Chris is a technology analyst with experience in planning, developing, and implementing information systems to facilitate business growth and drive efficiency.  After meeting many dignitaries and peace builders with his father, at the age of 12, Chris began volunteering at Wholistic Peace Institute (WPI) events. Chris was in charge of video recording several events and peace lunches. He continued to volunteer as a photographer until age 18 and represented the student voice when he was asked to join the Board of Directors. At 16 he began taking website design classes and built the initial WPI website, then took on more technical aspects like video editing, website design, and social media outreach. Chris traveled with Gary on several peace projects once traveling as the photographer while Gary worked to build schools for street children in India. Chris continued to be on the WPI Board of Directors as he completed a bachelor’s degree in operations and technology management at the University of Portland. He currently works at U.S. Bank as a systems analyst and  remained on the board throughout his professional career. In 2025 Chris succeeded his father Gary Spanovich to serve as President and Chairman. He brings strong ethical and creativity with a business background to his devotion to sustainability and to the values of peace for our culture.

Dae Yong Shin is a peace advocate, retired defense industry leader, and Board Member of the Wholistic Peace Institute. After decades of work in advanced military technology, Shin now dedicates his efforts to Korean unification, humanitarian aid, and nonviolent conflict resolution. He has led international calls for peaceful alternatives to military action on the Korean Peninsula, including proposals for a Nobel Peace Laureate summit in Seoul. As former Chair of NAFECUS, he helped deliver over 55 million meals to orphaned North Korean children. Shin continues to collaborate with global leaders, military advisors, and Nobel Laureates to champion peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

Fr. Tom Yurchak, Pastor, St. Jude Catholic Church, Eugene Oregon; co-founder of the Institute and also Secretary to the Board.

Nancy Olmsted, M.S., is an environmental scientist and international planning consultant with over 34 years of experience in parks, water, and land use planning. A great grandniece of Frederick Law Olmsted, she carries forward his legacy through her firm, Olmsted Legacy. Her firm applies time-tested design principles to modern infrastructure, integrating nature with urban planning to simplify engineering, enhance community well-being, and promote sustainability. Nancy holds an M.S. in Resource Management from UC Berkeley and has led major projects across the U.S., Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Guam—integrating green infrastructure and ecological design into parks, waterways, and urban systems.