International Board of Directors 2016

Candidate Profiles

Member Since: 1996

Chapter: Colorado Partners, United States Region

Partners Activities: He currently serves as the President of the Colorado Partners, having been Vice-President and Treasurer for the Chapter as well. Previously, he served as a member of Partners’ International Board from 2003 to 2007, and more recently as Chair of the Board Development Committee. Over the past 20 years he has engaged in many chapter activities, including hosting members from Brazil, transporting visitors to various venues, giving presentations about Partners, writing on Partners (including a 1996 Denver Post article) and attending Partners’ International Conventions. In 2005 he received the (US) President's Volunteer Service Award for volunteering with Partners. In 2014 he was honored with a Legacy of Leadership award at Partners 50th Annivesary Convention.

Occupation: College Professer and Writer (Red Rocks Community College; University of Pheonix)

Professional Background/Skills: With respect to Financial Management, he controlled an annual budget of over $1 Million Dollars

during his time as Director of Head Start. With respect to fundraising, he has also written grants for over $350,000 for programs funded by the Colorado Department of Education, FEMA, ACF/Head Start, and Adams Country Government. With respect to Public Relations, he has used his photography and writing skills to raise the visibility of several programs, including Adams County Head Start and Weld County Head Start. Mr. Wardle has a PhD in Education, and over 500 publications, including 8 books with a 9th under development. He has traveled extensively in Central and South America, and grew up in Europe. He has been a member of several non-profit broads, and is currently a member of the Red Rocks Community College Early Childhood Advisory Board in addition to being an Exchange Exceptional Master Leader. He has presented at conferences across Brazil and throughout the US.

Statement of Purpose: “From 2003 through 2007 I was a very active member of the Partners of the Americas

International board, and therefore I believe I have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the current board. As the Chair of the Board Development Committee, I am also very aware of the needs of the board, and the need to strengthen the board through the addition of skilled and strong board members. I have a skills set that I believe will directly contribute to my effectiveness as a board member. I am a very skilled writer, who can write in a variety of styles; I have been on many boards and know how to work effectively with other board members and with staff from the organization; and I am a very analytical thinker who can break down problems, and then create a variety of proactive alternatives to solve these problems. I have also been an executive who has functioned with a board, so I am aware of the dynamics of good and bad board support. Finally, I am an international person who works well with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.”

Willingnes to Serve: Fundraise/contribute $500.00 annually to Partners and fulfill all other requirements of office Resume: Click Here

Francis Wardle, PhD

Member Since: 1986

Chapter: Massachusetts Partners, United States Region

Partners Activities: He currently serves as Co-President of the Massachusetts Partners. Prior to that, He served as Vice President of the chapter as well as chair of the chapter’s natural resources committee. Over the years he has hosted a dozen exchange volunteers, including developing and implementing the agendas for the majority of their trips. He has attended several Partners’ international conventions in the past, as well as, the Pan-Colombia Partners meetings and has worked extensively with the Antioquia chapter for many years.

Occupation: Environmental planner; institutional and policy analyst (Self-Employed Consultant)

Professional Background/Skills: With regard to business development (and fundraising) he has experience as a proposal writer in

the government, consulting and NGO fields. With regard to International Development, has experience with the Peace Corps; serving as “guru” of debt for nature swaps; evaluator for USAID projects; extensive experience working in Antioquia in environmental and social areas. With regard to financial management, he was a program and project manager in the government and consulting fields.

Statement of Purpose: “Beyond helping implement Partners’ Strategic Plan, my principal objective on the Board would

be to assist in helping strengthen chapters, both north and south. Over the years the Partners' chapter approach has shifted from a "person to person" organization to one that is more directed toward technical assistance at the individual level. This needs to continue effectively at the chapter level. I believe that in addition to continuing ongoing efforts it would be extremely valuable to learn why some chapters are successful and others have not been, so as to gear resources toward ways that reinforce past successes and help transfer them to other chapters. This can be done successfully and cost-effectively through research and the careful use of interns. Additionally I would like to help expand Partners' growing efforts to aid chapters to maximize their missions by being able to utilize Partners' resources throughout the hemisphere, not just in the traditional bi-lateral chapter style. This might even include opening up to Canada in some fashion. My personal desire ("personal gain") would be to assist in implementing successful strengthening efforts. In pursuit of the above desired accomplishments I believe that my most useful skills lie within the cluster of research/analysis/evaluation. Over the years I have applied these in a variety of settings: Chilean municipal reorganization; reorganization of a state's air quality program; alternative organizational arrangements for state acid rain control; coordination approaches for overlapping local/state/national wetlands protection programs; identifying expanded approaches for utilizing debt swaps ("beyond the debt for nature swap") for sustainable development projects in Latin America.

Willingnes to Serve: Fundraise/contribute $500.00 annually to Partners and fulfill all other requirements of office Resume: Click Here

Alan Patterson

Member Since: 1991

Chapter: Nebraska Partners, United States Region

Partners Activities: He currently serves as the President of the Nebraska Partners, having served in that office for two previous terms from 2001-03 and 2007-09. He’s held other offices within the chapter, such as Vice-President, Secretary, Chair of the Carnaval Committee and Chair of the Independence Day Committee. Prior to moving to Nebraska he was a member of the Washington, D.C. Partners from 1991 – 1996 serving as the chair of their youth committee for most of his tenure.

Occupation: Professor Emeritus University of Nebraska; State 4-H Leader/Professor of Education and Leadership for University of Hawaii

Professional Background/Skills: As it relates to fundraising, he initiated International Exchange Program for the University of

Georgia with Hohemheim University in Germany, was a board member for the Central American Peace Scholarship Program, initiated international exchange programs for Georgia 4-H, and was a member of 4-H Foundation Board of Directors having secured grants for more than $10 Million dollars and served as director of Midwest Consortium for Service Learning securing grants for a total of more than $2 Million dollars. Other boards that he has served on include: Board member International 4-H Youth Exchange Program, National 4-H Agents Association Board and chair of Strategic Planning Committee, American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, Friendship Force, Founding Member of the Character Counts Coalition, President of Winterville PTA, Winrock International Volunteer to Bangladesh. He is currently on the Board of Directors for Lincoln Council for International Visitors.

Statement of Purpose: “[Serving on Partners Board of Directors] is an opportunity to work with fellow volunteers and

Partners' staff members to enhance and strengthen our combined efforts to increase the human and financial resources available to sustain and grow Partners' programs. I will utilize my 30+ years of experiences as a Partners volunteer enhanced by leadership roles in volunteer management, non-profit governance and grant writing to identify, recruit, and train volunteers and to request funding from diverse sources. I would consider this opportunity to work with other passionate Partners' volunteers an excellent use of my time and resources. I would enjoy building the working relationships and friendships. Looking for opportunities to create win-win situations that result in positive opportunities for Partners of the Americas and other organizations and individuals we may involve.”

Willingnes to Serve: Fundraise/contribute $1,000 annually to Partners and fulfill all other requirements of office Resume: Click Here Letter of Recommendation: Click Here

Gary Heusel

Member Since: 2003

Chapter: Espiritu Santo Partners, Brazil Region

Partners Activities: Jose Marcio joined Partners of the Americas in 2003 and is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Espiritu Santo Partners. Prior to that, he served the chapter in various ways as project coordinator in joint efforts with the State of West Virginia in the areas of disaster prevention, high technology, youth programs, students exchange, educational projects, and fundraising.

Occupation: Economist; Director of Uniletra (a regional brokerage firm)

Professional Background/Skills: With respect to Financial Management, he graduated with a degree in Economics from UFES

(Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo) and later completed his post-graduate work in Finance at Clemson University in South Carolina. He was the first financial director of the FUNSSEST (CST Pension Fund), treasurer for the Chocolates Garato in Chicago and Buenos Aires for 6 years, served as Director for Banestes, a regional bank, for 11 years and since 2015 has been the Director for a regional brokerage firm. Additionally, he is a Rotarian, having first joined in 1987 serving in various roles such as Club President, Secretary, Treasurer and is now the Chairman of the Youth Exchange Program for the district. As a part of his participation in Rotary, he’s engaged in several Rotary Foundation programs, such as a group study exchange for 30 days in the Philippines.

Statement of Purpose: “From my work experience in the last 30 years and for participating in several non-profit

organizations, I believe I can contribute to the board development and help using my finance experience in order to help providing funding ideas for the program. I believe I can contribute with the expertise acquired from the 30 years of activities that I have participated on. I have travelled to several countries through Rotary Programs such as GSE (Group Study Exchange) when as Rotarian I took 4 leaders of our community for 30 days visit to the Philippines in 1996. After that we travelled during 20 days to Bali in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore and to Seoul, in South Korea and Japan. In 2012, I went to Rotary International convention in Bangkok in Thailand, then went to Dubai and United Arab Emirates.”

Willingnes to Serve: Fundraise/contribute $500.00 annually to Partners and fulfill all other requirements of office Resume/ CV: Click Here

Letter of Recommendation: Click Here

Jose Marcio Soares de Barros

Member Since: 1999

Chapter: Minas Gerais Partners, Brazil Region

Partners Activities: Binka Le Breton joined Partners in 1999 as a part of the set up process for the Iracambi Rainforest Research Center. Since then she has received Education and Culture travel grants through Partners and a few volunteers through the Farmer to Farmer program in support of Iracambi. Through Ms. Le Breton, Iracambi was also a part of a consortium that won one of the first ten 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation grant awards across the Americas. She’s also hosted Colorado and Minas Gerais Chapter members, attended Partners’ conferences and peer learning events. She’s also served on the International Board of Directors for Partners from 2013-2016.

Occupation: Director Iracambi Research Center

Professional Background/Skills: Ms. Le Breton has extensive experience living and working in intercultural situations across the

world and particularly in the Americas. As it relates to fundraising, she has 17 years of experience fundraising for and directing a non-profit, working with public and private funders, universities, crowd funding platforms and private individuals. She’s committed to working in a proven team of board members to help Partners navigate its future. Now, more than ever, is the time for citizen diplomacy and I would like to be part of helping Partners chart a course over the next three years.

Statement of Purpose: “I have served on the board for the past three years and have seen the organization through ups

and downs. I would like to continue to play a part in helping the organization grow and seize new opportunities that arise as Partners faces [new and different] challenges. Now more than ever is the time for citizen diplomacy and I would like to be a part of the new Partners over the next few years.“

Willingnes to Serve: Fundraise/contribute $500.00 annually to Partners and fulfill all other requirements of office.

Resume/ CV: Click Here Letter of Recommendation: Click Here

Binka Le Breton

Member Since: 2014

Local Chapter: Antioquia Partners, South America (northern region)

Partners Activities: In 2014, he joined the student group Partners Campus EAFIT and

helped manage its internal affairs, improving the group’s communications procedures.

In addition, he served as an English teacher for a social project led by the Student

Chapter. In 2015, he collaborated with the board of directors for that year, to help

manage the recruitment and selection of new members to the Student Chapter. At that

time, we had around 110 members enrolled, and almost 15 new people joined after

completing a test and interview. In that same year, he completed a six-month

professional internship as the President's Intern for the External Relations at Partners’

international offices in Washington, DC. During this time, he engaged closely with the

staff, volunteer network and programs of Partners and which broadened his

understanding of the organization’s goals, programs, and purposes. In 2016, he was

elected president of Partners Campus EAFIT. In this role, he was responsible for leading a team of 50 volunteers and for

overseeing the implementation of the various programs run by the group and the network. After graduating and

completing his tenure as an active member of Partners Campus EAFIT, he had the opportunity to join the Antioquia

chapter, where he is an active member and currently part of the organizing committee for WhatWorks2017!”

Occupation: Media and Public Relations Assistant, Inexmoda

Professional Skills: “Throughout my university studies, I was interested in organizational management and

communications, which provided the tools and insight necessary to think analytically and

innovatively about how to better manage communications and outreach systems within

companies and organizations. I could contribute to Partners’ International Board of Directors

given that I represent the growing youth demographic within the network and can bring a fresh

perspective on our changing and accelerated society. I have done public relations work at major

fairs in Medellín, and my communications skills have allowed me to meet business people,

political leaders and journalists who could be of potential use to Partners of the Americas.”

Statement of Purpose: “Becoming a member of the board at Partners would further enable my dream of providing

support for young people all around the world. In turn, this experience will allow me to gain new knowledge and continue working for and championing international cooperation. As a young person, I could offer the network a more inclusive perspective on its objectives, as well as create and develop social programs that connect people and change lives. Having a young person’s opinions and points of view when it comes time to make decisions about the direction of the organization could help to better ensure its future. It’s very likely that I lack the experience and wisdom of the other members on the International Board, but I have a strong desire to learn and plenty of energy to invest in organizations such as Partners of the Americas and the world in general.”

Willingness to Serve: Collect/contribute US$100.00 annually for Partners and comply with all other service

requirements of new members of the board.

Resume: Click here Recommendation Letter: Click here

Jorge Londoño Mejia

Member Since: 1988

Local Chapter: Southwestern Colombia, South America (northern region)

Partners Activities: Currently, she is the executive director of Partners in

Southwestern Colombia Chapter and has been a member of Partners for 28

continuous years. She’s served as the coordinator of the Institutional Development

and Rehabilitation Committee. Development, coordination and oversight of projects,

represented the chapter at local and international events, and received a Travel Grant

in 2009 to visit rehabilitation and cultural organizations in South Carolina. She has

also served as the Chapter’s historian, maintaining cultural and historical documents.

Professional Skills: She is an information and documentation sciences professional a library technician and archivist. She has been Director of Fundación para Limitaciones Múltiples, member of the board of directors at Ceartes-Estimulo, executive director of Fundación Avante, teacher and editor of research documents at

Universidad Libre and Universidad del Valle, thesis director at the Universidad del Quindío/researcher in information and documentation sciences, and a rehabilitation-NGO consultant for the city of Cali. She’s has experience in the areas of business development, social entrepreneurship, financial management and fundraising for various organizations in Cali – a total of 23 foundations in Cali received funding through her efforts. She received the 1998 Estrella de la Esperanza National Prize, awarded by the presidency of the Republic of Colombia to outstanding persons in the social sphere. In June 2015, she was recognized by the mayor of Cali for more than 30 years of work in support of the city’s handicapped population (Aguablanca district).” Occupation: Head of information management, Cali mayor’s office / Municipal Secretary of Public Health Statement of Purpose: “I wish to join the Partners’ International Board of Directors because I am a person who loves all

things social, disadvantaged and vulnerable persons, and human development. With my knowledge and personal commitment, I wish to help fellow Latin Americans in my region and others to discover a smile of hope and opportunities for a better tomorrow – a search for peace for all. With my work, I will strive with other volunteers to make a reality out of dreams of education and rehabilitation, discover talents, and make my small contribution to social equity in my region and others in Latin America, as best I can in my position. It is my deep desire to serve, be useful and offer my knowledge to benefit of others. I am skilled in the social sector with project management, especially in the field of rehabilitation and social promotion through arts and gastronomy. My skills include designing and monitoring social projects, self-sustainability, and knowledge of information and documentation sciences.”

Willingness to Serve: Contribute $500.00 US annually to Partners and comply with all other requirements of office for

board members. Resume: Click here

Liliana Hincapie Salazar