BOMA field officers in Samburu County, Kenya
OUR TEAM
Our Team in Kenya
Nairobi Office
Sam Owilly
Country Director, Kenya
Sam's BIO
Country Director, Kenya
Dr. Sam Owilly is a people focused, competently driven and results oriented professional leader with over 12 years of experience in the NGO sector. Nine years of his experience has been in senior management positions working with International NGO’s. Sam works with BOMA Project as the Country Director in Kenya, managing over 212 staff and overseeing implementation of multiple donor portfolios including multilateral donors such as USAID. Sam has steered management of partnerships by BOMA Project under key USAID and USDA programs working with Land O’ Lakes ID, ACDI VOCA, Mercy Corps (MC), ILRI, Smart Regional Consultants (SRC). Sam also serves on BOMA/ Kenya Board as the Board Secretary. He holds a Masters in Climate Change and Adaptation and Project Planning and Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, all from the University of Nairobi.
Erin Lewis
Regional Technical Director
Erin's Bio
Regional Technical Director
Noreen Gitonga
People and Admin Officer
Noreen's BIO
People and Admin Officer
Noreen joins BOMA as a proactive and highly skilled People and Administrative Officer with 5 years of hands-on experience working in diverse office environments. She is a demonstrated team player who works collaboratively and communicates effectively with all levels of staff. Noreen holds a diploma in Human Resource Management from the Kenya Institute of Professional Studies.
Edward Lempoko
Senior Finance Officer
Edward joined the BOMA Project in February 2019 as Finance Assistant in our Nanyuki office, and is now BOMA’s Senior Finance Officer. Edward has over six years’ experience working in finance and as a native of Samburu, a deep familiarity with the northern region of the country. He has worked for Lewa Trading and Northern Rangelands Trust, and most recently was at the Berbera Electricity Company in Somaliland. Edward holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting and a CPA, part 2 and is currently pursuing part 3.
Bill Clinton Owiti
Senior Systems Administrator
Bill's BIO
Senior Systems Administrator
Bill joins BOMA from The Information and Communication Technology Authority of Kenya (ICTA) where he served as an ICT assistant. Bill graduated with honors from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology with a degree in Computer Science. After his graduation in 2015, Bill joined the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) serving as an IT intern and Volunteer in the Technology Unit. Bill is a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Cyber-Security Associate (CSA) and Certified Linux Professional (NDG). Bill has developed and deployed mobile apps and stand-alone and web-based computer systems including a Point of Sale (POS) system, Text Encoder Android App on Google Play store and Gobi-Crypt encryption algorithm for information security. Since joining BOMA, Bill has served in the capacity of an IT Associate and helped in Salesforce Administration.
Nancy Akale
Office Assistant
Dorine Genga
KSEIP Program Manager
Dorine's BIO
KSEIP Program Manager
Dorine joined BOMA in April 2021. She is a development assistance professional with 8 years of experience in Resilience Programming at USAID Kenya and East Africa mission. Prior to joining USAID she worked in human resources at the U.S. Embassy, and in the refugee resettlement program with Church World Service Resettlement Support Center, Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Business Studies and Geography and a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources.
George Washingtone
Data Analyst
Monica Kundu
IT Manager
IT Manager
Monica joins BOMA as the IT Manager in the Nanyuki headquarters. Monica graduated from Egerton University with a B.S. in Computer Science. Prior to joining BOMA, she worked as a project manager and technical support lead for Impax Business Solutions. She has also worked for Techbiz Limited as a technical support lead, and as lead technical consultant for the SAP HANA and distributor management systems. Monica has extensive experience in the deployment, training and support of computer systems.
Gabriel “Chacha” Mogaya
Finance and Admin Manager
Gabriel's BIO
Finance and Admin Manager
Gabriel joins us in our Nanyuki headquarters as Finance Manager responsible for financial management, budgeting and tracking program activities and expenditures. Previously he had held the same position at the Norwegian Refugee Council for South Sudan and Yemen. Gabriel holds an MBA in Finance from Africa Nazarene University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Catholic University of East Africa. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Christine Muuthia
Training Manager
Training Manager
Christine comes to BOMA after working for ten years in Northern Kenya with Practical Action and Rural Focus. Skilled in community training, using participatory methodologies as well as presentations, report writing and project planning and monitoring, Christine has a BS from Egerton University and a Masters in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi.
Dorcas Ekelale
Program Officer
Dorcas's Bio
Program Officer
Dorcas is our Program Officer based in our Nanyuki headquarters. She is a highly dedicated professional with over 8 years of experience in all aspects of project coordination and implementation within the NGO and humanitarian space, most recently at Mercy Corps. Prior to that she has worked at Helpage international, Oxfam International and World Food Program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Project Planning and Management from Nairobi University, and a Diploma in Development studies and Social Work from Kenya Institute of Professional Studies.
Stella Gakii
Data Analyst Officer
Susan Saruna
Finance Assistant
Francis Ngikito
Project Manager - NAWIRI
Maureen Gichana
IT Associate Intern
Mary Wanyeri
People Operations Manager
Mary's BIO
People Operations Manager
Mary is an HR Professional with over 10 years of experience in HR and Administration across E-Commerce, NGO, Financial Services/Fintech, Education & Health Care Industries. She joined BOMA in July 2020, overseeing all HR functions and rolling out learning and development initiatives, as well as new performance management systems. She holds a Masters degree in Human Resources Management and Strategic Management from Daystar University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Management from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Duncan Kimani
Assistant Systems Administrator
Duncan's BIO
Assistant Systems Administrator
As Assistant Systems Administrator, Duncan provides support to our teams on our Salesforce and TaroWorks platforms, and helps diagnose, troubleshoot and resolve a range of software, hardware and connectivity issues for our office staff. Duncan holds a Degree in Business Information Technology from Mt. Kenya University (Thika).
Megan Angulo
Program Coordinator - Special Initiatives/Projects
Megan's Bio
Program Coordinator - Special Initiatives/Projects
Guyo Abduba Wako
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager
Guyo's BIO
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Manager
Guyo is Results-driven M&E specialist with 11 years of hands on experienced in designing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems, tools, and processes in an international development/humanitarian environment. He has provided leadership, support and guidance on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) projects. Prior to joining BOMA, he has worked with International NGOs like Mercy Corps, ACDI/VOCA, Land O’ Lakes and Fintrac Inc. He has a Master of Arts in (Monitoring & Evaluation) from University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology (BSc. IT) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology..
Paul Bolo
Research and Learning Associate
Rachael Mwota
People Operations Intern
David Kosgei Kanda
Pastoral Market Systems and Resource Management Technical Manager
Isiolo Field Office
Mengistu Seketeti
Project Manager
Abdulhakin Hassan
BOMA Village Mentor
Dhiramu Jarso
BOMA Village Mentor
Said Mohammed
BOMA Village Mentor
Abdi Mohamed Diba
Driver
Boru Hussein
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Boru's BIO
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Boru is BOMA’s new Monitoring & Evaluation Officer in Isiolo, responsible for day-to-day-management of BOMA’s rigorous field-based monitoring and evaluation activities. He holds a degree in Accounting from Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCAU) and is currently studying for a Degree in Governance, Leadership & Election at Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA). Previously, he was a Project Assistant on the Feed the Future project with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and was involved in implementation of the Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) program in Isiolo County. He has also worked as a Research Assistant for Johns Hopkins University, conducting interviews on pastoral conflicts, pasture scarcity and climate change in Isiolo County.
Camilla Qamar
BOMA Village Mentor
Francis Lemeteki
BOMA Village Mentor
Shana Abduba
Livelihoods Officer
Aziza Isaack Godana
Livelihood Officer
Field Officer
Aziza brings her passion for good health and nutrition for vulnerable populations to her role at BOMA. She will be working to build capacity in one of our new regions and help participants achieve self-sufficiency through livelihood opportunities. She holds a diploma in Community Development and Social Work from the Technical Institute of Kenya and has a certificate in pharmaceutical technology. Most recently she was a Community Mobilizer with BRICS (Building Resilience in Civil Society).
Christine Lina
Markets and Financial Linkages Officer - Isiolo Cluster Office
Rose Napeyok
BOMA Village Mentor
Adan Abakula
BOMA Village Mentor
Maralal Field Office (Samburu Office)
Samiti Gabriel Leiroya
Program Manager - REAP General Samburu
Samiti's BIO
Program Manager - REAP General Samburu
Samiti joins BOMA as the Program Manager for the Samburu Office. He comes to this position with seven years of teaching business and mathematics in South Horr and two years working for the Pastoral Governors (PGT). He has received a Degree in Education from the University of Nairobi and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Mount Kenya University.
Thomas Lmetingas Lenaruti
Program Manager ILRI RCT
Thomas's BIO
Program Manager ILRI RCT
Thomas joins the BOMA Project after eight years of serving as a program officer with World Vision Kenya (4 years) and Child Fund Kenya (4 years). He also worked with the International Labor Organization to combat child labor in Kenya. Thomas earned his diploma in Community Development from Kenya Institute of Social Work and his undergraduate in Development Studies at Mount Kenya University. Clearly dedicated to improving his country, he now serves as the senior field officers in Samburu county.
Abdi Hussen
Driver
Gabriel Letinini
BOMA Village Mentor
Jackson Lempason Lesorogol
BOMA Village Mentor
Josephine Leseewa
BOMA Village Mentor
Peter Boola Leteroi
BOMA Village Mentor
Simon Lesamana
BOMA Village Mentor
Marko Choki Nkireu
BOMA Village Mentor
Jacob Tiberio Lenolkujuka
BOMA Village Mentor
Diana Lekopole
BOMA Village Mentor
Christmas Lengeleshi
Driver
Veronica Lonyekei
BOMA Village Mentor
Christine Sarah Lelesiit
BOMA Village Mentor
George Learpora
BOMA Village Mentor
Jeremiah Lenoltwalan
BOMA Village Mentor
Peter Lebarleiya Mossi
BOMA Village Mentor
Timothy Letura
BOMA Village Mentor
Stephen Leshorono
M&E Officer
Pauline Lepakiyo
BOMA Village Mentor
Lmari Lemiruni
Guard
Jackson Ltepesin Lesilele
Field Officer - Samburu Cluster Office
Benedict Lechoe
BOMA Village Mentor
Tom Serenoy Lembara
BOMA Village Mentor
Peter Lekiito
Field Officer
Jacqueline Sereanae
Linkages Officer
Sarah Sein Lanyasunya
Field Officer
Field Officer
Sarah grew up in Maralal, and now works as the first female Field Officer in the new Samburu office. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from Laikipia University, as well as a diploma in Computer Studies from Eldoret Polytechnic. Additionally, Sarah has been able to take a variety of short courses and receive on-job trainings. Most recently, Sarah worked as a Project Officer for Anglican Overseas Aid, where, for four years, she managed the partnership in Samburu County, aiding maternal child health. Sarah also has an additional four years of work experience with Compassion Kenya, as the Director of a Child Sponsorship Program.
Isabella Lengopito
Field Officer
Isabella's Bio
Field Officer
Isabella Lengopito is an accomplished, compassionate, and results driven professional with over three years of progressive experience working with children in various capacities, including working as a project officer with KIBA CDO, and as an untrained teacher with Kisima Mixed Day School and Karai Mixed Secondary School. Isabella graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelors in Education Arts.
Ben Leumas Letuke
Field Officer
Fred Lelelit
BOMA Village Mentor
Isaac Lesupuko
Driver
Joseph Lenduda
Driver
Lolkirik Leorto Justice
BOMA Village Mentor
Stephen Lororua
BOMA Village Mentor
Musa Letoto
BOMA Village Mentor
John Lenamatiyo
BOMA Village Mentor
Elizabeth Leluata
BOMA Village Mentor
Victoria Ntania Lesoloyia
Cluster Office Administrator
Marsabit Field Office
Meshack Omarre
Deputy Kenya Program Director
Meshack's BIO
Deputy Kenya Program Director
Meshack is based in BOMA’s field office in Marsabit. He is originally from Ngurunit, and aside from his time spent at university, he has lived throughout Northern Kenya. Meshack has a certificate in public relations and a diploma in human resources, both from the University of Nairobi. He is currently pursuing his degree in business administration from Kenya Methodist University.
Bety Lesiamito
M&E Officer - Marsabit Cluster
Bety's Bio
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer - Marsabit Cluster
Bety is a graduate of Laikipia University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Commerce with majors in Finance and Banking. She joined the BOMA team in September 2017, and is responsible for markets analysis and assessments, capacity building for BOMA participants and staff, markets linkages, livestock value chain and promotes financial access and inclusion. Prior to joining BOMA, she worked with various organizations including, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (K.N.B.S) and Afya Timiza – Amref.
David Ltapwa
Field Officer
David's BIO
Field Officer
David joined BOMA in 2012 after working for the Kenya Red Cross, CARE International, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRE). He was promoted from Village Mentor to Field Officer in 2015.
Adano Ramata
BOMA Village Mentor
Adano is a BOMA Village Mentor in the North Turbi region of Marsabit. He mentors 27 business and 5 savings groups.
Joseph Ndenge
BOMA Village Mentor
Joseph is a BOMA Village Mentor in the Kalacha region of Marsabit. He mentors 30 businesses and 6 savings groups.
Augostine Kilio
BOMA Village Mentor
Augostine is a BOMA Village mentor in Merille and Laisamis. He mentors 30 businesses and 4 savings groups.
Festus Letuya
BOMA Village Mentor
Festus is a BOMA Village Mentor in Sereolipi. He supervises 30 businesses and 2 savings groups.
Samuel Ltarara
BOMA Village Mentor
Samuel is a BOMA Village Mentor in Waso west. He supervises 40 business groups and 4 savings groups.
Ali Roba Bachu
BOMA Village Mentor
Ali is a BOMA Village Mentor in Hellu-Manyatta from the Moyale region. He mentors 82 business groups and 12 savings groups.
Guyo Kanu
BOMA Village Mentor
Guyo is a BOMA Village Mentor from the Moyale Region. He mentors 80 business groups and 10 savings groups.
Zeinabu Qalla
BOMA Village Mentor
Zeinabu is a BOMA Village Mentor in Badasa in the central region of Marsabit. She mentors 18 business groups and 5 savings groups.
Anthony Lminting Lbalanga
BOMA Village Mentor
Anthony is a BOMA Village Mentor in Namarey. He mentors 30 business groups and 4 savings groups.
Halima Arbele
BOMA Village Mentor
Halima Arbele is a BOMA Village Mentor in Korr. She mentors 35 business groups and 5 savings groups.
Selina Lintayon Gambare
BOMA Village Mentor
Selina is a BOMA Village Mentor in Karare. She mentors 30 business groups and 4 savings groups.
Barnabas Shosso Barmin
KSEIP Mentor Supervisor - Saku
Mariana Turolo
Office Administrator
Mariana's BIO
Office Administrator
Mariana joined BOMA in December 2013 as office administrator in BOMA’s field office in Marsabit Town. She attended secondary school in Laisamis, attended the Imenti Secretarial and Computer College in Meru, and earned a diploma in computer studies from Digital Computer College. She has worked as an assistant at Marsabit Boys Secondary School, Laisamis CDF, Cyber Com Marsabit and Meru National Park.
Celestine Heibor
Field Officer
Field Officer
Celestine joins the BOMA team as our second female Field Officer. Celestine has both a certificate and degree in Community Development from St. Paul’s University, and she has previously worked with the Red Cross Society, Radio Jangwani 106.3, and Kargi and Chalbi Primary Schools. Celestine is a Field Officer, supervising 8 mentors (5 male and 3 female). She supervises a total of 260 business groups and 34 savings groups.
Chukule Wato
BOMA Village Mentor
Chukule is a BOMA Village Mentor in the Bubisa region of Marsabit. She mentors 23 businesses and 4 savings groups.
Hellen Lebacha
BOMA Village Mentor
Hellen is a BOMA Village Mentor at the Archers post. She supervises 10 business groups.
Galgallo D. Jillo
Field Officer
Galgallo is the Field Officer for the Moyale and Central regions. He supervises 10 mentors.
Osman Abakullu
BOMA Village Mentor
Osman is a BOMA Village Mentor in Sololo in the Moyale Region. He mentors 80 business groups and 10 savings groups.
Sadia Abdi
BOMA Village Mentor
Sadia is a BOMA Village Mentor from the Moyale region. She mentors 66 business groups and 11 savings groups.
Qabale Gababo Boru
BOMA Village Mentor
Qabale is a BOMA Village Mentor in Qilta from the central region. She mentors 35 business groups and several savings groups.
Ali Ibrahim Rage
BOMA Village Mentor
Ali Ibrahim Rage is a BOMA Village Mentor in Kargi. He mentors 40 business groups and 6 savings groups.
John Lomorut Lmaliwan
BOMA Village Mentor
John is a BOMA Village Mentor in Illaut. He mentors 35 business groups and 3 savings groups.
David Leparsanti
Driver
Alexander Roba Dima
BOMA Village Mentor
Dabello Elema
Driver
Helena Lesiyampe
Market Linkages Officer
Semeji Lekuton
Field Support & Security
Field Support & Security
Semeji is BOMA’s part-time staff in Laisamis District, providing field support and securities for all of our training programs and grant disbursements. He is referred to as the “entertainment mentor” for his gift of making everyone laugh and for his soulful warrior songs.
Sabdio Doti
Office Administrator - Marsabit Cluster
Sabdio's BIO
Office Administrator - Marsabit Cluster
Sabdio received a certificate in sustainable agriculture and rural development from Baraka Agricultural College in Molo. She first worked with CARE International as a registration clerk and then with Solidarity International as a food security promoter. Sabdio has served as a community-based monitor with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and more recently with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a clerk and deputy presiding officer. She also brings monitoring and evaluation experience from Research Guide Africa as an enumerator.
Abutho Dokata
BOMA Village Mentor
Abutho is a BOMA Village Mentor working in Galas. He mentors 30 businesses and 6 savings groups.
Gumato Wario
BOMA Village Mentor
Gumato is a BOMA Village Mentor in the Dukana region of Marsabit. She mentors 20 businesses and 4 savings groups.
Zeinabu Kalicha
BOMA Village Mentor
Zeinabu is a BOMA Village Mentor in North Horr. She mentors 30 businesses and 6 savings groups.
Eunice Emilio
BOMA Village Mentor
Eunice is a BOMA Village mentor in Ndonyo wasin. She supervises 30 businesses and 2 savings groups.
Joseph Lesakale
BOMA Village Mentor
Joseph is a BOMA Village Mentor in Wamba and Ngilai west. He mentors 35 businesses and 3 savings groups.
Justice Wario Dullo
BOMA Village Mentor
Justice is an Uran Mentor from the Moyale region. He mentors 80 business groups and 11 savings groups.
Ibrahim Abdulla
BOMA Village Mentor
Ibrahim is a BOMA Village Mentor from the Moyale Region. He mentors 81 business groups and 12 savings groups.
Hawo Mohamed
BOMA Village Mentor
Hawo is a BOMA Village Mentor from the Moyale Region. She mentors 81 business groups and 9 savings groups.
Ben Lepulelei
BOMA Village Mentor
Ben is BOMA Village Mentor in Southhorr. He mentors 40 business groups and 6 savings groups.
Jane Nadungukura Naimirdik
BOMA Village Mentor
Jane is a BOMA Village Mentor in Logologo. She mentors 20 business groups and 2 savings groups.
Peter Leamo
BOMA Village Mentor
Peter is a BOMA Village Mentor in Ngurunit. He mentors 30 business groups and 4 savings groups.
Galgallo Bonaya Sabdio
KSEIP Mentor Supervisor - North Horr
Turkana Field Office
Geodfrey Akolong
Graduation Advisor
Alice Egule Engomo
BOMA Village Mentor
Nicholas Loyala Kataboi
BOMA Village Mentor
Emmy Apoo
BOMA Village Mentor
David Ekai
BOMA Village Mentor
Stephen Erot Erus
BOMA Village Mentor
Jackline Alimlim Eregae
Field Officer
Jackson Kerio
BOMA Village Mentor
Wajir Field Office
Abdi Ibrahim Mohamed
Senior Graduation Advisor
Abdi's BIO
Senior Graduation Advisor
Abdi joined BOMA as a Graduation Advisor in Wajir County in January 2018. He holds a B.A in development studies from Mt. Kenya University, and a Diploma in community development from the Kenya institute of social work and community development, (KISWCD) Nairobi. Abdi comes to us after having worked as the SCOPE registration Officer at Danish Refugee Council (Dadaab) for Somali returnees funded by WFP. Prior to that he was Cash and Market Officer at ICRC, an unconditional cash transfer programme in Somalia based in Nairobi.
Nunay Jelle Hassan
BOMA Village Mentor
Kalil Saney Santur
BOMA Village Mentor
Abdinoor Mohamednur Abdille
BOMA Village Mentor
Hassan Noor
BOMA Village Mentor
Mohamed Sheikh
BOMA Village Mentor
Fatuma Billow
Field Officer
Abdikadir Osman Omar
BOMA Village Mentor
Jimale Diis Ahmed
Field Officer
Mohamed Ismail Mohamed
BOMA Village Mentor
Dahir Sheikh Ali
BOMA Village Mentor
Abdi Noor Muhumed
BOMA Village Mentor
Garissa Field Office
Yussuf Ibrahim Dagane
BOMA Village Mentor
Said Aden Duwane
Field Officer
Said Abdi Ali-Waberi
BOMA Village Mentor
Fahat Abdi Mahat
BOMA Village Mentor
Mujamud Sugow Gamadid
BOMA Village Mentor
Dahir Magan Abdi
BOMA Village Mentor
Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP)
Stanlus Ndala Mukwate
KSEIP Mentor Supervisor - Kibwezi East, Makueni
Winnie Kato
Mentor - Kibwezi, Makueni
Peter Kikonyo
Mentor, Makueni
Mary Kiheti Kiruka
Mentor - Kambiti, Muranga
Jennifer Muthoki
Mentor - Kibwezi, Makueni
Eric Mutua Simon
Mentor, Makueni
Ephantus Kimani
Mentor, Maranja Muranga
Caroline Munyowoki
Mentor, Makueni
Murega Julius
KSEIP Mentor Supervisor - Maragwa, Muranga
Peter Mwangi Kirago
Mentor - Kiriaini, Maragwa
Njeri Melba Mwangi
Mentor - Kambiti, Muranga
Magdalene Muthoki Mutua
Mentor, Makueni
Gladys Wamaitha Mwangi
Mentor, Maranju Muranga
Alvin Muchoki
Mentor, Maranja Muranga
Elizabeth Lucas
Mentor, Makueni
Mary Wali Mgoda
KSEIP Mentor Supervisor - Mwatate, Taita Taveta
Sharon Mwende Mutisya
Mentor, Makueni
Mwongeli Musau
Mentor, Makueni
Lena Wanja Wambui
Mentor - Kambiti, Muranga
Eunice Kinyili
Mentor, Makueni
Susan Syokau
Mentor, Makueni
Celestine Mwende
Mentor, Makueni
Our Team in the U.S.
John Stephens
CEO
John's BIO
CEO
John joins the BOMA team after serving on our Board of Directors for more than a year. He is a seasoned humanitarian professional committed to bringing transformational solutions to the world’s most urgent problems. As Senior Director of Program & Partnerships at The Vibrant Village Foundation, based in Portland, Oregon, he oversaw 26 grant partners as well as three field teams based in Ecuador, Ghana and Kenya. Previously, John held a number of positions over twelve years at Mercy Corps, supporting staff and programs in the field with technical operational and program support, security management and proposal-writing. John was also deployed as part of Mercy Corps’ emergency response team to natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean tsunami, the Pakistan earthquake, and the Lushan earthquake in China. John’s last few years at Mercy Corps were spent supporting programs in the West & Central Africa portfolio. John is based in Portland, Oregon, is married and has two children
Jaya Tiwari
Vice President
Jaya's BIO
Vice President
Jaya has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Prior to joining the BOMA Project, Jaya served as the Executive Director of South Africa-Washington International Program in Washington, D.C., the Executive Director of Suffolk Partnership for Healthy Community in Suffolk, VA, Director of Global Health Programs at Physicians for Peace in Norfolk, VA, and the Director of Research for Physicians for Social Responsibility in Washington, D.C. As an experienced nonprofit leader and manager, Jaya has worked and traveled extensively in Africa. In addition to her management and fundraising expertise, Jaya has published numerous articles, issue briefs, reports and book chapters on issues ranging from global and community health, international security, nuclear nonproliferation and arms control, nuclear energy, and military budget and spending. She has provided briefings on these topics to members of the House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and the United Nations. She has been interviewed and quoted by many news sources including Reuters TV, CNN Money, the Associated Press, the Times of India, the Times News Service, National Public Radio, and the Voice of America. Jaya holds master’s degrees in International Studies from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and in Political Science & Public Administration from Benares Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Jaya completed her Ph.D. course work in International Studies at Old Dominion University in 2000.
Email: jaya.tiwari@bomaproject.org
Stephen J. Kelly
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Steve has 30 years of financial experience in international banking, real estate development and social services. After working in London, Chicago and New York as an investment banker with expertise in capital markets and commodity finances, Steve turned to real estate development to enable him to stay closer to home and be active in his local community in the Hudson Valley. Serving on the boards of several nonprofits, includes years as Vice Chairman of Nyack Hospital, Steve most recently worked as CFO for Rockland County’s largest senior services agency. Steve spent his childhood years in Aden, Yemen and the rolling downs of Sussex, England before moving to the U.S. in 1986. He has a B.A. (Hons), M.A. in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University.
Wendy Scott Keeney
Director of Philanthropy
Wendy's BIO
Director of Philanthropy
Wendy is an accomplished fundraising professional with over 30 years of experience. Prior to BOMA, Wendy served as the Chief Development Officer for CAST Inc.; the Vice President for Business Development, Philanthropy and Marketing at CRDF Global; and lead philanthropy teams at various educational institutions including American University in Cairo, Scripps Research Institute, University of New Hampshire, and the University of Michigan. She has lived and worked all over the world, including in Germany, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Wendy has a BA in Art History from Wayne State University, a Masters in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Michigan, and she participated in the Ph.D. program in Mesopotamian Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Chicago. Her dedication to making a difference through philanthropy is a great asset to the BOMA team.
Taryn Cocheo
Finance Associate
Taryn's Bio
Finance Associate
Taryn started working in the non profit field in 2001. After doing case management work for several years in New York City she left to open a restaurant, catering and events company with her husband. Throughout that time she stayed active in the non profit world, was on the board of a local community center and has volunteered for Girls on the Run as well as doing various volunteering for a local cancer center. Taryn is passionate about showing her 3 daughters that we can make a difference in the world and was inspired when she heard about the BOMA project. She is excited to be a part of the BOMA team as the Finance Associate.
Cherise Forbes
Communications and Marketing Manager
Cherise's BIO
Communications and Marketing Manager
Cherise Forbes is an experienced communications professional and former journalist with love for the written word, photography, and graphic design. Prior to BOMA, Cherise led communications for Stratton Mountain School, an elite ski academy in Southern Vermont, and served as Editor-in-Chief for The Manchester Journal. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies from Nazareth College, where she also led a small non-profit organization and participated in the Clinton Global Initiative University. Cherise is passionate about sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and cross-country skiing through Vermont’s green mountains.
Lily Himmelman
Program Officer
Lily'sBIO
Program Officer
Lily graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in French and is passionate about sustainable global development. She has experience in French translation and has worked for non-profit and educational organizations in France and around the world. She is excited to be a part of the BOMA team.
Deborah Kendall
Financial Manager
Deborah's BIO
Financial Manager
Deborah has over 25 years of financial management and administration experience with for-profit and nonprofit organizations throughout New England. In her career, Deborah has consistently decreased costs and maximized resources utilizing her fluency in software integration and proficiency in numerous accounting and finance systems. Prior to joining BOMA, Deborah served as the financial manager for two regional social services and community health agencies in Maine. Deborah is passionate about mission driven organizations and is an active member in local community organizations.
