Meet the Members of the 2026 Board of Directors
Rachel’s Bio
I am honored to serve on the Executive Committee as Chair of the Board and previously as Secretary. As a former co-coordinator of a local chapter, it has also been meaningful to me to work with all our chapters through the Chapters Committee. In my professional life as an Account Manager for a Third Party Administrator in healthcare, my work is dependent on the development of relationships with our customers and their providers. This is exactly what I love about volunteering for American Pilgrims on the Camino– the engagement with chapters, volunteers, pilgrims, and stakeholders. We learn so much from each other through our shared love for the Camino– it has been an enriching experience and has led to much personal growth. Through the transformative experience of the Camino, we find ourselves wanting to give back, and this is certainly how I got involved with American Pilgrims. The values of American Pilgrims (service, community, gratitude, and simplicity) resonate with me, and it has truly been rewarding and worthwhile to further the mission of the organization. It has been my fortune to walk the Camino Francés in 2017 and the Camino Inglés in 2025. Before I left for my first pilgrimage, I had joined my local chapter and participated in chapter events. I was able to get my many questions answered and a lot of helpful and practical advice and guidance before I started my journey. Upon my return, I became more involved and eventually became a co-coordinator for my chapter, which led to volunteer work on the national level, helping other chapter coordinators. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board and to share the Camino spirit with the pilgrim community.
Allison’s Bio
I’m grateful to serve as the Membership Chair and Vice Chair where I support pilgrims in various ways. Volunteering with American Pilgrims is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I dreamed of walking the Camino for many years after learning about it while reading a travel memoir. My husband, John, and I walked the Camino Norte in 2018, the Inglés in 2022 and 2025, and from Santiago to the sea in 2024.
The Camino provides me opportunities for renewal, freedom, and friendship. I am involved with our local chapter and became a lifetime member because I believe in supporting the spirit of the Camino.
Joe’s Bio
I have enjoyed serving on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors as Chair and Secretary, as well as previously leading our Chapters and Communications Committees and serving as Co-Coordinator of the Boston Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino.
I have worked in the field of information technology as an individual contributor and manager for three decades, primarily for the Massachusetts Medical Society and New England Journal of Medicine, as well as an array of technology startups. I also have professional experience in government, business consulting, refugee resettlement, and marketing. I served for 13 years as an elected official on my town’s school and executive boards, and I have held leadership positions with numerous non-profit and religious organizations.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to walk Caminos with my wife and each of my two daughters. Since 2019, I have walked the Francés (twice), Finisterre and Muxía, Portugués (including the Variante Espiritual), Inglés, and Vía de la Plata routes. I am certified as an hospitalero, and I look forward to using this training–and my Spanish, German, and Russian language skills–in service to Camino pilgrims from throughout the world.
Bill’s Bio
I currently serve as Treasurer. I oversee and help to manage the organization’s financial resources, annual budget, financial reporting and record-keeping. I also advise on strategic planning, financial strategy and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. I have worked for 40 years as a commercial banker/lender, primarily specializing in the capital markets and commercial real estate industry sectors.
My passion for the Camino is rooted in my first Camino, which was a life-changing experience for me. I have biked (1) and walked a total of 5 Caminos over the last 10 years.
Martin’s Bio
My introduction to the Camino was unplanned and sudden. Although I traveled extensively in Spain for over 30 years, I had never heard of the Camino. In 2018, after experiencing a confluence of personal challenges related to family health issues and a natural disaster, I began searching for a source of healing. That’s when the Camino discovered me.
I started walking the Camino Francés in September 2018 from Saint Jean Pied de Port, arriving in Santiago in October and received my first Compostela, which has become one of my most treasured accomplishments.
As a pilgrim, I continue to search and explore both the physical journey as well as the inner journey, expressed artistically. I’ve returned to the Camino, traveling through La Rioja, La Meseta and walking the Camino Sanabrés into Santiago. In 2023, I participated in the American Pilgrims’ inaugural cultural event, Navarra: Una Experencia en el Camino.
As part of the American Pilgrims community, I’ve shared my inner journey at the 2022 and 2023 Annual Gatherings. After taking hospitalero training through American Pilgrims, I served as a volunteer hospitalero in Trabadelo on the Camino Francés.
I believe the spirit of the Camino has the power to transform every pilgrim and bring healing to this planet, one peregrino at a time. As a board member, I will strive to do whatever I can to bring the Camino spirit home and support others who are searching for The Way.
Corinne’s Bio
I’m eager to bring my professional experience to American Pilgrims as the leader of the Communications Committee, and I’m also happy to support the membership team. After retiring (which I highly recommend!) from 25+ years in marketing and advertising with big international companies, I wanted to stay involved and useful, so this has been a great gift.
My Camino story is a bit unusual—I first heard about it on Match.com, when I noticed lots of older single men saying it was something they dreamed of doing! At first, I never imagined I’d walk the Camino myself, but my partner’s excitement (and stories) inspired me to give it a try.
Even before I started the walk, I felt the warmth and generosity that American Pilgrims are known for. Right away, it was obvious how kind and thoughtful everyone was, and how strong the connections between pilgrims could be. In May 2024, my partner and I finished the Camino Portugués. The first week threw some tough challenges our way—bad weather, building up stamina—but the whole journey was incredibly rewarding. We met fellow walkers from 32 countries, got help just when we needed it from some Canadians, and had memorable experiences of friendship and goodwill.
After seeing what the Spirit of the Camino is all about, I really want to give back to this community. Serving on the board is an honor, and I appreciate being able to use my skills and background to support the mission, vision, and values of American Pilgrims.
Luis’s Bio
I first heard of the Camino de Santiago 30 years ago. After many years of considering the idea, my wife and I decided to plan a Camino in which we would arrive in the Praza do Obradoiro on the day I turned 60. The lessons the Camino taught us along the way resulted in us arriving in Padrón, one stop from Santiago, on my birthday.
From that point forward, excluding the pandemic, we’ve walked a two-week Camino every year, totaling six different paths. I discovered the American Pilgrims on the Camino Gulf Coast Chapter in 2022, before my fifth Camino. We now attend social events masterfully hosted by Linda, Jack, Maddie, Jenny and several other awesome chapter volunteers.
When I retired, we planned a Camino taking advantage of the extra time I now found myself with: we planned to walk the Camino Francés, but with an extension through the Via Podiensis. We started in Le-Puy-en-Velay, France in May 2023 and ended in Praza do Obradoiro 67 days later, having walked over 1,500km.
The words “service” and “gratitude” became a huge part of my everyday life during this Camino so after it was over, I decided to apply to the board. I’m delighted to give back, serve, and collaborate to fully support American Pilgrims on the Camino’s Values Statement.
John’s Bio
As a new member of the American Pilgrims board, I’ll be working with the Chapters committee as well as serving as Assistant Treasurer and member of the Finance committee.
I’m sure that my work with American Pilgrims will be influenced (and I hope well served) by my more than forty years of experience working as a lawyer, a law professor, a chaplain, and pastor, as well as experience and skills I’ve gained volunteering with various nonprofit organizations.
But more importantly, what I offer American Pilgrims, its members, its chapters, and its sister organizations is, first and foremost, a heartfelt love of the Camino and an undying commitment to the values and spirit of the Camino; the unforgettable experiences I’ve had as a Camino pilgrim, making eight journeys on more than a dozen routes in Spain, Portugal, and France since 2015; and the skills I’ve developed, what I’ve learned, and the relationships I’ve formed during the past eight years volunteering as a chapter coordinator, a member of the Chapter Coaches team, co-chairing two Chapter Coordinator Workshops, and serving as an hospitalero in Ponferrada and Grañon.
It’s often said that “the Camino provides.” And that’s certainly been true for me. But the Camino has also called, and continues to call, me to give back and pay forward, with gratitude, all that the Camino has provided and meant to me by doing my small part to foster the enduring tradition of the Camino, support its infrastructure, gather pilgrims together, and provide information and encouragement to past, present, and future pilgrims.
Tracy’s Bio
I am honored and delighted to serve as an incoming board member with committee assignments that include Communications, Membership, and Grants. I’ve been on the Grants Committee for several years helping to invest member dues in valuable infrastructure projects that improve the pilgrim experience in-country. I call it Camino diplomacy!
Professionally, I served as a corporate spokeswoman in the grocery industry and, since retirement, enjoy speaking and publishing books. I recently concluded my term as a local elected official in Pennsylvania and am looking forward to turning my full attention to American Pilgrims.
I got curious about the act of pilgrimage in 2015 after walking 500 miles on the Camino Francés with my daughter. I didn’t anticipate the powerful and lasting impact of the pilgrim path on me, or the subsequent desire to return again and again. I’ve been back to the Camino several times and have put my feet on pilgrim paths all over the world. It’s changed my life. In 2023, I had the privilege of serving as a volunteer at the Albergue de Ribadiso where I welcomed global pilgrims just four days out from Santiago. Each of my Caminos have offered new friends, life lessons, spiritual connection, and a deeper devotion to the community of pilgrims.
Deborah’s Bio
My Spanish ancestry introduced me to the Camino tradition and its legendary transformational power of healing and gaining perspective. As I recovered from a debilitating near-fatal condition requiring 3 years of rigorous rehabilitation, I walked half of the Camino Francés with my 2 college-age daughters in 2024; in 2025, I returned to complete it with my husband/ nurse/ coach/ best friend/ occasional sherpa.
During my recovery, my husband papered our bedroom walls with Camino landscapes as motivation toward my dream fulfillment. While walking the Camino with my family, I vowed to recalibrate the second half of my life towards acts of service. I first discovered American Pilgrims while seeking a credential and later, joined the organization. Now, I consider serving on the Board as one of my most treasured blessings.
For 30 years, I cultivated a global corporate career working for multinational energy companies frequently using my 5 languages. However, at this stage of my life, volunteering for such a noteworthy organization has been by far one of my most rewarding experiences. Besides serving as a Board Member, I am copy editor for La Concha and actively support the Grants and Membership Committees.
As a pilgrim, I continue to search and explore both the physical journey as well as the inner journey, expressed artistically. I’ve returned to the Camino, traveling through La Rioja, La Meseta and walking the Camino Sanabrés into Santiago. In 2023, I participated in the American Pilgrims’ inaugural cultural event, Navarra: Una Experencia en el Camino.
As part of the American Pilgrims community, I’ve shared my inner journey at the 2022 and 2023 Annual Gatherings. After taking hospitalero training through American Pilgrims, I served as a volunteer hospitalero in Trabadelo on the Camino Francés.
I believe the spirit of the Camino has the power to transform every pilgrim and bring healing to this planet, one peregrino at a time. As a board member, I will strive to do whatever I can to bring the Camino spirit home and support others who are searching for The Way.
Dawn’s Bio
As a professor of medieval Spanish language and literature, the Camino de Santiago is something I’ve always read about since the pilgrimage experience was an inspiration through the centuries for poetry, miracle tales, and even travel narratives. After teaching a seminar on the early cultural influence of the Camino, I was inspired to undertake the pilgrimage myself! It took quite a few years to build the courage to do so, but I finally walked my first Camino in 2015 from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logroño.
Even though at that point I had not yet reached Santiago, I returned home transformed by the experience and started the Iowa Chapter of American Pilgrims in 2016 where I still serve as a chapter co-coordinator. Since then, I’ve finished the Camino Francés, and walked the Camino Primitivo, the Camino Sanabrés, the Camino Finisterre, the Camino Inglés, the Camino Portugués por la costa, and part of the Camino del Norte.
As I became more involved in American Pilgrims by attending annual gatherings and reviewing grants, I learned about volunteer opportunities to give back to the Camino. I’ve served as a volunteer in the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago and, most recently, as an hospitalera in Zamora. I look forward to serving the global pilgrim community through my engagement as an American Pilgrims board member.
A message from our Honorary Patron, Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau
(Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau has served as the Ambassador of Spain to the United States since February 2024. Her previous role was Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, the second highest-ranking position in Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In December 2024, Ambassador Moreno accepted the invitation of the American Pilgrims Board to be named Honorary Patron of American Pilgrims on the Camino.)
Dear friends of American Pilgrims on the Camino,
I am deeply honored and grateful to be designated as Honorary Patron of your group. This recognition strengthens my personal connection to this timeless journey that holds great historical, cultural, spiritual, and natural significance.
For centuries, pilgrims from all walks of life have walked the Camino, each contributing to and experiencing its profound legacy. I believe this is one of its most fascinating traits: each person experiences the Camino differently. Pilgrims embark on it for different reasons: as an act of faith, personal growth, self-discovery or as a more intimate connection with nature and heritage. But the experience is transformative for all, a path of renewal unlike any other.
Let me take this opportunity to commend the work of American Pilgrims on the Camino. Your dedication to preserving and promoting the Camino inspires all of us who treasure this unique pilgrimage. Thank you for bringing our peoples together, for celebrating our shared heritage, and for offering moments of reflection and discovery to all.
I would encourage all of our American friends who read this message to walk the Camino, even if it is just a few miles. Believe me, it will be the journey of a lifetime. You will find more than a pilgrimage; it is a journey through history, faith, culture, cuisine, and nature, a deeper connection with yourselves and the world around you.
Thank you once again for this great honor. Together, let us continue to cherish and promote the extraordinary gift of the Camino de Santiago.
¡Buen Camino!
— Ángeles Moreno Bau
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the United States of America
About Our Work
Our hardworking, all-volunteer board of directors helps members of American Pilgrims on the Camino give back to the Camino by ensuring that we fulfill our mission to support the Camino, gather pilgrims together and inform and encourage past and future pilgrims.
Board members serve a three-year term that is renewable once. The board meets four times per year. Board members serve in leadership positions on a variety of committees including finance, grants, governance, chapters, Gatherings, membership, communications, hospitaleros, external relations and technology. Follow this link to view an organizational chart.
The board works with members to:
- Develop and help local chapters thrive
- Identify recipients of grants
- Publish La Concha, our quarterly publication
- Maintain a vibrant website
- Grow membership
- Connect pilgrims in our Facebook community
- Host the annual Gathering of Pilgrims
- Develop the financial resources needed to accomplish our mission.
Get news from the organization and quarterly board reports here. Learn more about what our board does: