Why I’m here: I’ve seen first-hand that there is no more basic need than water.
What I love about my work: Connecting with our supporters who are touched by our mission, and connecting with the villagers whose lives are changed by it.
Susanne Wilson
Executive Director
Julie Craig
Programs AssistantWhy I’m here: I am overjoyed to be a part of delighting people with clean water on the other side of the world.
What I love about my work: I love seeing the photographs of smiling children and proud workers at a newly dug well.
Joyce Harmon
Bookkeeping and Accounting ManagerWhy I’m here: Four years ago I was offered the position with this remarkable non-profit. It was just a job to me but it has become so much more.
What I love about my work: I am reminded every day that there are hundreds of generous people who give from their hearts to affect the lives of thousands. I am humbled and inspired by our donors and our recipients.
Kari Hughes
Donor Relations CoordinatorWhy I’m here: I’ve used my skills in many different industries, but the last several years of working for Water to Thrive’s mission to bring life-changing water to families in east Africa have brought incredible motivation and purpose to each day.
What I love about my work: I am blessed to witness such dedicated acts of kindness from our amazing donors, whose hearts are moved to change the lives of others. They honor us with their trust and act through their donations to sustain our work.
Jazzy Schwolert
Outreach and Communications CoordinatorWhy I’m here: Because loving people well means meeting them where they’re at. And we can best love the people of rural Africa by providing the most basic of human necessities – clean water.
What I love about my work: The ability to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to positively impact so many aspects of life just by providing something as simple as water.
Kellie Shellaby
Office ManagerWhy I’m here: I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a team of individuals who possess such wonderful hearts and compassionate spirits.
What I love about my work: The beautiful smiles and joyful hearts of children who receive clean, safe water for the first time is truly inspiring and amazing. Though they have very little, they are truly thankful for what they do have. You can almost hear the laughter when you look at a photo of their joyous faces.
Gashaw Simeneh
Ethiopia Project ManagerWhy I’m here: I’ve witnessed rural, marginalized communities in East Africa that benefit from our water projects, and how people’s lives are being changed.
What I love about my work: Working in partnership, bringing higher impact to a community with minimum administrative costs, sharing different experiences with various cultures
Kim Usey
Why I’m here: I truly believe we have an obligation in life to find ways to help those who need it.
What I love about my work: During the years I’ve worked with Water to Thrive, I’ve loved watching this organization grow and stretch and continually find ways to further its mission and bring the blessing of clean, safe water to hundreds of thousands of people.
Dick Moeller
Founder and Chairman of the BoardWhy I’m here: Providence….that sums it up best. From the beginning, there was no grand plan. Things just started happening…..hearts opened, minds went to work, contacts were made, word spread. So many generous, caring people have helped make this possible. It has been a blessed journey!
What I love about my work: Witnessing the joy and gratitude from the blessing of clean safe water! This photo of eight-year-old Alimetu splashing clean water on her face for the first time says it all.
Water to Thrive Board of Directors
Dick Moeller, Chairman*Ed Scharlau, Treasurer*Jim Sorensen, Secretary*Lynne Dobson*Joel Hinkhouse*Carol Kaemmerer
We’re always looking for talent
Got what it takes to work with us? We’re on the hunt for talented interns and volunteers.