The Public Policy Committee advises Missouri’s bishops on issues that affect the common good of all Missourians. Each member serves a three-year term, is nominated by one of the bishops and is approved by the Board of Directors.

The PPC consists of fifteen diverse individuals from around Missouri. Each one brings with them an extensive background in their field and are well respected within their profession.

Michael Van Gundy of the Diocese of Jefferson City became the Chair of the PPC this year upon the completion of Al Kertz’s term. Our new members join current PPC members from: the Archdiocese of St. Louis - Frank Daub, Cynthia Haehnel, and Al Winkelmann; the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph - Mike Halterman, Diane Matous, and Martin Myers; Diocese of Jefferson City - Msgr. Ralph Keyes; Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau - James Landewe and Leon Witt.

David J. Hercules is from the Archdiocese of St. Louis and currently owns a home improvement and restoration business. Previously he served as regional vice president for Primerica Financial Services. David received his Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Kansas State University in 1992 and was the recipient of the Paxton Award for Outstanding Design. He is married, has six children and is a member of Our Holy Redeemer parish in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Russ Kremer, from the Diocese of Jefferson City, is currently president of the Missouri Farmers Union. He is a family farmer whose farming operation consists of naturally grown hogs, cattle, hay and vegetables. Russ is a member of the board of directors of the National Farmers Union, a board member of Cooperation Works and serves on the board of directors of the National Campaign of Sustainable Agriculture. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Russ is also chairman of the MFU Cooperative Development, an advisory board member of the University of Missouri Sustainable Farm and Food Systems Program and a board member of the Missouri River Community Network. He is a member of Our Lady Help of Christians parish in Frankenstein, Missouri.

Richard Lane of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is in full-time ministry as a Catholic evangelist and co-founder of Qorban Ministries. Richard is in formation for the diaconate. He is also a Knight of St. Peter Claver and served on his parish council. Richard is the producer and co-host of Evangelizing St. Louis. He is married, has one daughter, and is a member of St. Alphonsus Ligouri parish in St. Louis, Misouri.

Deby Schlapprizzi, from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, is currently the business manager for the Donald L. Schlapprizzi, P.C. law firm. Previously she worked at the Sansone Group as Director of the Federally Subsidized Housing Division. Deby hosts a thirty minute chastity program “The Splendor of You”™ on Catholic radio, and is a board member of Friends of Immigrants & Refugees in St. Louis. She is the recipient of the Vitae Caring Award, Cardinal John O’Connor Pro-Life Award and the Missouri Catholic Conference Citizen Recognition Award. Deby is married, had five children, and is a member of Church of the Annunziata in St. Louis, Missouri.

Timothy Wichmer of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is an attorney at the law firm of Bernhardt & Wichmer, PC. Tim graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1993 and was the recipient of the Judge Gustavus N. Finkelnberg Scholar in Law. His law practice is exclusively focused on immigration and nationality law. He is a past chairman of the American Immigration Lawyers Association – Missouri/Kansas Chapter and past chairman of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Immigration Law Committee. Tim is married and is a member of St. Francis De Sales Oratory parish in St. Louis, Missouri.