executive board
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for Newport, Carteret County and cooking whole hogs!
Brooke South
Born and raised in Carteret County, Brooke (Sanford) South is a proud 6th-generation local with deep roots in Eastern North Carolina BBQ traditions.
Her whole hog journey began at just 14 years old, cooking alongside her daddy at the Newport Pig Cookin’. Long before that, her family had already become part of the event’s history. Her grandmother helped with the very first Newport Pig Cookin’, and for all 48 years, members of her family have volunteered, cooked, or supported the event in some capacity.
BBQ runs even deeper in Brooke’s family history. Her great-grandmother started by selling BBQ and homemade pies from her kitchen window before eventually opening Mrs. Willis’ Restaurant in Morehead City, where the BBQ pit became a local staple for many years.
PresidentOver the years, Brooke has earned numerous awards and placements on the whole hog BBQ circuit, including a People’s Choice victory at the North Carolina Whole Hog BBQ State Championship.
Today, you’ll most likely find her under the teal tent beside a pink pig cooker with her husband and daughter, out on the boat, or in the woods somewhere on side-by-sides and four-wheelers. By profession, she is an instructional designer, but she’s equally passionate about serving her community as a cheer coach, softball and dance mom, and volunteer leader.
Her past and current community involvement includes serving as Cheer Coordinator for the Newport Vikings, Concessions Coordinator for Newport Little League, Vice President of Newport Middle School PTO, PTO and Booster Club volunteer, and President of Miracles in Motion Performing Arts Centre.
As President of Newport BBQ Fest, Brooke is honored to help carry forward a tradition that has brought families, friends, and BBQ lovers together for generations.
Her favorite quote for now: “BBQ is a noun, not a verb”
Timothy mills
Born and raised in Newport, North Carolina, I grew up surrounded by the traditions of Eastern North Carolina barbecue. From an early age, I learned the art of whole hog cooking from my late grandfather, Clayton Garner. If he was cooking a pig, I wanted to be there. He laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion, and eventually entrusted me with carrying on our family’s annual Thanksgiving pig cooking tradition.
In 2009, I joined the United States Coast Guard and began a career that took me far from home. No matter where I was stationed, I made it a priority to return home whenever possible to compete in the Newport Pig Cooking and stay connected to the traditions I grew up with. As my family grew, I made sure my children were involved as well, passing along the same lessons and experiences that were shared with me as a young boy around the cooker.
Vice PresidentMy oldest son, Corbin (15), has now begun competing on his own and even walked across the stage just two years ago with a 7th place trophy, continuing the family tradition in his own way.
I am blessed to share life with my wife, Sarah, and our three boys. When we’re not working, you’ll usually find us on the water, grilling out with family and friends, or at the ball field.
As Vice President of the Newport BBQ Festival, I am committed to preserving and advancing the traditions of Eastern North Carolina whole hog barbecue. One of my greatest passions is involving young people in the craft, ensuring they have opportunities to learn the skills, history, and values that make our barbecue culture so special.
Sincerely, your 1991 pig cooking king.
Treasurerkelcey pope
Also born and raised in Newport, Kelsey has deep roots in the community and a lifelong connection to the tradition that inspired today's Newport BBQ Fest. Growing up, she attended the original Newport Pig Cookin' Contest, where she developed an appreciation for the event's role in bringing the community together.
As a member of the West Carteret High School FFA, Kelsey volunteered at the Pig Cookin' Contest and enjoyed the opportunity to walk the festival grounds alongside the late Mayor Garner while he recited the FFA Creed many times—a memory she continues to cherish. She remained involved as an adult volunteer, eager to give back to an event that played such an important role in her hometown.
Kelsey's dedication to serving Newport extends beyond the festival. She has served as both President and Treasurer of the Newport Middle School PTO and volunteered with the school's Athletic Booster Club. She is now working as the bookkeeper at Newport Middle School, where she continues to build on her financial expertise.
As Treasurer of the Newport BBQ Fest, Kelsey is honored to help carry forward the legacy of the original Pig Cookin' Contest while supporting the festival's exciting new chapter. She is committed to responsible financial stewardship and preserving the community spirit that has made this celebration a beloved Newport tradition for generations.
Secretary
kelsey collins
Kelcey Howard Collins is a lifelong resident of Newport, North Carolina, and the daughter of Ritchie and Gracie Howard. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in community service and barbecue tradition, Kelcey volunteered with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to support the Newport Pig Cookin Contest and participated in numerous pig cookin events alongside her brother, Chris Howard, and Ryan Barbour.
Her family's legacy is closely tied to the event, as her grandfather, Larry Howard, founded the Newport Pig Cookin Contest in 1979. His vision helped establish a tradition that has brought the community together for decades while supporting local causes. Inspired by that legacy, Kelcey is passionate about helping grow the Newport BBQ Fest, preserving its rich history, and reconnecting the community with its roots for future generations.
Professionally, Kelcey is a Registered Nurse dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of her community. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Ambulatory Surgery Center (NC ASC) Association, where she contributes to advancing quality patient care and supporting the ambulatory surgery industry across the state. Through both her professional career and community involvement, Kelcey is committed to service, leadership, and preserving the traditions that make Newport a special place to call home.