Board Members
Sr. Celestine Daly
Sister began working with the children in Southern Zambia in 1988. She is from the Sisters of Mercy Order founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland in May 1831. Sister Celestine was called back to her order in Ireland, but she has remained an active consultant and has helped with recruiting her successors.
Tina Kahlig
Board President: Tina started helping the organization in 2003. The need is great and God has put it in Tina's heart to do all she can for the people of Zambia. Tina is a commercial and ranch real estate broker in San Antonio.
Judy Rettinger
Board Vice-President: Judy joined the Board in 2009. When she visited Zambia, she was amazed at all the work that still needed to be done. Many people are hungry, have little education and are in need of medical care. In spite of their circumstance, they are happy and love the Lord. Judy manages Spectrum Media in San Antonio.
Dave Rettinger
Dave and his wife Judy have been longtime advocates of educational initiatives like Children in Need and other South Texas volunteer programs. He was elected and accepted the position of Treasurer in 2023 and brings more than forty years of international business experience to the position.
Dr. Ron Valdez
Board Secretary: Ron has been with the board since its inception in 2002 where he served for several years as the Board Secretary. Ron is a retired OB/GYN physician in San Antonio, and along with former board member Dr. Ken Cusi, has helped improve the medical care of the children served by our mission.
George Gisin
Board President Emeritus: Founder of Children in Need in May 2002, George works in the Medical Industry. He met Sister Celestine at the Oblate Grotto and their paths joined to help children and families in Zambia, filling a lifelong dream of making a difference in a third world country. Georges' tenure as president ended in 2021.
Tom Sessi
Tom joined the board in 2010. Tom owns Sessi Wine Company. He has always been active in supporting any event we have and provides wine to promote fundraising events. Tom became Treasurer in 2021 and served until 2023. He continues to actively serve on the board of directors.
Chris Maguire
One of the original Founders of Children in Need, Chris is a retired banker. He was on the ACTS team and became involved at the inception of the organization. Chris’ tenure as Treasurer ended in 2023, but continues to serve on the Board of Directors.
Jan Davis
Jan also joined the board in 2005 after helping Children in Need with her husband Ben. Jan has one of the biggest hearts for children and will tell you every reason why you should be helping if you aren’t already. Jan is also a CASA volunteer providing legal support for children in San Antonio.
John Hohman
John has been with the board since its inception in 2002. Sr. Celestine moves John to stay involved. He said he met a Saint in Sr. Celestine and knew at that point he wanted to help. John is a lawyer in San Antonio.
Clarence Kahlig
Clarence was asked by the original team to help with the efforts in Zambia in 2002. When he saw what they were doing he asked to join the board. Clarence has always had a heart for the poor. Clarence knows how far a dollar can go in Zambia. That makes every gift go farther. Clarence owns the Kahlig Auto Group in San Antonio.
Richard Ursone
Richard joined the board in 2015. Richard has been an avid financial supporter of our mission in Zambia. He serves on our board to provide donor guidance and oversight.
Pat Maguire
Pat and her husband, and fellow board member, Chris supported Children In Need from the beginning. Pat leads the choir at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio. Pat helps with all events, newsletters and master invitation lists. She heads up our efforts with Birdies for Charity during the Valero Texas Open each year.
Fr. Jim Rutkowski
Fr. Jim has been one of the original members and the spiritual guidance for the board. He has been a blessing and a great support system to all of us helping Sr. Celestine.
Pat Valdez
Pat became a member of the board soon after her husband Ron formed the board with George Gisin in 2002. Pat has most recently chaired the organization's efforts with the Kings and Queens of Good Hearts fundraising events. Pat led the volunteer efforts and the silent auction items in order to raise significant money for Children in Need.
Christopher M. Karl
Chris joined the board in 2022 to support and further the mission of Children in Need. Chris was inspired by Sr. Celestine and all she and Children in Need have accomplished in the first twenty years. Chris is an attorney in San Antonio.
Anne Wright
Anne Wright joined the Board in 2024 but has been a long-time supporter of Children in Need. Having recently retired from her career as a pediatric Speech Pathologist, she is now looking for other ways to help improve the lives of children, wherever in the world that may be.
Blanca Garcia
“Blanca has been involved with CIN for a number of years and joined the board in 2021. Currently, Blanca is in charge of the auction items for the yearly fundraiser. She recently had the opportunity to visit Zambia and witnessed the needs of the children first hand, as well as the impact Children in Need has made. Blanca is delighted and feels blessed to be part of this special organization. Her contribution has been invaluable.
James S. Sanders
James, a native Texan, grew up in Spring, Texas and is a graduate of Trinity University. James joined Morgan Stanley as a Financial Advisor in 2003. Today, he and his partners formed the Abeyta Bueche and Sanders group at Morgan Stanley and advise over $1billion in assets. Since 2005, James has volunteered at Trinity University and has served as President of the Alumni Association Board and currently serves on the Trinity University Board of Visitors. He is active on the Children in Need board and humbly brings his expertise to our mission.