New York, New York — October 13, 2026 — The Napa Institute Board is pleased to announce the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder of Hallow, and Father John Burns, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and founder of Friends of the Bridegroom.
“Both Alessandro and Father John bring deep Catholic faith, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to evangelization,” said Timothy R. Busch, Chairman and CEO of the Napa Institute. “Their experience will strengthen the Institute as we seek to form faithful leaders, build Catholic community, and communicate the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith to a new generation.”
DiSanto is one of the co-founders of Hallow, a Catholic prayer app that has become one of the most widely used Christan resources in the world. Hallow, organized as a public benefit corporation, helps users deepen their personal relationship with God through audio-guided prayers, meditations, devotionals, Bible readings, sleep, and music. In February 2024, Hallow was the first religious app ever to reach the #1 overall rank on the App Store, ahead of ChatGPT, TikTok, and Instagram.
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned degrees in finance and economics, DiSanto has been an active participant in Napa Institute programs and has supported the Institute’s work. His leadership in technology, business, media, and Catholic evangelization will provide an important perspective as the Napa Institute expands its engagement with younger Catholics and explores new forms of mission-driven communication.
Father John Burns is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, a Catholic author and speaker, and the founder of Friends of the Bridegroom, an apostolate dedicated to the renewal of the Church through the renewal of priestly and religious life. He has also worked closely with Sister Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T., whose ministry focuses on healing and renewal among priests and religious.
Father Burns has been a friend and trusted advisor of the Napa Institute for many years. He has regularly participated in Napa programs particularly Napa Institute Shepherd’s Circle and delivered a memorable address at the 2026 Napa Institute Summer Conference, where he described the Institute as one of the most important annual Catholic conferences in the United States. His pastoral wisdom, theological insight, and commitment to creative evangelization will be valuable additions to the Board.
“The Napa Institute is grateful for the service of its directors and looks forward to the energy, wisdom, and fidelity that Alessandro and Father John will bring to this next chapter,” Busch said.
An updated Napa Institute Board of Directors chart, including photographs and biographies, will accompany this announcement and be distributed to Catholic and general-interest media.
Media Contact:
Kyle Nazareth
Marketing and Content Manager
Email: kyle.nazareth@napa-institute.org
About the Napa Institute
The Napa Institute is a Catholic nonprofit religious corporation dedicated to strengthening the Church through liturgy, faith formation, and fraternity. Through conferences, retreats, leadership programs, and year-round initiatives, the Institute brings together clergy, religious, and lay leaders to advance the mission of the Church.
