Meet 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. 

  • Dr. Desiree Lancaster

    Vice President

    Desiree Sabari-Lancaster 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.

  • 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.

  • Lida 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 LaBlue

    Board Member

    Info coming soon. 

  • Gina Minzenmeyer

    Board Member

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