final Episode of Destination America’s Show “SMOKED” winning the Kingsford Trophy.

David lives the BBQ Lifestyle. He blended his professional aspirations, hobby, and charitable works into what he loves most: Serving the one hot meal that matters.