Randy Ataíde, President

Randy Ataíde is the co-founder of Friends of Portugal and served as President of the organization since its founding.  He is a former Professor of Entrepreneurship at Point Loma Nazarene University, having published several articles in business, economics and technology. Ataíde has 20 years of experience in Portugal having organized and participated in many events, trips, conferences, partnerships and collaborations there. Ataíde’s family originated in Porto, Portugal before emigrating to the U.S. He is an active investor and advisor in numerous real estate and development companies in several cities in Portugal. He and his wife, Ruth, live in Shavano Park, Texas.

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.

As the Director for Friends of Portugal’s APonte Co-Space, Hendrik provides primary day to day leadership of APonte and its clients, initiatives and programs offered. Born in Germany, Hendrik is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. He and his wife Margarita live in Loures, Portugal with their two sons and daughter, and are active in with FOP, their local church, and various ministries, projects, and groups in Portugal.

ILUDUMILA MIALDA, European AssociatE

Iludumila or Mila is an Angolan national that has lived in Portugal since she was 11 years old. She has a degree in business management from Universidade Lusíada in Lisbon. Mila works as A Ponte’s full-time administrative assistant and bookkeeper. Mila’s desire is to grow in her professional career and contribute to the development and well-being of Friends of Portugal and A Ponte. She enjoys watching TV shows, listening to music, dancing and trying new foods.

Nadine brakowski, Social Projects & Sustainability Manager & Communications Coordinator

Nadine is a social worker from Germany who has been in Portugal since 2016. She studied Social Sercives in Paderborn, Germany and has had a heart for Portugal ever since she first visited Lisbon in her teenage years. Nadine moved to Portugal with the intention of getting involved in local churchwork. She has been involved in Friends of Portugal’s projects since the beginning of her time in Portugal and has been a dedicated volunteer in the thrift store for four years now. Nadine is fluent in German, English and Portuguese which fits well into her role as FoP’s communications coordinator.

Otto and Marjorie, as Director & Strategic Advisor Business & Entrepreneurship and Director of Social Projects respectively, bring vast experience in relationship and community building, enterprise development, leadership, entrepreneurial and related topics to their service with Friends of Portugal. In their role, they will be an active and engaged voice for FOP in their multi-national activities between North American and Portugal, as well as a liaison to many groups, individuals, and organizations in these regions. Their deep knowledge and connectivity for cultures and peoples throughout the world is manifest in their thoughtful, kind, and temperate nature towards all. Widely traveled and fluent in English, German, and Portuguese, they provide critical counsel and strategic voice and vision for FOP, which they co-founded. For well over thirty years, Otto and Marjorie lived in Portugal, and also lived and worked in Brazil for several years prior. They currently reside in Dinuba, California, and return to Portugal frequently. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.