Our Board of Directors
BRAD OTTO
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Brad is the Founder and President of Acts of Wisdom. He also serves as Senior Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church full time. He is the author of the book: "Finding Myself Again" and is also a Jay Shetty Certified Life and Mental Health Coach. His passion is to help children across the world have a shot at making their lives better. Brad is married to his wife Stacie and they have two children, a daughter, London, and a son, Logan. To email Pastor Brad click here.
Dr. Desiree Lancaster
VICE PRESIDENT
Desiree Sabari-Lancaster is married to Kenneth Lancaster, celebrating 30 years and growing, along with three successful young adults; Adam, Ashlyn and Amber. She possesses over 20 years of educational experience as a leader, teacher, trainer, coach and mentor. Having earned a Doctorate in Education, Dr. Lancaster specializes in educational policies, procedures and best-practices that improve student outcomes and family and community conditions. Dr. Lancaster has served in a variety of roles from substitute teacher to district manager and trainer in the 2 largest districts in Texas. She has demonstrated an expertise in elevating classroom and school community, culture, and climate, with a proven record of successfully cooperating to transform academic and behavioral outcomes for schools. Her passion lies in life-long learning, collaborating, and empowering stakeholders with voice and choice to elevate their circumstances.0
Bob Schmadeke
TREASURER
Bob Schmadeke is an Iowa native, who grew up on a 160-acre farm that produced Grade A milk from purebred Holstein cows. He attended Iowa State University for 1-1/2 years and then entered the US Army. After his 31-month enlistment he returned to college with a wife and two sons and graduated with a double major, business administration with an emphasis in accounting and Physical Education from Upper Iowa University.
He has taught in the public schools at all levels for 32 years, coached numerous sports and earned a Master of Arts in Education, Secondary Principalship Degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He retired as a Middle School Principal and MS-HS Activities Director.
He is a strong believer that education is the path for success and to make the world a better place for all. That belief is why he has been in volved in Acts of Wisdom. He has been to Ethiopia three times and has observed the challenges and successes that Acts of Wisdom has been instrumental in achieving for all students in the two villages by making school books available for students to advance their education.
Lisa Kaindl
SECRETARY
Lisa Kaindl is a long-time resident of Austin and has been at Dell for 25 yrs and has 20 years’ experience serving on boards for various charities within Austin. Lisa has an MBA in finance and Economics with a focus on public administration. She started her career working for non-profits and gained an appreciation for the needs of non-profits and charities. She recognizes the importance for strong teams with a cross functional diverse group of people. Lisa is passionate about helping those who can’t help themselves. She strongly believes that communities are only as strong as the weakest residents and we all can give in some form or fashion to make a difference.
Evan Moilan
Board Member
Evan Moilan brings experience, energy, and innovative thinking, based on more than 20 years of Executive leadership and Board service for non-profits across the United States. Known as an engaging speaker and catalyst for organizational growth, Evan brings expertise in Strategic planning, Board development, Fundraising, Governance, Marketing and Branding. Currently a consultant with Gronlund Sayther Brunkow, he formerly served as Chief Mission officer for Upbring. Additionally, Evan has served in Executive leadership and development roles with a diverse array of non-profits from camp & retreat centers, foundations, and global relief agencies. As a volunteer Evan currently serves as the Secretary of the Board of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and on the Board of the Bastrop County Area Food Pantry. Holding the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential, an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, and a graduate certificate from the University of Texas in Non-Profit Management; Evan brings passion and expertise to organizations large and small.
Chris Thomas
Board Member
Chris Thomas is the Director of Operations for Rangel Renewables, a renewable energy company based in Houston Tx. He is a native Texan, born in Houston and live all over the state. He loves being outdoors hunting, fishing or playing sports with his family. He is married to his wife Brittney, and they have three children, Reagan, Graham, and Charlotte. Chris has a passion for helping others grow and brings years of experience in developing and growing teams.
Mike Pareya
Board Member
Michael Pareya retired to Brenham, Texas in 2018 with his life partner, James, after 40 years managing his family’s Central Texas retail business. He is currently a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where he serves on council and as a confirmation guide. Michael was born and raised in the small community of West near Waco, Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1978 with a BA in government, he moved to Clifton, Texas where he raised his two daughters, Julie and Jessica. While there, Mike was a charter member of Our Lady of the Lake Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry in addition to being a lay reader and worship assistant. Since retiring, Mike spends his time exercising, gardening, cooking and traveling. He is actively volunteering with Bread Partners of Washington County, the local food pantry in Brenham, where he serves on the board of directors.