Board of Directors

Our leaders have been passionately called to help deliver lasting hope against hunger around the world.

Tom Gill, Ph.D.

BOARD CHAIR

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Gill is an international, interdisciplinary development professional who has worked in agriculture and rural development for the past 20 years. Gill currently serves as the Smith Chair in International Sustainable Agriculture and Director of International Programs at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture, leading strategic vision and global program development across the institute. Gill has served as President (2019-2020) of the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD) and as Chair (2015-16) of the International Agriculture Section for the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU). His experience and research interests include smallholder household decision-making in sustainable agroecosystems and participatory approaches to capacity development, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.

Rod Sebastian

BOARD TREASURER

Rod and wife Lori reside in Babcock Ranch, Florida and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His passion for agriculture began early in life on the family farm in Iowa. He retired after more than 34 years with the US Department of Agriculture holding positions as an Agricultural Economist with the Agricultural Marketing Service Dairy Programs and Risk Management Specialist with the Risk Management Agency. Late in his career Rod received USDA’s Organization of Professional Employees Unsung Hero Award in recognition of customer service to producers and analytical process development. Rod now works on the fall harvest crew at his in-law’s Iowa farm.

He responded to God’s call to become involved in agricultural missions by first visiting ECHO’s Global Farm and completing Tropical Agricultural Development (TAD) training courses offered by ECHO. Rod is now in his second term serving on the ECHO Board. He is also an active volunteer serving ECHO in a variety of capacities. He especially enjoys sharing the ECHO mission as a Docent guiding tours on the ECHO Global Farm. He also has had the opportunity to visit the East Africa Regional Impact Center to observe how ECHO works directly or through network partners with smallholder farmers.

Rod earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business at Iowa State University studying farm management and agricultural finance. He also completed a Masters of Agriculture degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota in agricultural marketing, international trade and development.

Karen Stoufer, DVM

BOARD SECRETARY

Dr. Karen Stoufer has served with Christian Veterinary Mission for 30 years, first as a veterinary trainer and rural community development advisor in Nepal and then as Director of Training and Regional Director for Asia based in Seattle, WA.  She graduated from Cornell University with a BS and DVM and earned a master’s degree in Christian leadership from Azusa Pacific University.  Prior to her overseas service, she was in veterinary practice for 12 years in New York and California.  She and her husband have recently moved to Pennsylvania to be near their two grandchildren.  Karen is excited to be able to combine her passions for community development, participatory training and gender equity by serving on the ECHO board. 

Mark Carlson, JD

Mark Carlson has served as a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, with tours in East Asia, SE Asia, and Washington DC, focusing on human rights, national security, economics, and consular affairs. Previously he was a partner with the Seattle-based law firm of Lane Powell Spears Lubersky, specializing in commercial transactions and international law. He has lectured on business and international law at several universities in mainland China and Taiwan.

Mark also served for eight years as Minister of Global and Local Outreach with Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, Washington, overseeing partnerships with organizations and ministries committed to serving the poor across the world. He is a graduate of Bethel University, the University of Virginia Law School, and has studied theology at Fuller Seminary and Regent College (Vancouver BC).

Mark and his wife Melinda have three adult children, and live in Vienna, Virginia.

Olivia Mulerwa

Born and raised in Uganda, Olivia now considers Phoenix, Kampala, and Kigali home. She leads the team at Mission ONE, a global ministry that partners with local leaders to meet the physical and spiritual needs of communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, in the name of Jesus. Olivia is passionate about transforming communities through love, compassion, and connection, and believes that Godly leadership, rooted in humility and servanthood, is what makes lasting impact possible.

With a background in law, international business, and global development, she brings a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural perspective to everything she does. A significant chapter of her career was spent in Rwanda, where she worked for the Ministry of Justice to help develop the nation’s first National Human Rights Policy. Olivia describes herself as a cultural connector and translator, someone who loves bringing people and ideas together across contexts to do good that lasts.

Rosanna Hess, DNP

Rosanna Hess grew up a farm girl in Pennsylvania.  She is married to Nelson. She has a Bachelor’s of Nursing from Columbia University, NYC and Masters in Intercultural Studies Missiology from Wheaton Graduate School.  Rosanna served as a missionary nurse educator with the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Gabon Africa  from 1980-1998.   There Rosanna served at the Bongolo Hospital and later led the Primary Health Care ministry using Community Health Evangelism.  Since completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Case Western Reserve University in 2002, she has taught nursing research in the School of Nursing at Malone University, Canton, OH.   She led the non-profit organization, Research For Health Inc., 2005-2018 and has been a part of numerous US and international research studies.  Rosanna and Nelson live in Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Lehigh Acres, FL.  They enjoy golf and biking.

Bill Hutchison, Ph.D.

Bill has been a Professor & Extension Entomologist, Dept. of Entomology, University of Minnesota, in St. Paul, for the past 32 years. He served as Dept. Head from 2010-2015. An Arizona native, he received his BS degree (Agronomy) from the University of Arizona, and his PhD in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Between degrees, he spent 2 months doing ag-missions work in Honduras; this shaped his early vision for international development. With his Extension appointment, he works with growers to implement sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions, to reduce pesticide use yet continue to provide marketable produce. His current focus includes a rapid response to invasive pest species, the use of exclusion-netting and biological control – emphasizing high-value crops (apples, wine grapes, berry crops). During his career he has enjoyed mentoring 20+ graduate students and numerous undergraduates. Internationally, Bill has had the opportunity to work with maize IPM, with scientists in Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa, as well as Mexico and the UK.

Bill is an active supporter of ECHO, particularly since serving on the Board from 2010-2016. He continues to believe in ECHO’s mission, and has a passion to work with ECHO’s staff and partners, to break the poverty cycle of 800M+ who continue to be malnourished in developing countries. Enhancing the yields of staple crops, as well as increasing access to high-value fruit and vegetable crops provides additional family funding, and expands income opportunities. ECHO, in part, is like having an “International Extension Service” to smallholder farmers that has had a significant impact to date. Over the next decade, we need to do more to accelerate the movement of families out of the poverty, so that more children can break the malnutrition cycle, have access to school, and thrive.

Ron Tschetter

Ron earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethel University in psychology and social studies education. He and his wife joined the Peace Corps and served in India beginning in 1966. He then did additional graduate work at the University of St. Thomas and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the College of Charleston. Along with his successful career in the investment industry, Ron joined ECHO’s Board of Directors in 2010 and became ECHO’s Board Chairman from 2012-2016. He returned to serve once again on the Board in February 2024.

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer and Director of the Peace Corps, Ron understands the reality of food insecurity in the world today. His recognition of these needs, coupled with his deep faith, has fueled Ron’s passion to advance ECHO’s impact, reducing hunger and improving lives worldwide.

Cathrine Ziyomo, Ph.D.

CEO, Hekhani Seeds

Dr. Ziyomo is an accomplished agricultural scientist and leader with a passion for sustainable food security and environmental stewardship. As the CEO of Hekhani Seeds, she is dedicated to advancing seed systems and empowering smallscale farmers with resilient and nutritious crop varieties.

With a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree from the University of Zimbabwe, she brings extensive expertise in agronomy, plant genetics, and community-driven agricultural solutions. Her prior role as Program Lead at Biosciences East and Central Africa allowed her to work closely with smallholder farmers, addressing their challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Dr. Ziyomo serves on multiple boards, including Education Matters, Crop Trust, and Zimcet, where she contributes her expertise in resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and advancing education and agricultural sustainability. She is a strong advocate for community seed banks, ensuring biodiversity preservation and long-term food security in Southern Africa.

Motivated by a commitment to zero hunger and social impact, Dr. Ziyomo actively networks with donors and stakeholders to support sustainable agricultural initiatives. She believes in using her skills and resources to serve underserved communities, aligning her vision with organizations like ECHO, where she seeks to make a lasting impact on global food security.

Raymond N. Mutava, Ph.D.

Senior Country Director, World Renew – Uganda

Dr. Mutava is a dedicated agronomist and development practitioner with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and community transformation. Currently serving as the Senior Country Director at World Renew Uganda, he has spent over nine years working to strengthen communities through sustainable resource management and food security initiatives.

With a Ph.D. in Agronomy from Kansas State University, his research focused on the effects of drought, high temperature, and flooding on crops, developing strategies for climate resilience in agriculture. His expertise spans institutional capacity building, local partnerships, and promoting sustainable farming systems among smallholder farmers in East Africa.

Dr. Mutava has also served in leadership roles, including as an Ex-Officio Member of the World Renew Uganda Board of Directors and a Founder Member of the World Renew Kenya Board. He actively collaborates with institutions such as ECHO East Africa, agricultural research organizations, and universities, leveraging his knowledge and networks to drive impactful change.

Passionate about integrating faith and development, he is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Southeastern University to deepen his understanding of theology and its role in community transformation.

Cynthia D. Lamberth, PhDc, MPH, CLMC

Cynthia is a seasoned servant-leader whose career spans business, public health, Christian compassion, and global impact. With over 40 years of leadership in health and human development, she brings deep expertise in systems change, workforce development, sustainability, and faith-driven service.

In Central Appalachia, she led initiatives improving environmental health, children’s wellbeing, and organizational transformation through culturally sensitive collaboration. A proven grant writer and strategist, she has advanced outcomes across communities through program design, evaluation, and impact measurement.

Cynthia founded and led an environmental consulting firm promoting sustainable business practices, and internationally she has supported Christian leadership and health development efforts in Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine. Anchored in her calling to “serve in the interest of others” (Philippians 2:3–4), she bridges global and local service with humility and purpose.

An active member of The Community Church and founding board member of The Rotary Club of Babcock Ranch, Cynthia lives her “service above self” values daily. She and her husband, Mark, reside in Babcock Ranch, Florida, enjoying family life with their three sons and six grandchildren.

Peter Quesenberry, DVM

Pete is a lifelong servant-leader whose work bridges veterinary medicine, public health, and global development. Educated at the University of California, Davis, he holds degrees in veterinary medicine, public health, and organizational management. Having been raised on a farm, Pete’s deep connection to agriculture and farmers has guided his 45 years of service across Asia alongside his wife, Mary, where they raised their three children.

Pete’s professional journey has included roles as a dairy veterinarian in the United States, an animal health trainer for rural farmers, Asia Director for World Concern, and co-founder and director of schools across Asia. He has also served with a nonprofit foundation in Northern Thailand, contributed to Nepal’s education ministry for seven years, and sat on multiple Boards of Directors.

Now semi-retired, Pete remains actively engaged in pastoral care and mentoring of emerging Christian leaders—both nationals and expatriates—throughout Asia. He continues to contribute to educational and agricultural development through writing and book projects, including several published through the ECHO Network.

Ronald Vos, Ph.D.

Ron Vos is professor emeritus of Agriculture and Environmental Studies at Dordt University, Sioux Center, Iowa. Although semi-retired, he owns and operates his farm along with his wife Nancy where they have received awards for their practice of conservation agriculture. They have three adult children and nine grandchildren.

Ron has completed over 30 on-farm research trials. His area of research over the past decades has been Nitrogen. Ron has degrees in Biology/Chemistry, Environmental Science, and a Ph.D. in Agronomy/Economics. At Dordt, Ron was responsible for the establishment of the Ag Missions major and the Community Development department. Ron also taught Ecological Agriculture for Au Sable Institute in Washington for over two decades and has worked on rural community development in several countries. He is coeditor of the book Biblical Holism and Agriculture which is often cited as foundational by workers in developing countries. Ron is also an adjunct professor at Northrise University in Ndola, Zambia.

Ron has attended over 25 International Agriculture Conferences at ECHO, usually bringing Dordt students with him. He finds it an honor to serve on the ECHO board, an institution that he has been familiar with for decades.

Greg Dugger

Greg has worked in the Banking industry for 35 years. The majority of his career has been spent with a Credit Union in Indiana. Mr. Dugger is active in local community activities. He has been a board member of the youth recreational sports league in his community. The league oversaw soccer, baseball and basketball programs which involved 2,500 children. Greg was a founding board member for Hamilton County Llamas, a club that supplies animals for 4H and gives youth experience of farm life and managing animals. He is active on a committee for Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity to help with lending compliance. Mr. Dugger has been an active mentor with Hamilton Southeastern high school Academy of Finance and a speaker.

“I have grown up with ECHO and witnessed the men that have placed their mark on ECHO’s mission. ECHO has been an incredible resource for small farms, feeding others and bringing hope to those in need. I am humbled to be a part of ECHO and its mission”.

Greg lives in Noblesville, Indiana with his wife Kay and has two children.