Leaders

Jeff Pauls:  vp operations

Jeff has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ forged in the Holy Eucharist. He is passionately Pro-Life and prayerfully united to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Jeff and Amy started their life together in 1993 as high school sweethearts with their wedding vows joyously given on August 8, 1998. They are blessed with two daughters, Lauren (2007) and Kendall (2009). Jeff’s Catholic ministry began at Truman State University where he was a leader in Students for Life, the Newman Center and local Parish School of Religion program. Since beginning his career as a teacher in 1998, Jeff has taught and coached every level of student from 5th grade through post-graduate and is currently an adjunct professor and doctoral student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a member of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville, IL where he serves on the Faith Formation, Liturgy, and Respect Life committees, volunteers as religion teacher at Cathedral Grade School and helps with the early childhood Sunday school program. A Knight of Columbus since 2007, Jeff is the coordinator for his council’s pro-life Eternal Flame program as well as a prayerful witness at the two St. Louis-area abortion mills. Jeff handles operations for the LIFE Group Devotions and is the Belleville (IL) LIFE Runners Chapter leader. He and his Dad (who has run more than 70 marathons) began their marathon career together in 1996 at the St. Louis Olympiad Marathon. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me’” Jn 14:6.  jeffp@LIFErunners.org

Steve Castle:  vp finance

Steve Castle was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration from Augustana College (2004). Following nine years in management and business consulting and 4 years as Business Manager of Our Lady of Victory in Fergus Falls, MN (2009-2013) Steve is now Chief Operations Officer for Synstelien Community Services in Fergus Falls, MN (2013 – present). Steve met Jesus and his future wife on the same providential weekend in April 1992 at a Search for Christian Maturity retreat in Aberdeen, SD. Seven years later, after being called to and later from the seminary, Steve married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Tina, in January of 1999. They are blessed with four beautiful children; Brianna, Mary, Samuel, and Sarah and sadly, four miscarried babies, their little angels in heaven.  Since 2001 Steve has been a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ministry experience includes Search Retreats and founding advisory board member of Sioux Falls Search, and three years with Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  He attended the Notre Dame Vita Institute for human life ministry leaders (2012).  Presently, he splits his time in his parish as a Core Member for the Lifeteen program and helps with Koinonia and Residents Encounter Christ retreats.  Steve is a regular Friday author for the LIFE Group Devotions and a LIFE Runner who has competed in three marathons, the 2007 Monumental Challenge, 2008 Chicago, and 2009 Minneapolis to raise pro-life awareness.  He enjoys singing praise & worship songs, being in the great outdoors, and teaching the Catholic faith. “Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient Under Trial, Persevere in Prayer” Rom 12:12.  steve@LIFErunners.org..

Dr. Rich Reich:  co-founder

Rich is a LtCol stationed at Patrick AFB, FL.  He is a chemical research officer with experience in the fields of energetic materials, combustion science, mass spectrometry, and radiochemistry.  He earned a BS in Chemistry and BA in German from the University of Arizona in 1995.  He also earned an MS (2001) and a PhD (2010) in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Florida.  Rich and his wife, Erica, have been married since 1997.  Rich is an active member of the Knights of Columbus (since 2006, former Grand Knight), focusing much of his energy on pro-life activities.  In 2009, he led his Knight of Columbus council in raising funds for a crisis pregnancy center ultrasound machine, through the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative.  Rich enjoys long distance running (co-founded LIFE Runners), surf fishing, water sports, listening to Christian music (especially Third Day), and studying Catholic apologetics. ”But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” James 1:22.  rich@LIFErunners.org.

Rob Rysavy:  vp fundraising

Rob is a Colonel at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, CA.  Since his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990, he has been in various flying and space-related positions.  Rob is a lifelong Catholic, husband to the amazing Michelle and father to Alexandra, Robert, Mark, Elizabeth, Mary and Katharine.  He grew up in South Dakota, spending 12 years in the Sioux Falls Catholic school system and graduating from O’Gorman High School (thanks Mom and Dad).  Rob is a member of the Knights of Columbus (since 1995), is a Cursillista (de Colores!), has led Bible Studies, taught youth Christian Formation, been active in Boy Scouts, has coached multiple youth sports for all ages Pre-K through high school, and was a member of the St. Mary’s High School Board of Directors prior to his move from Colorado Springs to Riverside.  Rob loves being with his incredible family, all of whom are proof that God gives us much more than we deserve.  He is a LIFE Runner who also enjoys backpacking, triathlons, and cycling.  Rob is a reader, and he likes explaining to people why he is a “single-issue” (Life!) voter. “Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief” Mark 9:24.  rob@LIFErunners.org.