Our Board

Our Board Members 

Our Board of Directors is made up of 10 committed volunteers who have a burning passion for seeing the people of Haiti have access to basic healthcare, education and opportunities for a sustainable future. 

This small, but dedicated board oversees the financial stewardship of Practical Compassion, working to ensure accountability in how the monies are used. Additionally, they organize trips to Haiti, fundraise, create Practical Compassion’s communications, and provide oversight and input to our Haitian partners on the ground.

Our board members have backgrounds in business, medicine, education, technology, ministry, communications and legal administration. They have all been to Haiti and seen the work of Practical Compassion firsthand.

Fred resides in Carlisle, PA and has worked in the photo industry for more than 35 years. He first visited Haiti in 1998, and joined the board of directors in 2003. From the first time he visited Haiti, he was struck by the hearts and perseverance of the Haitian people. “It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had.”

While meeting immediate needs like feed children is incredibly important, Fred is passionate about the long-term benefit of education, because it not only changes the life of the student, but the future of the country. Fred and his wife, Tami, has seen this first hand as a student whom they have supported since she was a little girl, is now attending university—something she couldn’t have done without the consistent investment and support of Practical Compassion.

Tami has worked as a paralegal for over 35 years. She has served as Practical Compassion’s Board Secretary for 15 years, after Fred traveled with their pastor to Haiti in the late 1990s and was moved by the people he had met. The extreme needs, lack of basic necessities like food and clean water, or a way to give their children an education, drove them to join the Board when Practical Compassion was just forming.

Tami has been humbled by the hard work and aptitude of the teachers and students, working to obtain an education under the harshest conditions. “My life has been forever changed by knowing and supporting these amazing students, whom we’ve come to know and love.”

Jan has served on the Board of Practical Compassion since 2007. A retired software engineer, Jan maintains the financial accounting and record systems for the organization. He also manages student sponsorships, and has led more than 20 trips to Haiti in the past 10 years. Jan taught himself to speak Creole and is the dedicated translator for the organization. His greatest reward has been seeing orphans—with no homes—being supported and now attending university for accounting, nursing, engineering and teaching. 

A retired teacher with a focus on special education, Pat has always had a heart for children and adults who face difficult obstacles, and lack opportunities for success. Assisting people in navigating these challenges has been a driving force in her life.

Pat has translated her passion and problem-solving experience into her work for Practical Compassion, helping produce organizational newsletters, communicating with donors and providing general help to any task needed.

She has been on the board since 2007, and especially enjoys the intrinsic vision, desire and positive outlook of the Haitians who are supported by Practical Compassion.

While Leah joined the board in 2015, her experience with the outreach of Practical Compassion dates back to its inception. Even as a young person, she was humbled by stories of Haitians and the work that Practical Compassion was accomplishing to alleviate suffering and empower those with so few physical resources. The generosity of donors, who for years have changed the course of history for many in Haiti, is what drives her to volunteer.

As communications director for a Harrisburg non-profit, Leah is thrilled to use her God-given skills to share the needs and triumphs of the people of Haiti. She and her husband, Scott, have visited Practical Compassion’s schools, and participated in 3 medical clinics. 

Scott joined the board of Practical Compassion in 2015. His experience as a software architect makes him the guy for evaluating processes, streamlining information systems and helping evaluate proposed projects. Scott’s passion is micro-enterprise, and tackling the big problems that come from living in a country with complex economic hurdles.

When visiting Haiti in 2015, Scott managed the pharmacy for the medical clinics and has been itching to return since that trip.

Generosity is a core value for Scott and giving his time, money and talent to Practical Compassion has been embodiment of an important characteristic he wants to instill in his children, and the children he works with through Practical Compassion.