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Our Team

Robert Dorrough

Founder and President

Robert Dorrough, Founder, President, and Chaplain of The God of Hope Ministries, has been involved in prison ministry since 1988. Robert, a former campus police chief, saw crime spiral out of control. After his first visit to prison in 1988, he was moved with compassion as he saw men who appeared to be without hope. In 2000, Robert left his job and career because he believed that God was calling him to go and share the message that “God is the God of Hope.” In addition to leading The God of Hope Ministries, Robert also serves as a Volunteer Chaplain at the Travis Unit in Austin, Texas. Besides spending time with his wife, Sharon and his daughter, Taylor, Robert also loves bike riding, fishing and traveling.

Lydia Hill

Executive Administrative Assistant
Lydia grew up in Austin and has been involved in her church and missions ever since she was a little girl. She has served in Bible Clubs, Youth Groups and on Mission Trips to Haiti, Mexico and Mozambique. She loves to help others and be involved in whatever God is doing.

After graduating from Texas Lutheran University in 2012 she moved back to Austin to work for her father Keith Hill as his Office Manager.

She has known about GOH for years from Keith who has taught Scripture Memory in the men’s dorm. In 2018 as Keith planned to retire, GOH needed a new Administrative Assistant. Lydia recognized God’s timing and joyfully accepted the position. She is excited to use her skills from managing her father’s office to serve this ministry and join in God’s work. In her spare time Lydia enjoys reading, hiking, swimming and watching movies.

Sandra Perez

Women’s Director

Sandra (Sandy) grew up in Southern California and accepted Jesus in 1982 at the age of 26. She attended Harvest Christian Fellowship under pastor Greg Laurie for 18 years before relocating to Colorado in 2001.  While attending Harvest she began doing jail ministry in 1983 for 4 ½ years.  That is where she marveled at the hunger the inmates had for the Word of God that was brought to them by two elderly women. They could not wait for Mrs. Schaffer and Ms. Minnie to come each week and share Jesus with them.  These two women inspired her and that is where her love for those considered “the least of these” began. 
While at Harvest, Sandra taught Jr. High Art for 7 years at Harvest Christian School and then became the Children’s Church Art Director for 4 years. After moving to Texas in 2008, she and Ralph, her husband of 49 years, began attending Calvary Chapel of the Springs shortly after moving to Texas.  There she was the Children’s Church Overseer for 3 years and then became the Women’s Ministry Overseer for 8 years. At which time she ALSO joined the Jail Ministry where she went to the Caldwell County Jail for 8 years.  Her jail ministry experience of 12 years prepared her for the Prison Ministry at the Gregory S. Coleman Unit which she has been doing for a total of 9 years now.  While teaching at the Unit and ministering under Chaplain Lawson she became a CVCA. 

Wanting to do more while at the Unit – she joined The God of Hope Ministries as a Discipleship Group leader in 2019.  Shortly thereafter she began teaching with TGOHM and became the Dorm Coordinator in 4A when they added that dorm.  In July of 2023 she became the Program Assistant to Sharon Hale later to become the current Women’s Program Director for The God of Hope Ministries.  Sandra is in AWE of what she has seen God do in the two GOH Faith Based Dorms at the Coleman unit.  So she has GREAT expectation and anticipation that God is going to even greater things through TGOH Ministries in 2026 and beyond – and to God be the glory!!!

Jesse Medina

Men’s Director
Jesse Medina came on board with God of Hope Ministries in January 2022 volunteering as a teacher at Travis State Prison and soon became the Dorm Coordinator for 11-B. Jesse has been involved in prison ministry to some capacity since his release from prison in 2010. Jesse came to saving faith in the Texas prison system and has a heart to see more men discipled and faithfully following Jesus.

Jesse Graduated with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry from the College of Biblical Studies in 2017 and has worked for various non-profits from homeless ministry, missionary ministries, and for TDCJ’s Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies program. In January 2019 Jesse began his Master of Divinity from Southwestern with a concentration in discipleship and graduated in May 2024.

Jesse enjoys running, outdoor exercises, reading books and spending time with his wife and three boys. You can find Jesse enjoying meals at Whataburger, passing out discipleship resources and involved with community events. One of Jesse’s favorite verses in the bible is Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Board of Directors

Dean Murray

Chairman
Dean Murray
Dean Murray serves as Chairman of the Board. He has served The God of Hope Ministries as a teacher in prison since 2007 and on the board since 2017. Prior to joining The God of Hope Ministries, Dean was founder and chief investment officer of Murray & Co. Asset Management, Ltd., an independent registered investment advisor providing portfolio management and consulting services to individual and institutional clients. The firm was acquired in 2017 by Mercer Global Advisors, where Dean is currently employed.
Dean brings financial and non-profit board experience to the ministry through his career in finance, investments and banking, having served as the Chief Investment Officer and Executive Administrator of the Texas Permanent School Fund, the largest public educational endowment in the U.S. with over $20 billion in assets at the time of his service to the fund. Dean also worked for Southwestern Commercial Capital, Inc., a private lending and venture capital company located in Texas, as well as Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc. (now Morgan Stanley) and MBank Austin (now Chase).

Dean earned an MBA and a BBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin and has taught finance courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in the College of Business Administration at UT –  Austin. Dean is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder and a member and a member of the CFA Institute and the Austin Society of Financial Analysts. Dean has served on multiple boards, some of which include the LBJ Wildflower Research Center, the St. Stephens School Endowment Corp, Front Steps, Inc. (the managing organization of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless), the Asset & Financial Management Task Force of the State Comptroller’s e-Texas Commission, and the Vestry of the Church of the Good Shepherd. He has been married to his wife, Susan, for over 38 years and they have two children. When not working, he enjoys riding his bike somewhere in Texas, swimming in Quarry Lake, learning guitar, and making cookies.

Kamela Janke

Secretary

Kamela began serving on the GOHM Board in January of 2022. Having served in many other capacities in other ministries over the years, Kamela is excited to serve the Lord in this new role.
Kamela has been married to Tim for 29 years, and they have two grown daughters, and a son-in-law. Serving God and spending time with family are Kamela’s two most important priorities, and where she finds the most joy.
Teleos is an experimental graphic design Tim and Kamela have led for 23 years. They enjoy helping their clients fulfill their intended purpose through experimental graphics.
Outside of family, work and serving, Kamela enjoys cooking and running with their Labradoodle Duke.

Ted Anthony

Treasurer
Ted began volunteering with God of Hope Ministry back in September 2005, when Robert Dorrough joined his Authentic Manhood Men’s Small Group. Robert invited Ted out to the Travis Unit and from there Ted has served as a one-on-one Mentor to a few and as a Discipleship Group leader to many. Ted can be found at GOH Graduation Ceremonies singing off key and shedding tears of joy as he watches the Men get recognized.
He is a proud graduate of UCLA and, after living in Austin since 1984, is a “naturalized Texan.” Professionally, Ted has been in the Technology industry for 30 years as a Sales Professional. Right now, his focus is on the Audio-Visual Industry. He meets with Enterprise customers and helps them design and deploy solutions for collaboration in conference & board rooms, classrooms and auditoriums as well as large corporate training and meeting spaces. His true joy comes from teaching in the “Austin Oaks Kids” Ministry and directing the Austin Oaks Church 4REAL Men’s Ministry. Of course, his greatest accomplishment is his marriage to his wife Teresa and raising their wonderful daughters, Delaney and Marley.

Johnny Rodriguez

Board Member

Johnny Rodriguez is a proud graduate of the God of Hope program. His life stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of the organization’s mission. In 2015, Johnny returned to God of Hope as a dedicated volunteer. He continues to serve, finding joy in giving back to the program that helped shape his journey. Since graduating, Johnny has gone on to build a successful business, Cornerstone Landscape of Dallas, where he leads with the same principles of integrity, hard work and faith that guide his personal life.

 Johnny has been married to his wife, Margie, for 44 years. Together, they have raised three children and are the proud grandparents of two, Rocket and Brooklyn. Outside of work and volunteering, Johnny enjoys spending time with his family and his giant Labradoodle, Simba

Rob Harrell

Board Member
Rob Harrell
Pastor Rob Harrell has more than four decades’ experience leading ministry in the local church, national movements, and international organizations. He has guided organizations large and small at the highest levels, bringing his compassion and skill as a leader-of-leaders to a wide range of issues and experiences.
Rob started his ministry life in 1979 as the Student Ministry Pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and later took the same position at Westlake Bible Church (now Austin Ridge Bible Church) in Austin, Texas. In 1990, Rob answered God’s call to lead as Senior Pastor of the First Evangelical Free Church in Austin. Over the next 26 years, he guided FEFC’s growth into a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, disciple-making church where many were “transformed to transform their world.” He shepherded this large church through a number of major transitions including relocation, a name change to Austin Oaks Church, and traumatic loss. Through these challenges, he invested in a fleet of younger pastors serving on his staff, many of whom now lead their own congregations around the country. During this time, national and international organizations have sought Rob’s expertise and mentoring.
In January 2017, Rob transitioned into the role of Pastor Emeritus of Austin Oaks Church, turning his full attention to serving the body of Christ globally. He continues to mentor faith leaders and business leaders as they seek to leave a legacy for God’s kingdom that lasts. He also serves on the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) Board of Directors and is presently the Moderator of the EFCA, as well as offering his leadership to many other organizations.
Rob received a B.S. degree in Psychology/Sociology from the University of Utah, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Rob lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Kathy. They have two grown children, Stephen and Kylie, their “answer to prayer” spouses Laure and Chris, and a grandson Jack and granddaughter, Kate!

Cindy Montgomery

Board Member
Cindy joined the God of Hope Board of Directors in January of 2022. Her work and her passions are all driven by a simple desire to walk in God’s truth. Ms. Montgomery works with people to uncover their unique potential and destiny through a process called Emeth, the ancient Hebrew word for truth which means “finding the sure and steadfast path to a good (or God-like) result.”
She is the CEO and Founder of Austin-based branding firm, The Ampersand Agency, a published author, and public speaker. As a marketing and communications strategist, she has worked with both Fortune 500 and privately owned companies in finance, technology, manufacturing, education, packaged goods, restaurant, grocery, apparel, and insurance sectors to help them find their truth and tell the world about it. As an author and public speaker, she specializes in helping people see biblical and ancient truths in a fresh way for our culture and our time. Her book, Becoming LOVE: God’s Guide to Choosing Light Over Vibrational Energy challenges us to expand our vision of God and the inherent connections that exist between scripture and science through the prism of energy.
On a personal level, Cindy has served in a variety of capacities on church committees and with dozens of charitable organizations including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, The Central Texas Division of The American Diabetes Association, and Meals on Wheels, to name a few.
Recently, she co-created the “What’s After ATX” campaign with Christ Together Greater Austin – an advertising campaign designed to connect non-believers and the spiritually curious with real-life accounts of people who have clinically died and returned to life to tell their personal, powerful stories of meeting Christ and seeing Heaven.
Cindy is a graduate of the University of Texas, a lifetime member of the Texas Exes, and an avid supporter of the performing arts and local music scene in Austin, Texas. She loves gardening, interior design, writing, painting, and helping women (in particular) achieve their highest and greatest potential as beloved daughters of God.

Sharon Hale

Board Member

Sharon began volunteering as a Pen Pal with The God of Hope Ministries in 2018.  Sharon served as the Women’s Director for The God of Hope Ministries program from October 2022 – December 2025 at the Gregory S. Coleman Unit in Lockhart, Texas. Before joining The God of Hope Ministries, Sharon spent 32 years in the federal government areas of Finance, Accounting and Financial Statement Auditing.  Sharon brings a wide range of skills and leadership experience to the team.  Sharon has been involved in many church ministries throughout the years. She has served in Bible studies, Children’s ministries, Women’s mentoring and a nursing home ministry.

Sharon earned a Bachelor of Accounting degree in 2001 and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2004 from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. Sharon also earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2008 from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Sharon has two sons and three grandchildren. Serving God, spending time with her husband, John, and family are Sharon’s greatest joys.  Sharon looks forward to serving the Lord in this new role on the Board of Directors

Chris Knepp

Board Member

Chris grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, went to college and played baseball at North Carolina, and then to law school at Harvard. After 26 years of law practice, he attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, obtained his M.Div., and was ordained as a minister in the PCUSA. He taught biblical studies at Regents School of Austin for 13 years, and continues to teach at Westlake Hills Presbyterian, his church home since 1984, and in Texas prisons through the God of Hope prison ministry. He has been married to Charlotte, a former attorney and college counselor, since 1982. They have two married daughters and a new granddaughter.

Don Collis

Board Member Emeritus
Don Collis
In honor of faithful service, we want to pay special honor to Don for faithfully serving on the Board from 2009-2020. Don began volunteering with The God of Hope Ministries in 2009 and served several terms as Chairman of our Board. He retired from Dell Computer in 2001 after 14 years with the company, serving initially as its first CFO and then as Vice President, International Financial Relations.

In addition to The God of Hope Ministries, he has also served on the boards of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, Austin Lyric Opera, and Austin Ridge Bible Church. Don is married to Margaret, and they have two grown sons, David and Chris.

Former Board of Directors

The God of Hope Ministries would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following former board members:

  • Wayne Bost (2021 – 2026)
  • Nancy Houston (2018 – 2020)
  • Mark Larson (2018 – 2020)
  • Dennis Jerke (2018 – 2020)
  • Travis Gray (2017 – 2020)
  • Humphrey Marr (2017-2019)
  • Ellery Buchanan (2015 – 2018)
  • Don Read (2015 – 2017)
  • Tim Larson (2015 – 2017)
  • Terrence Simmons (2015 – 2016)
  • Steve Kahle (2014 – 2017)
  • Doug Lawyer (2014 – 2017)
  • Karen Olson (2014 – 2017)
  • Greg Herring (2011 – 2015)
  • Lee Weber (2011 – 2014)
  • Michael Kump (2009 – 2014)
  • Nub Donaldson (2009 – 2012)
  • Jim McIntosh (2006 – 2009)
  • Gary Cook (2002 – 2009)
  • Dennis Page (2002 – 2009)
  • Don Kunze (2002 – 2008)
  • Gene Barfield (2002 – 2005)

Let those who rule well be counted worthy of double honor.
1 Timothy 5:17

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