Board of Directors

The Vorpahl Wing Charities board of directors is an amazing group of people who are dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the hard working and talented youth of Spokane. Because of their numerous volunteer hours, we are able to fulfill the mission of raising funds through our various charitable events. Additionally, they each work hard to promote our charities message throughout the Inland Northwest and all that they do is greatly appreciated.

Tim Vorpahl, President & Founder

Tim Vorpahl, established Vorpahl Wing Charities as a way to give to the community in a specific way – To help kids get to the next level. Having raised four kids, he has firsthand experience with the difficulty athletes and musicians experience while trying to achieve their goals. The schools took out sports programs at the elementary level, there were no more pickup games, no more school games, everything became club sports. Club sports became very expensive and political, leaving so many potential kids out of the loop. Additionally, it also became difficult in music, science and the arts. Kids had to prove themselves over and over again. The cost, commitment and level of support becomes enormous. So much so that many would quit, stop trying, and find alternative methods of entertainment. Science fairs, math camps, theater camps, sports camps, all very onerous on the kids, parents and the community. We want to encourage kids to reach the next level and reward them for their hard work and persistence. Additionally, we want to help their parents, guardians, coaches and mentors and thank them for supporting our cities Youth.

Tim enjoys: Spending time with his family and during the summer months he enjoys boating and golfing. He is actively involved in community service projects and interested in local politics.

Gina Vorpahl

Gina was born and raised in the great farming community of St. John Washington. Being raised on the family farm taught her the values of family, hard work and the importance of a strong community. Gina started her career in the travel industry prior to raising her kids and taking care of her family. She was the volunteer coordinator for Moran Prairie School and the past president of the Parent Teacher Group for Moran Prairie’s PTG. She was also the volunteer coordinator for Chase Middle school.

Gina enjoys: Spending time with her family and traveling with her children to their youth sports events, spending time at the lake and boating during the summer months.

Kari Lukas

Kari was born and raised in greater Seattle. She lived in Portland and Boise prior to moving to Spokane in 2013. She is married and has 3 children; two of whom are presently attending Washington universities. She has a long track record of supporting and organizing youth groups and events, including school book drives, PTA functions, camping and exploring with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, fund raising for music programs, girls’ volleyball, youth golf, and many others. She approaches everything with an engaging level of enthusiasm that draws the supports of parents and youth alike. She currently applies her organization talents at The First tee of the Inland Northwest as a program coordinator.

James Pelland

James has volunteered at our charity golf tournament for the last two years. He brings to our board years of experience as he has served as the treasurer and finance committee member of numerous other organizations and nonprofits. He also enjoys the time he spends volunteering as a coach with YMCA basketball, SYSA and IEYSA soccer, and Spokane Nordic Kids cross country skiing. He enjoys playing music for his church and Ham on Regal. He is an active cyclist and fly fisherman and helps to raise money for Camp Mak a Dream (Gold Creek MT camp for kids with cancer) past six years through donations to their annual fundraiser 130 mile bicycle ride (RATPOD). He has a career in high tech sales, marketing and product management.

Karen Schlosser

Karen grew up on the west side of the state and moved to Spokane after graduating from WSU. She started her career in Elementary Education, prior to raising her kids and taking care of her family. She currently divides her time as a Property Manager, Event Coordinator, and has held a multitude of volunteer positions at Moran Prairie Elementary for the past 11 years.

Karen enjoys: Spending time with her family, traveling, outdoor activities and volunteering for organizations which have a positive impact on youth development.

Cathy Hansen

Cathy Hansen is a senior product manager in the Banking Solutions Group with Columbia Bank, a $12 billion bank headquartered in Tacoma, WA. Cathy manages the merchant services product line and Worldpay relationship.

Prior to joining Columbia Bank, Cathy spent 12 years at a community bank in various leadership positions in treasury management, merchant services and product management. She also participated on client advisory groups at FIS, Wausau, Jack Henry and MX. Cathy is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School, NW Intermediate Banking School and Leadership Spokane.

With over 30 years in banking, Cathy has watched and participated in the evolution of banking, especially in payments and the movement of money.

Cathy enjoys reading, volunteering in the community and spending time with her family.

Michael Otis

Michael was born, but not raised in Spokane. He returned here to raise his family and has “given back” to the place he has called home, since 1983. He has served in volunteer capacity for the East Central Sunday Lunch Program, Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Community Services of Washington, Optimists International, Spokane Sexual Assault Center, Community Frameworks, Lilac City Figure Skating Club and the Eagles Ice Arena.

He also teaches “Learn to Skate” classes, and is an official with US Figure Skating. Michael is excited to be involved with Vorpahl Wing Charities, because he believes wholeheartedly in helping those who desire to “get to the next level” of whatever they want to accomplish.

Michael enjoys: Time with family and friends, anything around water, longboarding, ice skating, and has recently taken up golf.

John Rowland

I am a lifelong resident of the Spokane area. I attended both Ferris and North Central High Schools, Spokane Falls Community College and Eastern Washington University. I am an Army Vet with service in Viet Nam. Both my wife and I enjoy the outdoors and are members of the Spokane Mountaineers. As a Mountaineer I spend a considerable amount of time working with teenagers and young adults in all areas of mountaineering, climbing and leadership. I am retired from a successful career in Healthcare Finance and am excited to be able to share my knowledge and experience with the Vorpahl Wing Charities as a member of their board.