Meet the team that makes everything possible
CHRIS ELLENBURG
CEO & FOUNDER
Chris Ellenburg is a North Georgia native, born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains. He joined the Army directly out of high school, and served until December 2012, when he left the military with one goal in mind: to continue serving his country, by supporting our Armed Forces.
This is how Over the Edge Outdoors was born. As someone who grew up surrounded by the outdoors, Chris took his passion for nature and turned it into a way for our service men and women to build relationships and communities with those who shared their experiences.
bethany
Bethany
Meet oteo
(pronounced Otayo)
Joshua York
vice president
Joshua York was born in a small town in western New York. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2000, and stayed there until he graduated high school in 2006, when he joined the Army as a 63B (wheeled mechanic).
Josh served in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment 4th Squadron for five years, with one deployment to Iraq from November 2007 to February 2009. Josh became involved with O.T.E.O. in 2018, after participating on a hunt and seeing first-hand the positive impact our program has had for our brothers and sisters. He was inspired to join our team as Treasurer, and also volunteers to lead hunts.
"I love what we’re doing for our Veterans, and we will continue to help in every way possible. I take our program very seriously - hunting and fishing is what got me through some very tough times, and I love to share my passion with other Veterans, to possibly give them a new outlet to get through their own rough times."
doug pleban
treasurer
Doug Pleban was born in Virginia. He joined the army in 2006 and became a 68B wheeled vehicle mechanic. He has deployed 3 time, twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He is married to his wife, Vanessa Pleban. Together they have 4 dogs, Lexi, Lacy, Lulu, and Dory.
He loves to be in the outdoors and receives great satisfaction when he is able to take out a veteran or soldier on a hunt that normally wouldn't be possible.
SALVADOR VELA
MARKETING
Salvador Vela is a 12-year Army UH-60 Blackhawk veteran, who’s spent the past 6 years at Fort Hood with the Air Cav. He’s been married for 14 years, and has three kids aged 16, 12, and 10. He also has four dogs: A great dane named Cali, a pug named bella, a hound named Dakota, and a bull mastiff named Mia.
He loves to hunt, fish, and just enjoy the outdoors in general, and is dedicated to giving back to his brothers and sisters in the armed forces.
