Board of Directors
Mary Jane Fox & Deacon Tom Fox
The call we received from the Lord to serve in the field of Catholic evangelization has been a most enlightening, inspirational and challenging vocation!
Debbie Garza
On pilgrimage, I know the ears and eyes of my heart have been opened by God’s grace and I’ve experienced the Joy of the Gospel. I am committed to helping other pilgrims experience their personal journey of faith.
Victor Negron
Patty Parma
Robert Polka
As a recently retired father and husband, events like the conferences and pilgrimages have helped me deepen my faith and driven a desire to share this Good News with others. Tom & Mary Jane are living witnesses to a life of trust in God, and I am honored to be able to help Pilgrim Center of Hope advance in their important mission of Catholic evangelization.
Jeff Weaver
Jeff is a retired executive from AT&T where he spent 35 years working in IT, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Program Management. Jeff was a 20 year resident of San Antonio before moving to Florida to support family. He and his wife were active parishioners at Holy Spirit Church.
Jeff’s involvement with Pilgrim Center of Hope (PCH) has been extensive over the last 15 years, starting with his first attendance of a Catholic Men’s Conference. He has journeyed with PCH on three separate pilgrimages (Italy, the Holy Land, and Marian shrines in Portugal & France).
Jeff says, "The pilgrimage experiences were, literally, life changing. In addition to the spiritual companionships developed with the other pilgrims, visiting sites once inhabited by Jesus, His blessed Mother and the Saints has deepened my faith and love for the Catholic Church." When he talks about PCH to others, his favorite comments is, "You can go on tours with anyone, but if you want a true pilgrimage, go with Pilgrim Center of Hope."
He is honored to be associated with PCH in any capacity.
Jeff is married to his wife, Sarah, of 44 years. They have three adult children and nine grandchildren.
Advisory Board
Nan Balfour
Nan worked as Pilgrim Center of Hope’s events coordinator for 10 years. As a Missionary of Hope volunteer, she continues to serve Pilgrim Center of Hope as a writer for The Pilgrim Log blog and "Living Catholicism" column in the Archdiocesan newspaper, Today’s Catholic.
Nan also serves as a Shroud Ambassador for the "Who is the Man of the Shroud?" Exhibition; guiding visitors, writing, and speaking for "A Journey with the Shroud" presentations.
Nan is a monthly benefactor, daily prayer intercessor, and contributes from her years of experience at Pilgrim Center of Hope as an Advisory Board member.
Lea Kochanek
Lea Kochanek began her career in media relations for the U.S. Olympic Festival 1993, then in community relations at the San Antonio Express-News for 11 years.
After taking time off to nurture her grandchildren, Lea worked as Director of Donor Relations at the San Antonio Area Foundation. She then served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Oblate School of Theology, where she managed the School’s fundraising, marketing, public relations and communications for more than 10 years prior to retiring in March 2020.
In addition to serving on our Advisory Board in the area of funding development, Lea is active in her parish, Church of the Good Shepherd in Schertz, serving on several committees, also with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women. She is a member of SA 100 and helps various Catholic nonprofits with their fundraising efforts as a volunteer.
Bill and Lupita Winters
Lupita Winters worked as Pilgrim Center of Hope’s Accountant for almost 4 ½ years and assisted in various conferences and fundraising events. Prior to joining PCH, Lupita worked as a Senior Staff Accountant in the hotel industry as well as substitute and computer technology teacher for NISD.
Her husband Bill works for the Department of the Air Force and serves as a Commander in the US Navy Reserve. He has served as a Missionary of Hope supporter through sponsorships and volunteering for several years.
Bill and Lupita taught Catechism at St. Anthony Claret Parish for over a decade. Together they contribute their creativity and administrative/managerial knowledge to Pilgrim Center of Hope in their role as Advisory Board members.
