Board Members
We’re a diverse group of people who volunteer as servant leaders for the Austin Galano Club community.​
Loretta M.
she, her, hers
President, Group Liasion
​Doug - Sober companion
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I grew up in El Paso feeling small and unseen, shaped by a home clouded in addiction. Alcohol became my way out, until it trapped me, too. Even after moving to Austin, I stayed stuck — until a spiritual awakening led me to my first AA meeting in 1992. That night, I picked up a desire chip, and my life began to change. Through AA, I found connection, clarity, and a way back to myself. Unity, service, and recovery have been my foundation. I’m living proof that no matter where you start, you can always find your way home.
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Board Term: 2025-2027
Johnny A
Vice-President, Communications​
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I serve as Vice President of Austin Galano Club, bringing not just leadership experience, but lived experience. My journey in recovery has been one of humility, growth, and deep personal transformation.
Having faced the challenges of addiction firsthand, I understand the weight of shame, isolation, and uncertainty — but I also know the power of community, accountability, and second chances. Recovery did more than help me get sober; it reshaped my character, strengthened my integrity, and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, I am committed to giving back to the recovery community that helped me rebuild my life. I believe that no one should have to walk this path alone. As Vice-President, I am dedicated to creating a space where honesty is welcomed, healing is supported, and every individual is reminded that their story is not over.
I consider it a privilege to serve and to stand as proof that change is possible.
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Board Term: 2026-2029
John F
he, him, his
Treasurer
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I’m a native Austinite, born and mostly raised here since 1972, living just around the corner from the Austin Galano Club when I was born. Who knew my recovery home would bring me back to the neighborhood. I worked in bars and nightclubs in my teens and twenties, got in trouble with the law and found myself sobered up in 1997 thanks to the remarkable people in Lambda Live and Let Live. In 2011, several of us got together and came up with the idea of the Austin Galano Club, communicated out to the community to see if there was broad interest, and invited groups to participate. It’s humbling to see what the club has become, the lives touched and the myriad groups who now call Austin Galano Club home. I served on the original AGC board from 2011 thru 2017 and I’m grateful to get to serve the community again.
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Board Term: 2024-2026
Xavier N
Co-Treasurer
James P.
Secretary​
David M
he, him, his
Education/Outreach​
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In the fall of 1999, I began my recovery journey after recently moving to Austin. Like many, I found, “. . . the result was nil until we let go absolutely.” I have had continuous sobriety since April 14, 2013. In February 2017, I made my re-entry into Lambda. I had heard and read, “RARELY HAVE we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.” That simple quote resonated with me and I have worked to grow my sobriety through the recovery, unity, and service. With the advancements in the LGBTQIA+ community, we still need a space inclusive and safe that allows an individual the time to find oneself. The Austin Galano Club does and continues to provide a safe space for those new in recovery or have some time. I am grateful to be of service to the place which has given me many opportunities to grow and learn.
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Board Term: 2024-2026
Steven P.
he, him, his
Events
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steven.p@austingalano.org
On February 22, 2014, I walked into Austin Galano Club to attend the 11:00 a.m. Sunday meeting of Lambda Live and Let Live.
I was finally taking the first step in giving up the only way of life I had known since 1981 when I was 15 years old. I had known for a long time that I was an alcoholic and an addict. With the help of the people at Austin Galano Club, I commenced on a new way of life. However; I was like the man described on page 152 of the Big Book. I wasn’t drinking, but I wasn’t happy about it. Soon I had a slip. Then I returned, but resentments took me out, and I had a full-on relapse.
On January 1, 2016, I returned to the recovery community at Galano. I had reached a point where I couldn’t imagine my life with or without alcohol. I was willing to go to any length to get well. This time, I began to let people get to know me. I started to listen to suggestions and got involved with service work of different kinds.
Thanks to what I have found at this club and because I finally turned everything over to a Higher Power, I celebrated 10 years on January 1, 2026.
I’m happy to be of service to the Austin Galano Club because I want this solution always to be here for those who need it.
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Board Term: 2026-2029
Jayne N.
she, her, hers
Membership
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Originally from New Orleans, I moved to Austin in 1987 to live with my sister and sober up. It’s been an incredible journey ever since my sobriety date of April 17, 1987. I’m extremely grateful for my home group of Women in Solutions group and for all the other welcoming AA, Al-Anon, ACA and CODA meetings I attended in Austin, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans over the years. Without 12-step programs, my higher power and good therapists, I wouldn’t have the strong, loving relationships with my family and friends, a 28-year career in public health or my sanity. In the past, I had the privilege of serving on the Women in Solutions, Lamda Live and Let Live, and Austin Round Up steering committees. I look forward to serving on the Austin Galano Club board to help keep the club a welcoming and safe place for people of all stripes to find and maintain recovery.
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Board Term: 2025-2027
Christopher V.
Facilities
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christopher.v@austingalano.org
I have been in the room for 19+ years. Lambda, Live & Let Live has been my home group for me since April 3, 2006. I have wanted to be of more service to the community and so volunteered for the board as the facilities coordinator. My last service position was for the Lambda L&LL group as treasurer in the past. I enjoy cooking and crocheting and have volunteered for Meals On Wheels and Boy Scouts in my past. I am looking forward to the opportunity of helping maintain our clubhouse.​
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Board Term: 2026-2029
Andy B
he, him, his
IT/Webmaster
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I was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous for the first time while in treatment in Kerrville, TX. It wasn't until I moved to Austin, though, and made it my home, that I found recovery. I started attending meetings at the Galano Club in November of 2018 after leaving treatment. Since then it has been a constant through my journey in sobriety. My sobriety date is September 6, 2020. Along the way, I've shared tears, laughter, and fellowship with other travelers, many of whom are now dear friends. It brings great joy to me to be of service to the AA community and the community I live in. I currently volunteer as a Yoga Teacher for inmates in Travis County Correctional. I have a 23-year-old daughter, have one dog in my care, and work as a Data Engineering Manager. I am a proud ally and look forward to serving the Galano community in any way I can.
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Board Term: 2024-2026
Mara R.
she, her, hers
Austin Galano Club Manager
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I am originally from Illinois near St. Louis, Mo. I was a jockey and racehorse exerciser for over a decade. I managed a string of racehorses for a trainer for two years in Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas. I moved to Austin, Texas, in August of 2022 to get clean and sober. After building a fantastic support system,
including the Galano Club, I moved to Austin permanently for my now 10-month-old daughter and me. I am thrilled to join this journey as Galano’s first club manager.