Otto ekk, President

Otto Ekk, co-founder of Friends of Portugal, has served in various advisory capacities since the earliest days. He has over three decades of practical experience of living in Portugal. Affording people the privilege of growing and thriving in the important areas of life is a key focus of his. Having been involved in the establishment of various Christian fellowships, the next big concern of focus is to allow individuals the opportunity to put food on the table with dignity. Otto has encouraged and advised various start-ups in Portugal, such as a growing co-workspace, a second-hand store, an appliance repair business, market place ministry vision trips, college internships, and so on. As a Christian based organization, Friends of Portugal, in this next phase looks forward to developing the areas of greatest impact in people’s lives striving to grow and mature. As one local observer in Portugal remarked, Friends of Portugal does not just simply give you a fish, but rather it encourages and equips all involved to catch the bigger and better fish. Together with our national partners, Friends of Portugal is intent on growing. Otto with his wife Marjorie reside in Dinuba, California. 

Douglas Nuñez, vice president

Douglas Nuñez was born and raised in Venezuela but moved to the United States in the ’80s to attend college. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an MBA. Throughout his career, Douglas has worked extensively with businesses in the electric power generation industry in addition to his academic research work. He is currently the Global Power Industry Marketing Manager for AVEVA. Douglas is an avid traveler and has been to Europe, South America, and the Middle East. He has been married to Carol for 26 years and they live in San Diego with their daughter Isabella. 

Cathy Gallagher, Board Member, chair fop marketing and communications committee

Joshua Wilson, Treasurer, Chair fop governance committee

Cathy is co-owner of Jennings House Eatery in San Diego, CA., and former Executive Director of the Fermanian Business & Economic Institute at Point Loma Nazarene University. She has extensive experience in leadership, management, business development, entrepreneurship, and international communications. Prior to joining the FOP board she held the role of North American Director. She travels to Portugal frequently and co-leads the business and cultural trips for entrepreneurs, business leaders and student groups interested in business and social projects. Cathy loves to travel, and also enjoys living at the coast, reading, walking, and spending time with her family. She lives in San Diego, CA and has two grown children and three grandsons. 

Josh is an estate planning attorney based in Bakersfield, CA. He and his wife Heidi Ekk Wilson have two young sons, whom they  live with on a farm in Shafter, CA. Josh serves on the Board of Trustees of Fresno Pacific University. Through the years, Josh has also developed a deep knowledge and passion for Portuguese wines, culture, and economic empowerment.

Jason Ekk, Chair of Strategic planning

Craig Jost, Board Member

Jason was born in Dinuba, CA, but raised in Portugal, where his love of the country, people, and history was shaped. He and his wife Alicia and three children live in Visalia, CA. Jason is an attorney with a focus of practice on real estate, business law, estate planning,and litigation. A strong advocate for justice and peacemaking, Jason is also an adjunct Professor at Fresno Pacific University.

Craig was born in Visalia California and was raised in Hillsboro KS. After obtaining his degree in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University, he served as a church planter in Florianopolis Brazil for 6 years. There, he married his wife Fabiana and soon after obtained his Masters of Divinity at Fresno Biblical Seminary. He then served as a church planter in Massama, Portugal for 6 years, helping to start the work in Massama.  Craig has also served in mobilization and Advancement with Multiply and as a lead church planter in Paris, France. He is currently the director of the Carson Center for Global Engagement and Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas.

Matthew Bawks, secretary, Chair FOP projects committee

Matthew Bawks is the former Owner and President of Central Valley Sweeping, LLC.  He sold his businesses in July of 2022 to Sweeping Corporation of America (SCA, LLC).  He continues to work in the industry and holds the title of District Manager for the Central California arm of SCA of CA, LLC.