Who We Are
Our Board of Directors
Committed to the cause of education, Bookfriends International is dedicated to providing books, educational materials, and support services to empower youth in Africa . Our diverse board members bring a wealth of expertise from various backgrounds, working collaboratively to ensure effective governance, strategic planning, and sustainable growth. Together, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students, creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Steve and Paulie Kutschat
Founders
Steve Kutschat is retired after 37 years as financial advisor. Prior to that career, he taught high school English. Steve and his wife Paulie traveled to Africa in February 2004 so that he could climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. While in Tanzania, they visited high schools with only a few books in libraries or classrooms. THAT was the beginning of Bookfriends International, nfp Steve has served on church councils & service committees, was active in Rotary Int’l. and offers time and talents as volunteer with charities, churches and community events. Steve enjoys spending time with family, frequent exercising, and creative writing.
Paulie Kutschat is retired after a long career as a school and private music teacher, pianist and accompanist. She has served in several states across the USA as church minister of music, Stephen Ministry, and has volunteered with many community projects. Since her return from a trip to East Africa in 2004, Paulie’s attention, time and talents have been focused on Bookfriends Int’l. as co-founder and secretary-treasurer. She includes in most every day her interests in reading, exercising, sewing & knitting, and mostly in keeping connected with her large root family and many friends.
Together, Steve and Paulie are blessed through the parenting of 6 grown children, 11 grandkids, and 6 great grandchildren
Lori Micheletti
Treasurer
Lori Micheletti is retired after more than 30 years in the corporate accounting field with an insurance company. She is currently a volunteer in the non-profit area as the Bookfriends warehouse manager & volunteer coordinator, a position she has held for 15 years. Lori also serves on the board of Bookfriends as Treasurer. She is on the Board of a local Charity Quilting Group and has managed their operations for the past 12 years. Lori and her husband live in Illinois and have a grown daughter. In addition to her volunteer work, Lori enjoys family time, traveling, gardening, sewing and crafting.
Brian Rugg
Director
Brian Rugg is one of the owners of Think Big Go Local, Inc., a digital marketing agency that has improved the digital presence of numerous non-profits, helping them reach wider audiences and fulfill their missions. In addition to his role at Think Big Go Local, Brian is involved in the non-profit sector, both as a regular volunteer and having served on the boards of various organizations. His extensive experience provides invaluable insights into effective digital strategy. Brian and his wife live in Illinois and have one son who is away at college. Outside of work and community involvement, Brian enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor adventures such as rock climbing and kayaking.