Executive Advisory Council
Jobst and Charlotte Bittner
Jobst and Charlotte Bittner are the visionary leaders behind the global March of Life movement. Pastor Bittner serves as the Senior Pastor of TOS, a non-denominational Charismatic church and ministry founded by the couple in Tübingen, Germany, in 1987. Jobst is a three-time recipient of the Christian Allies of Israel award, recognizing him among the 50 most influential Christian allies of Israel. The Bittners are passionate about honoring the Hebrew roots of Christianity, believing this connection is key to revival, and have cultivated a strong relationship with Israel and the Jewish community. Through friendships, conferences, and events like the March of Life and March of Nations, they continue to foster meaningful connections and understanding.
Christine Ege
Christine’s early experiences with travel and diverse cultures sparked a lifelong passion for connecting across backgrounds. By age 14, she had lived in various parts of the U.S., forming friendships with people from many cultural communities. This led her to earn degrees in Russian, German, and French Languages and Literatures, including post-graduate studies in interpreting and translation at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. After several years in Norway, Christine and her husband, Steve, settled in Texas, where they have dedicated themselves to numerous volunteer roles. Since 2013, Christine has been a leader with March of Remembrance Texas, passionately advocating against modern-day antisemitism, and she also serves as executive director for a local anti-trafficking organization, where she shares thousands of homemade cookies with the community each year.
Martin Fein
For over 35 years, Martin Fein has been involved in the development and acquisition of more than 30,000 units of class A multi-family garden apartments. He established Fein in May 1989 with a passionate commitment to create luxurious, hospitable and livable communities that people can be proud to call home. In 1996, he began Westchase Construction, Ltd., for the construction of high-end apartment developments, and he continues to serve as its President. Previously, he served as President of the Farb Companies with more than 500 employees. Martin is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. degree and holds a J.D. degree from the University of Louisville Law School.
Steve Finkelman
Steve Finkelman, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, serves as co-chair of Houston New Leadership and previously held the role of co-chair for AABGU’s Greater Texas Region. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Texas Hillel, supporting Jewish life and programming at The University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Finkelman’s leadership reflects his commitment to Jewish community engagement and education. His roles in these organizations highlight his dedication to supporting the next generation of Jewish leaders. Mr. Finkelman’s contributions make him a valued member of the Executive Advisory Council.
Brad Freels
Brad Freels serves as Chairman of Parkway, guiding the company’s strategic direction and growth initiatives. He is also Chairman and CEO of Midway, Parkway’s development partner, and became Co-Executive Chairman of Parkway in May 2023, following the strategic venture between Midway and Parkway. Joining Midway in 1983, Brad opened its Houston office, became a partner in 1990, and was named Chairman in 1999. As the sole shareholder of Midway Holdings, LP, he has led Midway to become one of Houston’s most active real estate development and investment firms, with a portfolio of over 45 million square feet and 4,500 acres across multiple property types in the U.S. and Northern Mexico. Brad holds a BBA and MBA from Texas A&M University and is active in numerous business, educational, Christian, and charitable organizations.
Susan Myers
Susan Myers is the president of the Association of Holocaust Organizations, bringing extensive experience in Holocaust education and remembrance to her role. Previously, she served in multiple positions at Holocaust Museum Houston for over a decade and studied the Holocaust extensively with historians in Poland, Israel, and the United States. She was honored with the Ina and Jack Polak Outstanding Educator Award by the Anne Frank Center USA in New York City, recognizing her leadership of what the center described as “one of the most respected Holocaust museums in the nation.” Susan’s dedication to Holocaust education has made her a prominent figure in the field. Her leadership continues to strengthen Holocaust remembrance efforts worldwide.
Dr. Victoria Sarvadi
Dr. Victoria Sarvadi holds a Th.M. and Th.D. from the former Center for the Study of Biblical Research, now affiliated with the Hebraic Christian Global Community, and has been a certified minister since 2000. A regular contributor to Restore! Magazine, she frequently speaks at conferences, congregations, women’s ministry events, and the Vision for Israel Sukkot Conferences in Jerusalem. Dr. Sarvadi serves as Executive Director for the March of Remembrance Dallas and has been a featured guest on national and international radio and television programs, including TCT, Daystar, and Upliftv Networks. Her “Precious Gems” teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity have been widely published and are available at victoriasarvadi.com. She and her husband, Paul Sarvadi, Chairman and CEO of Insperity, Inc., have six children, twenty grandchildren, and co-founded the Nathaniel Foundation, which supports numerous charitable causes in the U.S. and abroad.
Rabbi Brian Strauss
Rabbi Brian Strauss became the senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Yeshurun on August 1, 2018, following 18 years of dedicated service as an associate rabbi. Committed to enriching the lives of congregants, Rabbi Strauss brings the wisdom of Jewish tradition to guide and support members through the challenges of today’s fast-paced world. A graduate of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and the University of Texas at Austin, he has been actively involved in Jewish leadership, including roles in the United Jewish Communities Rabbinic Cabinet, the Texas State Commission on Holocaust and Genocide, and Rabbis Without Borders. In 2021, he was appointed to the Joint Placement Commission of the Rabbinical Assembly and serves on the Executive Board of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition. Rabbi Strauss, who earned an Honorary Doctorate in 2022, is also a published author, with his book “To Life, To Family, To Me: 6 Keys to a Good Family Life” available on Amazon. He and his wife, attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss, have three adult children, and he enjoys staying active with pilates and cheering on the Houston Astros and Texas Longhorns.
Doug & Lisa Stringer
Doug Stringer is the founder of Somebody Cares America and Somebody Cares International, and he is an internationally recognized author and speaker who addresses thousands of leaders each year on topics like compassionate evangelism, transformational leadership, and community transformation. A dedicated supporter of the Holocaust Garden of Hope, Doug also serves actively on the Executive Advisory Council. His wife, Lisa Stringer, brings extensive experience from the radio and music industries, having been the first female program director of a top-40 radio station in a major U.S. market and a former vice-president of programming and promotions for a radio group. Lisa has earned multiple awards, including gold and platinum records, for her contributions to the success of prominent recording artists and entertainers. Together, Doug and Lisa travel internationally, supporting members of the persecuted church and providing aid in areas affected by human tragedies, such as the Haitian earthquake, Japan’s tsunami, and Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.
Janice Sturkie
Janice Sturkie serves on the Board of the Institute for Hebraic Christian Studies and has taught at its Houston and Brenham campuses. She is passionate about introducing Christians to the Hebraic roots of their faith and fostering a deeper connection to God’s purposes for Israel as “A Light to the Nations.” As a U.S. Representative for the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ), Mrs. Sturkie supports Aliyah projects and other humanitarian initiatives in Israel. Her dedication to bridging Christian and Jewish communities has made her a valued leader in faith-based education. Janice’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to promoting understanding and support for Israel.
Cary Summers
Cary Summers is President Emeritus of Museum of the Bible and founder and CEO of The Nehemiah Group, a consulting firm established in 1998 that supports both for-profit tourism enterprises and faith-based nonprofit organizations, including museums and discovery centers. He also serves as president of the newly established Galilean Institute of First Century Studies and is on the Board of Directors for Discipleship Focus, now part of Young Life. Known internationally for his insights on biblical leadership principles inspired by the book of Nehemiah, Mr. Summers previously led Museum of the Bible through its creation. His extensive career includes roles as President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment/Silver Dollar City, an executive position at Abercrombie & Fitch, vice president at Bass Pro Shops, and founder of Churchill Coffee Company. A graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Mathematics/Physics, Cary is an avid long-distance cyclist, competitive Senior Olympic cyclist, scuba diver, and cook. He and his wife, Jacque, have been married for 49 years, live near Springfield, Missouri, and are proud parents and grandparents.
Fred Zeidman
Fred Zeidman joined Gordian Group as Chairman in 2014, becoming Chairman Emeritus in 2021, and currently plays an active role in Seaport Gordian Energy initiatives in Texas. With a 45-year career distinguished by high-profile restructurings and reorganizations, he previously served as CEO, President, and Chairman of Seitel, Inc., where he led a successful turnaround. He has also held roles as Chief Restructuring Officer for Transmeridian Exploration, Inc., Bankruptcy Trustee for AremisSoft Corp., and CEO of Unibar Corporation. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Zeidman is Chairman Emeritus of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, interim CFO of the Texas Heart Institute, and Vice Chancellor of the Houston Community College System. He also serves on the Board of the University of Saint Thomas and is National Campaign Chairman for Israel Bonds.