Board of Directors

Background Information on The Barnabas Institute

The Barnabas Institute encourages people to live Christian lives and to inspire others to be "imitators of Christ." The Institute is named after Barnabas, a New Testament missionary who traveled with the apostle Paul. His name means Son of Encouragement.

Board of Directors

The direction and policies of The Barnabas Institute are set by its Board of Directors: Miki Vásquez, Chair; Carlos Aguirre; Tom J. Cowley; Judith Nowers, Lori Robb; and Jose Vásquez. The Directors come from wide and varied backgrounds to include expertise in business, health care, government, and ministry. They bring practical insight to the issues of how to live a Christian life in a post-modern, largely pagan world.

Biographies of Directors

Dr. Miki Vásquez, Founder and Chairman

Surprisingly, Dr. Vásquez has a background of activities in technology and marketing as well as studies in theology. Formerly employed by IBM, Montgomery Ward, and the Fair, Isaac Companies, she served on the marketing faculties of the University of California at Berkeley and Dominican University of California, where she was Chair of Undergraduate Business Studies. After a decade as Principal of her own marketing consulting firm, the Professional Marketer, she now serves the Institute full time. As Chair of the Board of Directors, she establishes its direction, heads its research, and serves as its Chief Financial Officer.

Tom J. Cowley, Director

Tom J. Cowley teaches the life of Christ, the Bible, church history, and Christian worldview. Dr. Cowley is an D.Min. Graduate (2004) of United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH. Tom also has degrees from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, CA (M.A.T.S. - 1998) and Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (1960 B.S. and 1965 M.B.A.).

Stepping back from a business career of strategic planning, Tom has “re-fired" himself for ministry to equip followers of Jesus to tell the story of Jesus. His mission is to have all people know Jesus and to know his teachings. Tom has served in various church leadership roles, but currently is focused on his writing and teaching ministry.

Tom has been married for 41 years to his loving wife, Karen. He is a proud father of two married children, Allison de Laveaga and John Cowley. Karen and Tom enjoy family, including four grandchildren, from their home in Tiburon, CA.

With the exception of Dr. Cowley, all of the directors are involved in "lay" ministries.

Lori Robb, Director

Lori and her husband, John, have been missionaries in Southeast Asia. She and John pastored a church in southern California. While living in California, Lori founded and led a women’s organization dedicated to both community service and outreach to needy people overseas.

Lori is a professional musician. She currently plays the pipe organ at a church in Santa Fe and organizes annual programs and recitals. She is an executive member of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

In Santa Fe, Lori has continued to express her on-going passion for serving the needy by providing regular assistance to the homeless in the city and by mobilizing prayer and practical support for the poor of other countries. Lori is the founder of "Prayer for the Nations," a local group she established in Santa Fe.

Lori has three grown children and is married to John Robb, a director in the ministry of World Vision International. Her experience in humanitarian efforts internationally and locally has given Lori a broad perspective that has proven to be very helpful to the Board of Barnabas Institute.

Jose D. Vásquez, Director and President

Mr. Vásquez is a well known psychotherapist who has practiced in Albuquerque and the San Francisco Bay Area. Knowledgeable in human behavior and administration, he offers a practical understanding in matters of policy and assists in procedural concerns. Since 2005, Mr. Vasquez has served the Barnabas Institute as President as well as full-time Executive Director.

The Barnabas Institute is considering expanding its Board to include additional outstanding leaders who encourage people. If you know someone we should consider to become a member of our Board, please contact us.