Our Mission

WTF – Winning The Fight is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community resource, providing drug education, support, and guidance to individuals and families who struggle with the disease of addiction.

Our Motivation

We developed WTF after losing our son, Brett Morgan O’Keefe, to an accidental drug overdose. We choose to be a part of Winning, not losing. Brett was well known for saying “WTF” in a loving manner, so we used the initials and changed the meaning to something positive.

There is a resurgence in drug addiction all over America. Most of the time, it starts with prescription pills but quickly leads to more extreme drugs. People that are affected by this are not psychologically disturbed, junkies, or criminals, but normal kids that come from very normal families. The Center for Disease Control declared that in 2022, 105,452 people died from drug overdoses. That is one person every 4.98 minutes. Many of these deaths are from Fentanyl poisonings.  If no one speaks out, we cannot change the stigma and judgment.

Brett Morgan O’Keefe
January 28, 1992 – March 20, 2010

Kathy O'Keefe

In Loving Memory of Kathy O’Keefe (1956–2024)
Founder & Heart of Winning The Fight

Kathy O’Keefe and her husband, Ben O’Keefe, co-founded Winning The Fight (WTF) after the tragic loss of their son, Brett, to an accidental drug overdose in 2010. What began as a personal mission to raise awareness about the realities of substance use became a movement that touched thousands of lives across Texas and beyond.

For over a decade, Kathy poured her heart into this organization. She was a fearless advocate, a tireless educator, and a compassionate presence for families navigating the darkest seasons of their lives. Her passion, honesty, and relentless drive made her a beacon of hope in the fight against substance use disorder. She loved fiercely, fought fiercely and through it all she showed love and compassion to all.

Kathy’s impact lives on in the students she educated, the parents she comforted, the systems she challenged, and the community she built. Her legacy is not only in the programs she created but in the lives she changed.

She passed away on December 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her absence is deeply felt, but her vision continues—carried forward by those she inspired, including her husband and co-founder, Ben O’Keefe, and the team at WTF.

We will continue this fight in her honor—saving lives, spreading truth, and ending the stigma.

Our Staff and Board

Ben O'Keefe

Ben O’Keefe is the husband of the late Kathy O’Keefe and the co-founder of Winning The Fight (WTF). Throughout the organization’s early years and growth, Ben worked steadfastly behind the scenes, providing logistical support for fundraising events, offering insight, and serving as a steady source of encouragement during the most challenging times of helping families impacted by addiction.

Ben works as a Senior Superintendent for Turner Construction Company, the Largest General Contractor in the U.S. He has had the opportunity to run a multitude of unique projects throughout his career. A couple of his favorites were the restoration of the Fannin County Courthouse in Bonham, TX, restoring it to its original glory of 1888. Also, the Dallas Municipal Building in downtown Dallas for the University of North Texas School of Law. This building was built in 1914 and is best known for the place Lee Harvey Oswalt was jailed and shortly after shot by Jack Ruby.

Ben has lived in Flower Mound for 29 years and has a son Kyle who currently lives in Houston. In his free time, Ben enjoys Woodworking and keeping the yard “The way Kathy would of wanted!”

Paige Furin

Paige Furin

Director of Programs

Paige, a fifth-generation native Texan, grew up in Grapevine and graduated from Colleyville Heritage High School in 2012. She pursued a degree in Psychology and Development Family Studies at the University of North Texas. After finding sobriety in November 2018, Paige discovered her passion and purpose in helping others overcome substance use challenges. Her journey taught her the vital role that community support and education play in recovery. As the Director of Programs at Winning The Fight, Paige combines her personal experience and five years of professional expertise to create initiatives that foster connection, resilience, and hope.

Haley

Haley Smithwick

Administrative Assistant

Haley was born and raised in Highland Village, where she has built deep roots and lasting connections within the community. As the oldest of five children and a proud aunt to one niece, family has always been the center of her life. After graduating from Marcus High School in 2013, Haley joined her family’s catering business full-time, eventually stepping into a leadership role and running daily operations. Through this experience, she cultivated strong relationships with local businesses and community members, all while developing a passion for organization, creativity, and client-focused service. After years of leading the family business, Haley followed her heart and pursued her passion for event planning, growing her own wedding planning business. Her faith and relationship with God are the foundation of her life, guiding her both personally and professionally. Haley strives to approach every opportunity with integrity, compassion, and a servant’s heart. When she’s not planning events, Haley loves spending time with her family, hosting game nights, traveling, or enjoying a day on the lake. She is excited to bring her skills and heart for service to WTF and looks forward to being part of a mission-driven organization that aligns with her values.

Kathy Travis

President

Interim Secretary, Past President
Kathy is a 1986 graduate of Lewisville High School.  She has lived in Highland Village, TX since 1972.  She has a Bachelor of Social Work from UNT.   She joined Century Insurance Flower Mound office March, 2012,  specializing in Business Insurance.

Kathy has 2 children- Jessica, whom she lost to a accidental fentanyl overdose on January 29, 2022,  and Daniel.  She served on the LISD School Board for 9 years. She currently serves as the Past President on the Communities in Schools of North Texas board.

Kathy has a passion for helping children.  She and her son are Type 1 diabetics.  She enjoys time with family and friends, cooking, gardening and being outdoors.
(Term 5/2024)

Chris Robinson

President Elect

Chris graduated from Texas A&M University in 1982 with a Degree in Construction Sciences. He worked in the field of construction for 35 years serving in leadership and executive roles and served on several industry committees. Feeling called into the field of professional counseling, he chose to retire from the construction industry after he had earned his M.A. in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy from LeTourneau University in 2016.  Chris now provides counseling services in both Flower Mound and at Rockhill Counseling in Aubrey. He works with couples and individuals of all ages who deal with issues ranging from addictions to relational problems and from grief to trauma recovery.

Chris and his wife have lived in the Flower Mound area since 1997.  They have two adult daughters, both of whom graduated from Marcus High School, went on to college and have returned to live in Denton and Dallas. Both Chris and his wife have been active members of Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church since moving to the area.
(Term 1/2024)

Amie Peace

Secretary

Amie is an attorney, having earned her Juris Doctor degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.  With over 20 years of legal experience, her Flower Mound practice, Peace & Associates PLLC, specializes in family law, mediation, estate planning and probate.

Amie holds many honors and distinctions for her work in law and is committed to serving her community. As a result of her work with abused and neglected children, Amie was named Attorney Ad Litem of the Year by CASA of Denton County in 2007. She has served on many Boards of Directors, including The Denton County Bar Association for 8 years, where she was president in 2014.

Amie has lived in the area for 40 years.  She has one son and 2 very spoiled Bulldogs.  In her spare time, she loves to travel.

(Term 10/2025)

David Johnson

Treasurer

David is originally from the Midwest and is a 26-year resident of Flower Mound. He has a 33-year career in finance and banking, is married, and has two adult children.

David has been involved in Flower Mound for more than 20 years in several capacities, including community and charity-based activities. Some of those include Habitat for Humanity of Denton County, Flower Mound Planning & Zoning, United Way of Denton County, Cross Timbers Rotary Club, Wellington HOA Board, Cross Timbers YMCA Board, Flower Mound Summit Club, LISD Facilities, Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce Leadership graduate, and more.

“I enjoy giving back to my community with my time, philanthropy and ideas. I believe it is important to give back, change lives, and leave a legacy. My non-profit work helps me meet new people, learn about different facets of our society, and share my business acumen.”

(Term 11/2027)

Stacy Marks

Past President

Stacy holds both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University, and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Walden University. Stacy retired from her teaching career in 2016, where she spent 35 years.  She now works as the Administrative Director for Jay Marks Real Estate and recently became a licensed realtor.

Stacy raised her two daughters in Flower Mound, where she still resides with her husband, Jay. She looks forward to using her background as an educator to bring hope to families and children by helping them gain the tools they need to overcome their battles with addiction. Stacy is an avid genealogist who, in her free time, can be found either furthering her genealogy research or reading a good book. She is grateful for this opportunity to give back to her community.

(Term 2/2026)

Mike Donnelly

Mike Donnelly

Member at Large #1

Mike Donnelly is originally from Middle, Tennessee. He was a resident of Flower Mound for six years and he and his family have called Double Oak home since 2002. 

Mike was recognized by the council and residents of Double Oak in 2003 for his dedicated service of promoting safety for children. He was first elected to the town council in 2004 where he served multiple terms, including, eleven years as mayor. Mike is well known as an avid supporter of fire and law enforcement departments. 

He is a member of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club, Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce and Denton County Republican Party. He and his family are known for their philanthropy and support of non-profits.

Mike has been employed in the aviation industry for more than thirty-five  years. He and his wife, Treva, have one daughter, Elizabeth.

Bill Collins

Member at Large #2

Bill received a BBA from Western Michigan University where he majored in finance and minored in accounting and general business. He has been a Certified Financial Planner/Financial Advisor with Edward Jones since 2003. He earned his Accredited Asset Management Specialist, Accredited Wealth Management Specialist and CPF while working at Edward Jones. Bill has held several regional positions at this firm. Prior to Edward Jones he worked at Associates Financial Corporation for 23 years with his last role being Regional Vice President. 

Bill has lived in Flower Mound since 1995. He has held many non-profit board positions at Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, Lewisville Chamber of Commerce, Lewisville Lake Symphony, Friends of Flower Mound Library, and Lewisville Education Foundation. He was Chairman of the Board at both Chambers of Commerce, where he received several awards, including Citizen of the Year. 
Bill has been married to Sheila Collins for 3 years. He has two sons, one daughter in law, six grandchildren, two stepchildren, one step granddaughter, and one great grandson on the way. 

 Bill loves traveling, exercising, working in the yard, having date nights with his wife, networking with others, playing card and board games, and being with people.  

(Term 8/2025)

Mark DeWitt

Member at Large #4

Mark DeWitt is a Vice President in the Dallas office’s Property Casualty Department of Holmes Murphy. He’s responsible for ensuring all clients receive the best possible experience when working with the company

Mark graduated from Friends University in Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Sociology.

Active in the industry, Mark is a member of the American Subcontractors Association, TEXO (Texas Association of General Contractors [AGC]), Oklahoma AGC, Kansas AGC, and the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association. He is also on the AGC Government Affairs Committee. Additionally, Mark is involved in associations, such as High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters, Winning the Fight Against Drugs, the NRA, and Ducks Unlimited. Mark is married with two grown children.
(Term 1/2025)