MCMO Staff

Lt Col Ken Tarr

Acting Director

LtCol Tarr served with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, deploying to Iraq and later with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His service has included humanitarian relief operations in Haiti and Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as well as assignments at Camp Fuji and the United States Naval Academy. He continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve in various command and staff billets. He holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership Development from the University of Maryland.

Outside of the Marine Corps, LtCol Tarr is an experienced race director, triathlete, and marathoner who is passionate about using his skills to serve others and give back to his community. His approach to servant leadership is rooted in the belief that we will never find the best version of ourselves in our comfort zone. He is the founder of Feed Events, a community race series dedicated to alleviating local food insecurity. He and his wife, Noelle, have two amazing children.

Angela Anderson

Deputy Director

An employee of the MCMO since 1994, Anderson oversees the various branches within the MCM organization and develops new projects to enhance the event experience. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Germany in 1979 and went on to serve as the Marketing Coordinator for UVEX sporting goods, before becoming an Immigration and Naturalization Civil servant in Germany.

She earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing in 1998 from the University of Mary Washington, VA and has participated in the United States Marine Corps’ Civilian Leadership Program and Toastmasters International. She also received her Long Distance Coaching certification from RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) in 2014. Anderson has participated in triathlons, half marathons and marathons, including the Boston Marathon, which she completed in 2010.

Amber Traunero

Marketing, Social Media, Graphics and Sponsorship Manager

Traunero has been with the MCMO staff for three years, bringing valuable experience in sponsorship and public relations. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Old Dominion University, Traunero worked with MCCS Business and Support Services, gaining expertise in operations and customer engagement. Prior to her current role at MCMO, Traunero played a key role in managing sponsorships and public relations, helping to build strong partnerships and elevate the MCM brand. A passionate runner, Traunero has completed 5Ks, 10Ks, 10 Milers, 4 half marathons and a full marathon, further fueling her dedication to the MCMO’s mission to inspire and honor through endurance events.

Michelle Sledge

Business Manager

Combining her love for running, enhancing events, and her business knowledge, Ms. Sledge joined the Marine Corps Marathon Organization team in 2023. She came to the organization with over 20 years’ experience in the Business industry and many years volunteer work in the running field. Her volunteer work included race directing marathons and other events, President and Board of Director positions for the Chattanooga Track Club, where she was the recipient of the Road Runners Club of America President of the Year award in 2023. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

As an avid runner herself, she has participated in marathons, half marathons, and other race distances. She is a firm believer in experiencing other events as a runner to further enhance our mission.

Michael Lopez

Operations Manager

Recently concluded a distinguished 25-year career in the Marine Corps, served in various capacities, including Motor Transport Operations Chief. His tenure involved multiple deployments and extensive leadership experiences that shaped his professional journey. Currently, serving as the Operations and Logistics Manager with the MCMO team. Holds a bachelor’s degree from American Military University, further enhancing commitment to excellence for service members and the running community.