BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the members of our Board of Directors

Click on each photo for the board member's bio.

DAVE DONSELAR

Board Chairman | chair@americanpilgrims.org

I walked the Camino Francés with my wife and oldest son, arriving in Santiago 36 days after leaving St. Jean Pied de Port.  The memories that remain the most vivid are the smaller things…the warmth of the freshly dried clothes in Roncesvalles, the smell of bread on the way up to O’Cebreiro and the group of pilgrims singing in the gentle rain as we approached Santiago.  The most rewarding experiences were the people…the exuberance of fellow pilgrims as we walked into town each afternoon, the thoughtfulness of the hospitaleros each evening and the kindness of strangers when we took wrong turns. I’m excited to serve on the Board as we work together to connect the global community of pilgrims right here at home.

DAVE DONSELAR

BARBARA ZANG

Vice Chair

I set off in May 2013 from St. Jean Pied de Port, France on my first Camino. After collecting my Compostela in Santiago, I walked to Finisterre and then on to Muxia. The abundant, unexpected Camino kindnesses I received along the Way stayed with me when I returned home. How could I ever repay fellow pilgrims for their generosity of spirit?  I trained as a hospitalera in 2014, served in Grañón in 2015 and volunteered in the Pilgrim’s Office in 2016 and 2017. The Camino Portugués beckoned in 2017. Joining the board in January 2018 has meant a continuation of that repayment on a totally different level--from helping chapters get their start to overseeing the production of “La Concha.” I enjoy volunteering for an organization whose values so closely align with my own.

BARBARA ZANG

STEVE LYTCH

Treasurer | treasurer@americanpilgrims.org

Beginning in 2008, my wife and I would walk a portion of the Camino Francés each year when visiting our daughter in Madrid. In 2017, a friend and I walked the entire length from Saint-Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. While living in Europe in 2018, I walked portions of a Camino whenever I got a chance. Whenever I’m with fellow pilgrims, whether at the national Gathering, a local chapter event or a chance encounter, I relive that feeling of peace and joy and welcome that calls me back to the Camino. The gifts we receive are too precious not to be nurtured and shared. That’s why I’m grateful for American Pilgrims on the Camino.

STEVE LYTCH

CARMEN MARRIOTT

Secretary | secretary@americanpilgrims.org

It took me a long time to process my first Camino experience.  Although I attended local chapter meetings, visited the American Pilgrims on the Camino website and requested my credential, and had become a member of American Pilgrims, I didn’t really appreciate the essence of the organization.  It wasn’t too long after I returned from Finisterre that I saw the announcement seeking board members. Although I have dedicated much of my time volunteering for non-profits, after retirement I was practicing saying no to others and yes to myself.  The mission called me, “Fostering the enduring tradition of the Camino by supporting its infrastructure, by gathering pilgrims together and by providing information and encouragement to past and future pilgrims.” Who wouldn’t want to be part of that!  I said YES, and I’ve loved every hour of my work with the organization.

CARMEN MARRIOTT

JEFF STYS

Board Member

With my first Camino back in 2003, I never thought the Camino de Santiago would play such a big role in my life. I try to make it back to the Camino at least once a year. For me the joy of the Camino is about time for prayer and meditation and the physical experience of walking day after day. I love American Pilgrims on the Camino because it lets me share the joy of pilgrimage and my experiences with others who have walked or will walk in the future. I believe my role as board member is the best way to support “the enduring traditions of the Camino.”

JEFF STYS

TOM LABUZIENSKI

Board Member

I hiked and biked the Camino Francés with my two oldest sons in August 2016..  It was a memorable bonding experience for us as my sons are in their 20’s and live in New Orleans and Seattle, while I work for public radio in South Bend, Indiana.  Returing home after my first Camino, I started teaching ten week courses about the pilgrimage at the Forever Learning Institute. This has helped keep the experience alive for me and subsequently inspired many to do their own Camino.  In fact, last semester we talked on speakerphone regularly to class graduates LIVE from their own Caminos in Spain. The classes are held each spring and fall and one of my star students and I helped create the new American Pilgrims on the Camino local chapter in South Bend.  I also teach hiking classes in two Community School Systems. In June 2018, my youngest son and I hiked Japan’s Kumano Kodo as part of his high school graduation present. I am grateful that the Camino has had such a positive impact on my life, my family, friends and students.  I have a strong passion for sharing that powerful experience with others and I am honored to serve the Camino on the board of directors.

TOM LABUZIENSKI

SARA GRADWOHL

Board Member

Committing to walk the Camino is a big decision and like many Americans, I requested my first credential from American Pilgrims on the Camino in 2015. I didn’t become a member until after I returned home when I was searching for a way to stay connected with the Camino and the greater community of pilgrims.  I’ve since returned to walk the Camino Francés, Camino Portugués and Camino Inglés, and I completed the Kumano Kodo in 2018. Membership in American Pilgrims and a local chapter are wonderful ways to make new friends (we all like to talk about the Camino) and I feel energized being among people with such an incredible shared experience.  If you have never attended a Gathering, it’s an exciting, inspirational and meaningful experience and I wouldn’t miss it. I am thankful for the information, support, encouragement and connections American Pilgrims has given me and I am honored to serve the community of pilgrims and give back as a member of the board.

SARA GRADWOHL

Our hard working, all-volunteer board members make sure the organization runs smoothly by responsibly managing the business of the organization.

The work of the board includes membership, local chapter development and support, communications, managing our grant program and hosting our annual Gathering of Pilgrims.

The Board of Directors of American Pilgrims on the Camino is looking for new Board candidates.

You might find joy and purpose working alongside your fellow pilgrims playing an important role in the future of American Pilgrims on the Camino.

If this sounds like something that interests you, and you would like to serve on its Board, please please contact us!

Rev 04/23/19