Twitter
Facebook
Donate
Blog
Videos
World Water Relief
Buy Now
Clean Water...for Life
Welcome
World Water Relief's mission is to significantly improve the health and well-being of people worldwide by providing access to clean water for both disaster relief and sustainability.
Like air, most of us living in developed countries take the availability of clean water for granted. However, for more than 1 billion others, safe, clean water is a luxury not yet experienced. In fact, for far too many people,accessible water is more likely to cause serious illness - and even death - than to sustain life. Over 3.5 million people die each year of waterborne illness. Three million are children and most are in developing nations.
World Water Relief is dedicated to combating this appalling crisis. Our approach includes selecting the right water purification technology for the need at hand, extensive local training on the maintenance of the system, ongoing follow up on system performance and education of children and adults on preventing the spread of waterborne disease.
To learn more about us and how you can help end the water sanitation crisis, click here.
What if...?
Click to see more about the digital makeover of the White House
Learn about our programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
On the short list of life's necessities, clean water is second only to air.
About Us
World Water Relief was launched in 2008 with the goal of bringing sustainable water purification solutions to communities in developing nations. Initially funded by a generous donation from First Water, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia based water purification and disaster relief organization, World Water Relief has already provided thousands of people with the life-saving gift of clean water -- and our work has just begun.Although our long-term goal extends worldwide, our initial focus has been on bringing clean water for drinking and sanitation to the sugar-cane labor camps in the Dominican Republic. These impoverished communities (known as bateyes) house sugar cane workers and their families under deplorable, unsanitary conditions, without access to clean water for drinking or basic hygiene. ( Read more about our work in the bateyes.)
World Water Relief was launched in 2008 with the goal of bringing sustainable water purification solutions to communities in developing nations. Initially funded by a generous donation from First Water, Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia based water purification and disaster relief organization, World Water Relief has already provided thousands of people with the life-saving gift of clean water -- and our work has just begun.
Although our long-term goal extends worldwide, our initial focus has been on bringing clean water for drinking and sanitation to the sugar-cane labor camps in the Dominican Republic. These impoverished communities (known as bateyes) house sugar cane workers and their families under deplorable, unsanitary conditions, without access to clean water for drinking or basic hygiene. ( Read more about our work in the bateyes.)
On January 12th, 2010, our Board of Directors met to plan our third water purification installation in the Dominican Republic. During that meeting, we received news of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Although our charter didnt necessarily encompass disaster relief work, we agreed that our knowledge of and connections in that part of the world could make a life-saving difference if we responded quickly to this crisis. We were right.By Friday, January 15th just three days after the earthquake Board member Dr. Kevin Fussell and Program Manager Ben Seidl left for Haiti, each carrying a portable, solar powered water purification system. That same day, we arranged to ship an additional 10 portable systems to the area which Ben and Kevin later distributed throughout Haiti. This was the first of two emergency relief trips Ben and Kevin would make together to Haiti. It was also the beginning of our Haiti Program which focuses on building a better, stronger and healthier future for Haiti. Ben and Kevin chronicled their trips to Haiti in real-time for our World Water Relief-Haiti blog. Our current work in Haiti now combines installation of water purification systems with extensive education on hygiene basics and tools to measure and track the impact our solutions have on the communities we serve. (Read more about our Haiti Program.)World Water Relief is the sole operating division of Emergency Response Resources, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We rely entirely on donations to purchase the equipment needed to bring clean water to those in need.
On January 12th, 2010, our Board of Directors met to plan our third water purification installation in the Dominican Republic. During that meeting, we received news of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Although our charter didnt necessarily encompass disaster relief work, we agreed that our knowledge of and connections in that part of the world could make a life-saving difference if we responded quickly to this crisis. We were right.
By Friday, January 15th just three days after the earthquake Board member Dr. Kevin Fussell and Program Manager Ben Seidl left for Haiti, each carrying a portable, solar powered water purification system. That same day, we arranged to ship an additional 10 portable systems to the area which Ben and Kevin later distributed throughout Haiti. This was the first of two emergency relief trips Ben and Kevin would make together to Haiti. It was also the beginning of our Haiti Program which focuses on building a better, stronger and healthier future for Haiti. Ben and Kevin chronicled their trips to Haiti in real-time for our World Water Relief-Haiti blog.
Our current work in Haiti now combines installation of water purification systems with extensive education on hygiene basics and tools to measure and track the impact our solutions have on the communities we serve. (Read more about our Haiti Program.)
World Water Relief is the sole operating division of Emergency Response Resources, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We rely entirely on donations to purchase the equipment needed to bring clean water to those in need.
Preparation for trip to Haiti following the January 12th earthquake.
Our People
World Water Relief's Program Manager, Ben Seidl (left) and Board member Dr. Kevin Fussell delivered and installed portable water filtration units immediately following Haiti's devastating earthquake.
Lee Burleson, Chairman
President
Genoa Consulting Partners
Lee Burleson comes to World Water Relief as a highly experienced senior sales executive and entrepreneurial leader. His Corporate expertise includes leadership in the areas of general management, sales and customer marketing in the highly competitive consumer package goods industry at PepsiCo and Quaker Oats.
His corporate experience combined with entrepreneurial ventures in commercial real estate and, most recently as founder of Genoa Consulting Partners brings has already proved to be a invaluable asset for World Water Relief.Mr. Burleson consistently demonstrated a track record of achievement leading large teams to exceed profit, market share and revenue goals. Included in any description of him must be his broad based functional expertise including national sales, operating general management, customer marketing and corporate strategy.Additionally, Mr. Burleson completed specific training programs at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Executive Negotiating Skills, the University of Southern California Food Industry Management Program and the PepsiCo Executive Leadership Program, Darden University and London.A graduate of Auburn University, Mr. Burleson is married with two children and currently resides in Cumming, GA.
His corporate experience combined with entrepreneurial ventures in commercial real estate and, most recently as founder of Genoa Consulting Partners brings has already proved to be a invaluable asset for World Water Relief.
Mr. Burleson consistently demonstrated a track record of achievement leading large teams to exceed profit, market share and revenue goals. Included in any description of him must be his broad based functional expertise including national sales, operating general management, customer marketing and corporate strategy.
Additionally, Mr. Burleson completed specific training programs at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Executive Negotiating Skills, the University of Southern California Food Industry Management Program and the PepsiCo Executive Leadership Program, Darden University and London.
A graduate of Auburn University, Mr. Burleson is married with two children and currently resides in Cumming, GA.
Kevin M. Fussell, M.D.
Pulmonary Critical Care, Salem Chest Specialists
Kevin M. Fussell, MD is a Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine physician with Salem Chest Specialists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Fussell graduated with a BS in Biology from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency and Pulmonary/Critical Care fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. While there he had the honor of serving as a Hugh J. Morgan Chief Resident during his tenure. Dr. Fussell has played a leadership role in four medical/surgical outreach trips to Barahona, Dominican Republic, where over 300 surgeries have been performed. In addition to these surgeries, over 2500 medical patients have been cared for in the mobile clinics that travelled to the underserved areas of this community.Dr. Fussell came to World Water Relief looking for a solution to the lack of access to potable water in the Bateys around Barahona, and the collaboration led to World Water Relief's first installation of a water purification system. Dr. Fussell brings medical expertise to the efforts of World Water Relief that will allow the organization to expand its scope into other areas of health and sanitation. The hope is that his outreach organization can serve as a model for others looking to accomplish similar goals in which World Water Relief will provide leadership as well as being a funding mechanism for those organizations in need.
Kevin M. Fussell, MD is a Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine physician with Salem Chest Specialists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Fussell graduated with a BS in Biology from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He then completed his Internal Medicine residency and Pulmonary/Critical Care fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. While there he had the honor of serving as a Hugh J. Morgan Chief Resident during his tenure.
Dr. Fussell has played a leadership role in four medical/surgical outreach trips to Barahona, Dominican Republic, where over 300 surgeries have been performed. In addition to these surgeries, over 2500 medical patients have been cared for in the mobile clinics that travelled to the underserved areas of this community.
Dr. Fussell came to World Water Relief looking for a solution to the lack of access to potable water in the Bateys around Barahona, and the collaboration led to World Water Relief's first installation of a water purification system.
Dr. Fussell brings medical expertise to the efforts of World Water Relief that will allow the organization to expand its scope into other areas of health and sanitation. The hope is that his outreach organization can serve as a model for others looking to accomplish similar goals in which World Water Relief will provide leadership as well as being a funding mechanism for those organizations in need.
Melvenia Gueye President and CEOHurricanee Felix Relief, Resoration & Development Foundation. Melvenia Gueye is a political scientist by training and most recently served as Legislative Director for the Hon. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She has held several positions at the United States House of Representatives over the past twenty years. A trained appropriations specialist - overseeing funds directed to national energy, transportation and health/education projects - she also has expertise in international development project appropriations.Ms. Gueye is certified by Columbia University Teaching College as a specialist in Adkins Life Skills instruction. She holds several certificates in management communication programs including the nationally acclaimed "Service Works;" NYU Employment Training Institute management communication programs; NY Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); local Department of Employment and the federal Department of Labor management programs. She has successfully completed several Library of Congress Congressional Research Service courses on the legislative process, international development appropriations and the functional Committee areas in the House of Representatives.Ms. Gueyes extensive training and experience include study and research in England, France and Canada focusing on the public policy debate surrounding health care delivery by NHS model or by the Canadian voucher model. She is a former Legislative Director in the offices of the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks (NY) having worked on Trade Promotion Authority, the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank, several US international AIDS policy initiatives and appropriations deliberations, as well as the entire jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means and The Committee on International Relations. As the Reynolds Public Policy Scholar for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Ms. Guèye focused on minorities in science and technology. She was a lead researcher on the US Library of Congress (LC) report on the growing opportunities for minorities in the tech field. She is an accomplished speech writer and has penned many editorials. Ms. Guèye is a Senior Lecturer in the United States Senior Executive Service Legislative Seminar series. Conversant in French, a student of Spanish and a native of South Carolina, Ms. Guèye holds degrees, awards and certificates from academic and professional concerns in the US and abroad.Melvenia Gueye is a political scientist by training and most recently served as Legislative Director for the Hon. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She has held several positions at the United States House of Representatives over the past twenty years. A trained appropriations specialist - overseeing funds directed to national energy, transportation and health/education projects - she also has expertise in international development project appropriations.Ms. Gueye is certified by Columbia University Teaching College as a specialist in Adkins Life Skills instruction. She holds several certificates in management communication programs including the nationally acclaimed "Service Works;" NYU Employment Training Institute management communication programs; NY Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); local Department of Employment and the federal Department of Labor management programs. She has successfully completed several Library of Congress Congressional Research Service courses on the legislative process, international development appropriations and the functional Committee areas in the House of Representatives.Ms. Gueyes extensive training and experience include study and research in England, France and Canada focusing on the public policy debate surrounding health care delivery by NHS model or by the Canadian voucher model. She is a former Legislative Director in the offices of the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks (NY) having worked on Trade Promotion Authority, the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank, several US international AIDS policy initiatives and appropriations deliberations, as well as the entire jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means and The Committee on International Relations. As the Reynolds Public Policy Scholar for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Ms. Guèye focused on minorities in science and technology. She was a lead researcher on the US Library of Congress (LC) report on the growing opportunities for minorities in the tech field. She is an accomplished speech writer and has penned many editorials. Ms. Guèye is a Senior Lecturer in the United States Senior Executive Service Legislative Seminar series. Conversant in French, a student of Spanish and a native of South Carolina, Ms. Guèye holds degrees, awards and certificates from academic and professional concerns in the US and abroad. is a text box which has a scrollbar enabled.
Melvenia Gueye President and CEO
Hurricanee Felix Relief, Resoration & Development Foundation.
Melvenia Gueye is a political scientist by training and most recently served as Legislative Director for the Hon. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She has held several positions at the United States House of Representatives over the past twenty years. A trained appropriations specialist - overseeing funds directed to national energy, transportation and health/education projects - she also has expertise in international development project appropriations.
Ms. Gueye is certified by Columbia University Teaching College as a specialist in Adkins Life Skills instruction. She holds several certificates in management communication programs including the nationally acclaimed "Service Works;" NYU Employment Training Institute management communication programs; NY Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); local Department of Employment and the federal Department of Labor management programs. She has successfully completed several Library of Congress Congressional Research Service courses on the legislative process, international development appropriations and the functional Committee areas in the House of Representatives.
Ms. Gueyes extensive training and experience include study and research in England, France and Canada focusing on the public policy debate surrounding health care delivery by NHS model or by the Canadian voucher model. She is a former Legislative Director in the offices of the Honorable Gregory W. Meeks (NY) having worked on Trade Promotion Authority, the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank, several US international AIDS policy initiatives and appropriations deliberations, as well as the entire jurisdiction of the House Committee on Ways and Means and The Committee on International Relations.
As the Reynolds Public Policy Scholar for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Ms. Guèye focused on minorities in science and technology. She was a lead researcher on the US Library of Congress (LC) report on the growing opportunities for minorities in the tech field. She is an accomplished speech writer and has penned many editorials.
Ms. Guèye is a Senior Lecturer in the United States Senior Executive Service Legislative Seminar series. Conversant in French, a student of Spanish and a native of South Carolina, Ms. Guèye holds degrees, awards and certificates from academic and professional concerns in the US and abroad.
Ms. Guèye is a Senior Lecturer in the United States Senior Executive Service Legislative Seminar series. Conversant in French, a student of Spanish and a native of South Carolina, Ms. Guèye holds degrees, awards and certificates from academic and professional concerns in the US and abroad. is a text box which has a scrollbar enabled.
Peter L. Hellebush
Chief Executive Officer
Piazza Investment Holdings, LLC
Pete Hellebush has over 30 years experience in packaged goods marketing and retail and catalog management.
In more than 22 years with the Sara Lee Corporation, he held a number of senior executive positions including managing 45 distributor partners throughout North and Central America for Sara Lee Hosiery and leading the retail and catalog businesses for Sara Lee Direct building revenues to over $500 million. From 1996 to 2001, Mr. Hellebush was President of Flows Drivers Mart and VP Marketing for the national start-up of the Drivers Mart consolidation initiative leading to the sale of Drivers Mart to AutoNation. Subsequently, he was a co-founder of International Legwear Group, serving as COO and Chief Staff Officer. Mr. Hellebush is a founding partner in Piazza Investment Holdings. Mr. Hellebush received a Morehead Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina where he received an AB in Economics; he received an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School.
In more than 22 years with the Sara Lee Corporation, he held a number of senior executive positions including managing 45 distributor partners throughout North and Central America for Sara Lee Hosiery and leading the retail and catalog businesses for Sara Lee Direct building revenues to over $500 million. From 1996 to 2001, Mr. Hellebush was President of Flows Drivers Mart and VP Marketing for the national start-up of the Drivers Mart consolidation initiative leading to the sale of Drivers Mart to AutoNation. Subsequently, he was a co-founder of International Legwear Group, serving as COO and Chief Staff Officer. Mr. Hellebush is a founding partner in Piazza Investment Holdings.
Mr. Hellebush received a Morehead Scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina where he received an AB in Economics; he received an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School.
Mona Leung, Finance Committee Chair
Chief financial Officer
Alliant Credit Union
Mona Leung brings to World Water Relief her strong leadership skills and multifaceted experience across supply chain, sales, marketing, IT and corporate finance within restaurant, consumer packaged goods, retail and financial services companies.
As Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Alliant Credit Union, the 8th largest credit union in the U.S. with a gross asset base of $5.8 Billion, she oversees all company finance, accounting and audit practices with a team of 40. Her main functions include accounting, strategic and financial planning and analysis, balance sheet management, mergers and acquisitions, reporting, enterprise risk management, collections, treasury, tax, internal controls, compliance and audit functions.Ms. Leungs challenges have included: co-leading with senior team members the development and execution of the companys mission and a three-year strategic and financial plan; driving a fact-based decision-making culture; building a proactive control and compliance oriented environment; and, building and sustaining a high performing team.Besides bringing exceptional integrity and a passion for building and inspiring high-performance teams with her years of experience in crafting winning business strategies and delivering superior financial results, Ms. Leung is a recognized change agent who infuses creative business thinking into her organization and implements innovation with speed and effectiveness.Ms. Leung graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BS in Biological Sciences. While there she was on the Deans list as well as President and Treasurer of the Flying Samaritans. She later received her MBA from California State University of Long Beach with a concentration in Finance.
As Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Alliant Credit Union, the 8th largest credit union in the U.S. with a gross asset base of $5.8 Billion, she oversees all company finance, accounting and audit practices with a team of 40. Her main functions include accounting, strategic and financial planning and analysis, balance sheet management, mergers and acquisitions, reporting, enterprise risk management, collections, treasury, tax, internal controls, compliance and audit functions.
Ms. Leungs challenges have included: co-leading with senior team members the development and execution of the companys mission and a three-year strategic and financial plan; driving a fact-based decision-making culture; building a proactive control and compliance oriented environment; and, building and sustaining a high performing team.
Besides bringing exceptional integrity and a passion for building and inspiring high-performance teams with her years of experience in crafting winning business strategies and delivering superior financial results, Ms. Leung is a recognized change agent who infuses creative business thinking into her organization and implements innovation with speed and effectiveness.
Ms. Leung graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a BS in Biological Sciences. While there she was on the Deans list as well as President and Treasurer of the Flying Samaritans. She later received her MBA from California State University of Long Beach with a concentration in Finance.
Bronwyn M. Morgan
Sweetwater SBD
Morgan is classically trained in CPG management, sales/business development, consumer/ brand marketing, new venture and client management with two global consumer goods leaders: The Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble Companies.
She created and managed alliances in consumer products, internet/technology and entertainment and design arenas. Developed cross-functional background through team management of marketing, operations, finance, M&A and advertising functions. Skilled in Fortune 100 C-Level client management, driving volume, marketing, strategic planning, sales management, negotiation, team management, profit maximization, value extraction, strategic planning , enterprise commercialization, green/sustainability, and innovation. Morgans entrepreneurial energy led to creating a boutique firm of modern and contemporary multi-services, Sweetwater Strategy, Branding & Design, specializing in global strategy, branding and design. It offers globally minded, nimble, young, dynamic, innovative talent for clients who seek strategic business strategy, branding, identity and organic growth in affluent and urbane lifestyle markets. Her work spans the globe. Sweetwaters knowledge base in consumer, green/sustainability, and design, economic and business trends offers clients the richest and most educated consulting. She has a host of clients across many business sectors. One highlight is the current consulting in International Business Development for clean water access to the poorest people around the world. She works across Latin America, Europe and Asia with NGOs and a host of multinational corporations. Morgan has a solid network of global business leaders from London, Asia and Latin America.In her spare time she is working to make a difference in the lives of her community. She is the founder of Bliss In Me Meditation (www.blissinme.com), where she facilitates a modern approach to meditation. She teaches throughout the Atlanta area. Morgan is also Director/Strategy & Marketing Advisor on the Boards of Southstar Community Development Corporation, Kennesaw State University Center for Student Leadership.
She created and managed alliances in consumer products, internet/technology and entertainment and design arenas. Developed cross-functional background through team management of marketing, operations, finance, M&A and advertising functions. Skilled in Fortune 100 C-Level client management, driving volume, marketing, strategic planning, sales management, negotiation, team management, profit maximization, value extraction, strategic planning , enterprise commercialization, green/sustainability, and innovation.
Morgans entrepreneurial energy led to creating a boutique firm of modern and contemporary multi-services, Sweetwater Strategy, Branding & Design, specializing in global strategy, branding and design. It offers globally minded, nimble, young, dynamic, innovative talent for clients who seek strategic business strategy, branding, identity and organic growth in affluent and urbane lifestyle markets. Her work spans the globe.
Sweetwaters knowledge base in consumer, green/sustainability, and design, economic and business trends offers clients the richest and most educated consulting. She has a host of clients across many business sectors. One highlight is the current consulting in International Business Development for clean water access to the poorest people around the world. She works across Latin America, Europe and Asia with NGOs and a host of multinational corporations. Morgan has a solid network of global business leaders from London, Asia and Latin America.
In her spare time she is working to make a difference in the lives of her community. She is the founder of Bliss In Me Meditation (www.blissinme.com), where she facilitates a modern approach to meditation. She teaches throughout the Atlanta area.
Morgan is also Director/Strategy & Marketing Advisor on the Boards of Southstar Community Development Corporation, Kennesaw State University Center for Student Leadership.
Dr. Daniel S. Papp
President, Kennesaw State University
Daniel Papp became the third president of Kennesaw State University July 1, 2006. Prior to being named president by the Board of Regents, Dr. Papp served as senior vice chancellor for academics and fiscal affairs of the University System of Georgia. Senior vice chancellor since 2000, he was responsible for system-wide academic, faculty and student issues and concerns; business and financial affairs; academic and business information-technology systems; and strategic planning affecting all of the university systems 35 institutions.
Before becoming senior vice chancellor, Dr. Papp directed educational programs for Yamacraw, Georgias initiative to become the global leader in broadband technologies and components. He served as interim president of Southern Polytechnic State University from 1997 to 1998 and as executive assistant to the president at Georgia Tech from 1994 to 1997. An international affairs expert, Dr. Papp was the founding director of Georgia Techs Sam Nunn School of International Affairs from 1990 to 1993 and director of the Georgia Tech School of Social Sciences from 1980 to 1990. He joined Georgia Techs faculty in 1973 as an assistant professor of international affairs. While at Tech, he was also visiting professor at the Western Australia Institute of Technology; research professor at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College; senior research professor at the Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education of the U.S. Air War College; and visiting professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. In 1993, Dr. Papp was selected Georgia Techs Distinguished Professor, the first time the honor was awarded to someone other than an engineer or physical scientist. He has twice been awarded the U.S. Department of the Armys Outstanding Civilian Service medal. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dartmouth College, Dr. Papp received his doctorate in international affairs from the University of Miami. He is the author or editor of 10 books, including the biography of former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk. He also has published more than 60 journal articles and chapters in edited books. Dr. Papp is married to Susan Lord Papp and they have two sons, William and Alexander; two stepsons, Michael and Benjamin; and a granddaughter, Elena. He has served on the Church Council of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, Ga., and coached youth basketball and football. He is a past captain of the Miami, Atlanta and Georgia Tech rugby football clubs. He has also been a participant in several Friendship Force home-stay programs in Russia.
Before becoming senior vice chancellor, Dr. Papp directed educational programs for Yamacraw, Georgias initiative to become the global leader in broadband technologies and components. He served as interim president of Southern Polytechnic State University from 1997 to 1998 and as executive assistant to the president at Georgia Tech from 1994 to 1997.
An international affairs expert, Dr. Papp was the founding director of Georgia Techs Sam Nunn School of International Affairs from 1990 to 1993 and director of the Georgia Tech School of Social Sciences from 1980 to 1990. He joined Georgia Techs faculty in 1973 as an assistant professor of international affairs. While at Tech, he was also visiting professor at the Western Australia Institute of Technology; research professor at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College; senior research professor at the Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education of the U.S. Air War College; and visiting professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. In 1993, Dr. Papp was selected Georgia Techs Distinguished Professor, the first time the honor was awarded to someone other than an engineer or physical scientist. He has twice been awarded the U.S. Department of the Armys Outstanding Civilian Service medal.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dartmouth College, Dr. Papp received his doctorate in international affairs from the University of Miami. He is the author or editor of 10 books, including the biography of former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk. He also has published more than 60 journal articles and chapters in edited books.
Dr. Papp is married to Susan Lord Papp and they have two sons, William and Alexander; two stepsons, Michael and Benjamin; and a granddaughter, Elena. He has served on the Church Council of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, Ga., and coached youth basketball and football. He is a past captain of the Miami, Atlanta and Georgia Tech rugby football clubs. He has also been a participant in several Friendship Force home-stay programs in Russia.
Mary M. Plumstead
Chief Executive Officer, HR Views
Mary Plumstead has over 20 years of corporate experience as a senior Human Resource and Communications Executive. She numbers among her employers and clients Automatic Data Processing (NYSE: ADP), American Express (NYSE: AXP), First Data Corporation (formerly NYSE: FDC; now privately owned) and Global Payments, Inc (NYSE: GPN). She is also a successful entrepreneur. Throughout her corporate career, Mary has specialized in leading and managing the human side of dynamic change resulting from acquisitions, public offerings, reorganizations, rapid growth initiatives, relocations and workforce reductions. Her approach to HR combines creative strategy with tactical leadership. Her strengths are in stabilizing organizations throughout change or crisis, while achieving the desired business objectives. She has consistently earned the confidence of senior leadership for her focus on aligning HR strategy with business objectives. In 1999 Mary fulfilled a longstanding entrepreneurial and creative goal. She founded Plumsteads, LLC, which grew into a successful international wholesaler of fine home accents to the retail and interior design trade and included customers such as Saks, Gumps, Dillards and Home Depot's 10 Crescent Lane catalog. In 2007 she returned to Human Resources full time and has since been dedicated to her HR consulting practice, which has most recently included engagements with UBS, Deutsche Bank, Lecroy Instruments, Unitrends, Corcoran-Ota Architects, Newell-Rubbermaid and AXA-Equitable.Mary lives in Atlanta, GA.
Mary Plumstead has over 20 years of corporate experience as a senior Human Resource and Communications Executive. She numbers among her employers and clients Automatic Data Processing (NYSE: ADP), American Express (NYSE: AXP), First Data Corporation (formerly NYSE: FDC; now privately owned) and Global Payments, Inc (NYSE: GPN). She is also a successful entrepreneur.
Throughout her corporate career, Mary has specialized in leading and managing the human side of dynamic change resulting from acquisitions, public offerings, reorganizations, rapid growth initiatives, relocations and workforce reductions. Her approach to HR combines creative strategy with tactical leadership. Her strengths are in stabilizing organizations throughout change or crisis, while achieving the desired business objectives. She has consistently earned the confidence of senior leadership for her focus on aligning HR strategy with business objectives.
In 1999 Mary fulfilled a longstanding entrepreneurial and creative goal. She founded Plumsteads, LLC, which grew into a successful international wholesaler of fine home accents to the retail and interior design trade and included customers such as Saks, Gumps, Dillards and Home Depot's 10 Crescent Lane catalog. In 2007 she returned to Human Resources full time and has since been dedicated to her HR consulting practice, which has most recently included engagements with UBS, Deutsche Bank, Lecroy Instruments, Unitrends, Corcoran-Ota Architects, Newell-Rubbermaid and AXA-Equitable.
Mary lives in Atlanta, GA.
Guy Hamilton Scull
Management Consultant
Guy Scull comes to World Water Relief with a background in not only the nonprofit sector, but in the private business and government sectors as well. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a GPA 4.0 and earning a B.A. in Political Science at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, he went on to help elect political newcomer, Newt Gingrich, to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives with an overwhelmingly Democrat constituency.
During his 7 years with the Congressman, Mr. Scull served in a variety of staff positions including Legislative Aide, Chief Legislative Director, Press Secretary and Executive Assistant. As Campaign Manager for Congressman Gingrich in 1982, he forged a winning campaign plan to handily win the congressional district while raising a record amount of funding at that time.Subsequent to Mr. Sculls political endeavors, he returned to Georgia and entered the commercial real estate business while later earning his Commercial Brokers license.Mr. Scull later formed his own consulting company, Hamilton Resource Management Group, Inc. Then in 2004, he began to consider the nonprofit arena as a more fulfilling way to give back the blessings in life he had received. Mr. Scull formed the American Fire & Rescue and EMS Organization, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with its mission to help fund equipment and supplies to our nations firefighters and EMS personnel. In 2007, he merged his organization with the nonprofit Safe America Foundation to greater enhance his mission. There, Mr. Scull was an Executive Vice President of Safe America First Responders and later rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the nonprofit.
During his 7 years with the Congressman, Mr. Scull served in a variety of staff positions including Legislative Aide, Chief Legislative Director, Press Secretary and Executive Assistant. As Campaign Manager for Congressman Gingrich in 1982, he forged a winning campaign plan to handily win the congressional district while raising a record amount of funding at that time.
Subsequent to Mr. Sculls political endeavors, he returned to Georgia and entered the commercial real estate business while later earning his Commercial Brokers license.
Mr. Scull later formed his own consulting company, Hamilton Resource Management Group, Inc. Then in 2004, he began to consider the nonprofit arena as a more fulfilling way to give back the blessings in life he had received. Mr. Scull formed the American Fire & Rescue and EMS Organization, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with its mission to help fund equipment and supplies to our nations firefighters and EMS personnel. In 2007, he merged his organization with the nonprofit Safe America Foundation to greater enhance his mission. There, Mr. Scull was an Executive Vice President of Safe America First Responders and later rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the nonprofit.
W. Clayton Sparrow
Governance Committee Chairman
Partner, Business Law Group
Seyfarth, Shaw LLP
Clay Sparrow comes to World Water Relief with decades of legal experience. He is a partner in the Business Law Group of the Atlanta, Georgia based law firm Seyfarth Shaw, LLP. At Seyfarth Shaw, his areas of responsibility include providing general legal and business advice and documentation for domestic, foreign-owned and multinational businesses.
Mr. Sparrows areas of practice are: Corporate (Mergers and Acquisitions; Corporate Counseling & Commercial Transactions); International; Labor & Employment (International). In addition, He has experience in the following areas: providing general counsel to manufacturing and sales companies, including U.S. operations of multinational companies; divestitures, acquisitions and mergers; business financing transactions; contracting for production and engineered projects and processes; negotiating marketing and distribution arrangements for sales of goods and services; technology licensing and joint ventures; and antitrust and trade regulation.Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1968, Mr. Sparrow went on to earn his J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law where he graduated, cum laude in 1976. In 1979, he earned his M.B.A. from Georgia State University.Mr. Sparrows affiliations include the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia where is as served on the Board of Directors for two terms, Chaired the International Transactions Section for one term and was on the Committee on Revisions to Georgias Corporate Code.
Mr. Sparrows areas of practice are: Corporate (Mergers and Acquisitions; Corporate Counseling & Commercial Transactions); International; Labor & Employment (International). In addition, He has experience in the following areas: providing general counsel to manufacturing and sales companies, including U.S. operations of multinational companies; divestitures, acquisitions and mergers; business financing transactions; contracting for production and engineered projects and processes; negotiating marketing and distribution arrangements for sales of goods and services; technology licensing and joint ventures; and antitrust and trade regulation.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1968, Mr. Sparrow went on to earn his J.D. at the University of Georgia School of Law where he graduated, cum laude in 1976. In 1979, he earned his M.B.A. from Georgia State University.
Mr. Sparrows affiliations include the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia where is as served on the Board of Directors for two terms, Chaired the International Transactions Section for one term and was on the Committee on Revisions to Georgias Corporate Code.
Dr. Lawrence Wood (Honorary)
Dr. Lawrence Wood is a graduate of Presbyterian College and Columbia Theological Seminary. He retired from active pastoral ministry in July, 2008, after 45 years serving as senior pastor of churches in Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia.Dr. Wood has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Presbyterian College, the Medical Benevolence Foundation, the Outreach Foundation and numerous local agencies. Dr. Wood was a participant in the Georgia Leadership program and the Savannah Leadership program, as well as the White House Conference on Hunger. His permanent home address is in Livingston, Texas.
Dr. Lawrence Wood is a graduate of Presbyterian College and Columbia Theological Seminary. He retired from active pastoral ministry in July, 2008, after 45 years serving as senior pastor of churches in Mississippi, Arkansas and Georgia.
Dr. Wood has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Presbyterian College, the Medical Benevolence Foundation, the Outreach Foundation and numerous local agencies.
Dr. Wood was a participant in the Georgia Leadership program and the Savannah Leadership program, as well as the White House Conference on Hunger. His permanent home address is in Livingston, Texas.
Donna Peoples
Managing Director
Ms. Peoples extensive experience in the non-profit sector includes both leadership roles and Board positions for several notable organizations.
Before joining World Water Relief, Ms. Peoples served as Executive Director of the Pensacola Little Theatre/Pensacola Cultural Center. She had previously served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Chapter Lupus Foundation. In addition, Ms. Peoples was named Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is currently a volunteer mentor for the Kennedy Centers Arts-in-Crisis program. She has served as a Board member for the United Way, West Florida Hospital, the Arthritis Foundation, Rehabilitation Foundation of Northwest Florida, the Junior League of Pensacola, Florida and of St. Louis, Missouri. She was also charter member of Impact 100, a womens philanthropic organization based in Pensacola, Florida. Prior to entering the non-profit arena, Ms. Peoples also served as the editor of Pensacola Magazine where she received numerous writing awards. Ms. Peoples is a business graduate of Purdue University.
Before joining World Water Relief, Ms. Peoples served as Executive Director of the Pensacola Little Theatre/Pensacola Cultural Center. She had previously served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Chapter Lupus Foundation. In addition, Ms. Peoples was named Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is currently a volunteer mentor for the Kennedy Centers Arts-in-Crisis program. She has served as a Board member for the United Way, West Florida Hospital, the Arthritis Foundation, Rehabilitation Foundation of Northwest Florida, the Junior League of Pensacola, Florida and of St. Louis, Missouri. She was also charter member of Impact 100, a womens philanthropic organization based in Pensacola, Florida.
Prior to entering the non-profit arena, Ms. Peoples also served as the editor of Pensacola Magazine where she received numerous writing awards. Ms. Peoples is a business graduate of Purdue University.
e-mail Donna
Ben SeidlProject Manager
Ben Seidl
Project Manager
Ben is the project manager for World Water Relief. He began as a volunteer in December of 2008 working on our first site in the Dominican Republic. He has since joined the staff, serving to coordinate and implement our clean water programs in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, along with fund raising and development back in Atlanta.
Ben hails from the Pacific Northwest and attended Boston College, graduating with a degree in finance in 2008. After studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador, Ben developed a passion and interest in international development work. Upon graduation, Ben moved to the Dominican Republic to volunteer at a rural medical clinic and elementary school in the coastal town of Barahona. After his 10-month stay, Ben signed on full-time with World Water Relief and has been working in both Haiti and the DR since September 2009. He is fluent in Spanish, enjoys traveling and the musical genius of the Bachata.
e-mail Ben
Dr. Ruston M. Hunt
Interim Dean, Extended University
Southern Polytechnic State University
In his role as Interim Dean of the Extended University Russ oversees sponsored research grants and contracts across the University as well as Continuing Education, eCore on-line instruction and the English language program at SPSU.
Prior to this he served as Director of Research, Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering Technology and Program Coordinator for Systems Engineering. During this time he has taught a variety of courses in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering and Quality assurance at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Russ received his BS and MS in Industrial Engineering and his PhD in Mechanical Engineering all from the University of Illinois. Upon leaving the University of Illinois he served briefly on the faculty of Georgia Tech and co-founded Search Technology, Inc. He was an owner and principal of Search Technology for over twenty years before selling the firm to return to academia in 2002.
Dr. Hunts area of specialization is human factors. Human factors is the branch of engineering that is concerned with the application of knowledge about human strengths and weaknesses to create systems that are safe, effective and satisfying to the intended user population. In addition to teaching human factors, Dr. Hunt has consulted in more than 200 product liability and personal injury cases involving alleged human factors deficiencies.
Russ hopes to bring his engineering experience to World Water Relief to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the projects that are pursued. He is actively pursuing opportunities to get students from SPSU involved in clean water projects as a way for them to gain practical experience of real and urgent problems in which they can make a difference.
Russ is happily married to Julie who he met in 8th grade. They have four wonderful sons and, so far, two wonderful daughters-in-law. Julie and Russ live in Norcross, Georgia.
Matthew Bullard
Development Manager
e-mail Matthew
Kelly Spires
Enrolled Agent
Kelly Spires & Associates
Kelly Spires is an enthusiastic, high energy tax and accounting professional. She is a highly valued and trusted advisor to her corporate and individual clients. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, she began her career working with the J.R. Burke, CPA firm. In 1999, after acquiring a wealth of knowledge regarding individual tax, corporate tax and financial bookkeeping, she joined Russell & Associates based in Atlanta, GA. There she continued building on her area of expertise and the ever changing Internal Revenue Service code. While at Russell & Associates she earned the designation of Enrolled Agent from the Internal Revenue Service and is licensed to practice before the IRS. Kelly began her own practice at Integrated Financial Services in Atlanta in December of 2007 specializing in taxes and wealth management. It has enabled her to work one-on-one with her individual clients; developing more than just a business relationship - to become a trusted partner to each of her clients. Her clients are assured by her unwavering focus on accuracy and uncompromising insistence of following generally accepted accounting principle and IRS code. She has been called upon for expert testimony on several occasions. Kellys passions are running, gardening, volunteering for non-profits including Autism Speaks, Childhood Cancer, and the night shelter. Her first priority is spending quality time with her family of 3 daughters, 3 sons, and two grand children. Kelly is a member of Apostles Church in Atlanta and resides in Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband, Steve, an executive with BPI group.
Kelly Spires is an enthusiastic, high energy tax and accounting professional. She is a highly valued and trusted advisor to her corporate and individual clients. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, she began her career working with the J.R. Burke, CPA firm. In 1999, after acquiring a wealth of knowledge regarding individual tax, corporate tax and financial bookkeeping, she joined Russell & Associates based in Atlanta, GA. There she continued building on her area of expertise and the ever changing Internal Revenue Service code. While at Russell & Associates she earned the designation of Enrolled Agent from the Internal Revenue Service and is licensed to practice before the IRS.
Kelly began her own practice at Integrated Financial Services in Atlanta in December of 2007 specializing in taxes and wealth management. It has enabled her to work one-on-one with her individual clients; developing more than just a business relationship - to become a trusted partner to each of her clients.
Her clients are assured by her unwavering focus on accuracy and uncompromising insistence of following generally accepted accounting principle and IRS code. She has been called upon for expert testimony on several occasions.
Kellys passions are running, gardening, volunteering for non-profits including Autism Speaks, Childhood Cancer, and the night shelter. Her first priority is spending quality time with her family of 3 daughters, 3 sons, and two grand children. Kelly is a member of Apostles Church in Atlanta and resides in Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband, Steve, an executive with BPI group.
Key to the success of World Water Relief is an active, committed Board of Directors. By bringing together expertise from the business, financial, governmental and philanthropic communities, World Water Relief benefits from creative and knowledgeable direction. While we rely heavily on Board members and other volunteers to contribute their time and talents, we also have a small but highly accomplished staff who manage to accomplish more than teams many times their size. Click on individual names for biographical information.
Staff:
2008-1010 Board of Directors:
Program Director
Kennesaw State University
CEO & Principal, HR Views
Guy H. Scull
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Pastoral Ministry (Retired)
L ee Burleson, Chairman
Kevin Fussell, MD
Pulmonary Critical Care
Salem Chest Specialists
Melvenia J. Gueye
President and CEO
Hurricane Felix Relief, Restoration &
Development Foundation
Mona Leung
Chief Financial Officer
Our Programs
World Water Relief's efforts to date have focused on bringing water purification systems to the people of Hispaniola, the Carribean island containing the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Haiti
World Water Relief has been working in the central plateau of Haiti since July 2009, completing a clean water project in the rural town of Mirebalais. When the earthquake hit in January 2010, we were prepared to help. With strong in-country contacts, prior experience and emergency-designed, portable filtration equipment, we were able to mobilize a strong and rapid response to the disaster. As conditions stabilized and the situation turned from emergency to rebuilding, World Water Relief returned to the central plateau to concentrate on what it does best - long term, sustainable development.
We partnered with USAID and the Mayor of Mirebalais to plan and coordinate a clean water program for the area. A strategic plan was then laid-out to bring water filtration projects to three large schools in the town of Mirebalais. Children in these schools currently drink highly-contaminated water and have sanitation facilities in unusable conditions. The most important aspect of our clean water school project is our hygiene education course that provides students with the knowledge, skills and motivation to improve their health. With these abilities in hand, students then become agents of change in their community...sparking the beginning of real, generational change.
Dominican Republic
In the southwestern area of the Dominican Republic, along the border with Haiti, are Haitian refugee and sugar cane worker camps called bateyes. There are currently eighteen bateyes along the border, and dozens more around the country, each housing between 1,500 and 3,500 people. Living conditions for these workers and their families are deplorable. Shelters are sparse and in disrepair and they are denied the primary needs for survival, most importantly, clean water for drinking and sanitation . Working with our Program Affiliates, World Water Relief is bringing clean water and new hope to the Bateyes.
World Water Relief has adopted the ambitious goal of installing water purification systems in ALL eighteen bateyes. We began with a successful installation at Batey 7, where 2,900 men, women and children now have access to clean drinking water. This video (left) details life in the bateyes, and the beginning of a transformation for Batey 7 with the installation of life saving water purification equipment.
Don't forget Haiti
Learn about the Bateyes and our work in the Dominican Republic
Thank you Project Unum for the great, informative video and for featuring us in June!
Our Partners
Support Partners
Program Affiliates
World Water Relief cannot operate without the generosity of our partners, the help of our affiliates and people like you. It is only through the commitment of individuals and organizations that World Water Relief is able to help thousands of people get life saving access to clean water.
Our Support Partners help increae awareness, keep us connected to life saving water technology and help raise funds for specific programs.
Our Program Affiliates ensure that local resources are selected and thoroughly trained to operate and maintain the water filtration equipment so it will last for decades.
Pan American
World Vision
BLITS Worldwide
Rotary International
Individuals
US Aid
Partners in Health
Learn more about how you can help
Federal Express
In the News
Media inquiries:
Press Releases
Media Coverage
01_13
Tel: 404.242.1601
Fax: 770.993.9770
E mail Donna Peoples
relief_0115
blits_haiti
Your Support
There are several ways you can help bring clean water to those most in need. Since we rely entirely on donations to fund our equipment, we are most grateful for any amount you can spare. There are other ways to help as well. Raising awareness through social and business networking tools cane expose millions of people to this critical need. And, volunteer opportunities do arise -- just ask!
There are several ways you can help bring clean water to those most in need. Since we rely entirely on donations to fund our equipment, we are most grateful for any amount you can spare.
There are other ways to help as well. Raising awareness through social and business networking tools cane expose millions of people to this critical need. And, volunteer opportunities do arise -- just ask!
Donate to support our cause.
Follow us on social media sites
Learn about us and spread the word.
Visit our blog and leave your comments.
Visit our You Tube Station.
Comment on our videos
and send links to friends and family.
Contact Us
Questions? Ideas? We'd love to hear from you!
8343 Roswell Road, Suite 455
Atlanta, GA 30350-2810
_
info_WorldWaterRelief.org
Copyright 2010 - World Water Relief. All rights reserved.
World Water Relief is the sole operating division of Emergency Response Resources, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.
Website design by Creative Sidekicks
