BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Steve Schaefer

BOARD CHAIR
Chief Financial Officer
Diamond Event & Tent

Steve Schaefer 

Owner & CFO, Diamond Event & Tent

Schaefer leads strategy and financial oversight for an events services company employing about 200 people, with responsibility across operations, planning, and performance. He has served in senior finance roles across public and private companies, developing financial systems, process controls, and long-term planning frameworks. His expertise in finance, entrepreneurship, and operational strategy supports CHOICE with a focus on financial stewardship, organizational oversight, and disciplined growth. 

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Teresa Larsen

BOARD VICE CHAIR
Owner
Panache Enterprises

Teresa Larsen 

Founder & Owner, Panache Enterprises 

Larsen is an entrepreneur working in art and design, with continued leadership through Panache Enterprises and decades of involvement in mission-driven initiatives. She has served 10 years in nonprofit board leadership, including two terms as Board Chair for other nonprofits, and has advised CHOICE’s Junior Board while maintaining long-term engagement across its country programs. Her experience in governance, board leadership, and community development supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on oversight, continuity, and sustaining effective, community-based models. 

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Bishnu Adhikari

Former Country Director
CHOICE Humanitarian Nepal

Humanitarian Development Activist

Bishnu Adhikari

Vice President, CoImpact Sourcing, doTERRA

Adhikari leads sourcing and impact initiatives at doTERRA, with more than two decades of experience in international development and community-driven poverty alleviation. He previously served as Country Director for CHOICE Humanitarian in Nepal, overseeing large-scale grassroots projects including water systems, schools, and biogas initiatives, and leading the Nepal LIFE program across 205 villages reaching over 140,000 people. His expertise in community-based development, infrastructure, and sustainable systems supports CHOICE with a focus on locally led implementation and long-term impact.

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Bret-Backman

Bret Backman

Vice President of Research & Development (retired)
Expeditors

Bret Backman

Vice President, Research & Development (Retired), Expeditors

Backman brings decades of experience in operations, restructuring, and organizational leadership across global business environments. He served as Interim CEO of CHOICE Humanitarian from August 2023 to May 2024, guiding the organization through a leadership transition, and continues to contribute through board and financial committee service. His expertise in financial oversight, organizational change, and governance supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on stability, strategic planning, and long-term organizational performance.

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Bob Carroll

Advisor
XenonLab.AI

Co-Founder & Advisor
Mutual

Adjunct Professor
Brigham Young University

Bob Carroll

Professor, Brigham Young University 

Carroll develops innovative technology solutions, guiding strategy and implementation across education and applied systems. He has held executive technology leadership roles in high-growth global organizations, delivering new platforms and go-to-market strategies at scale. His expertise in systems innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-enabled learning supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on scalable solutions, strategic growth, and practical application of technology in resource-limited settings. 

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Todd Castagna

Real Estate Private Equity Professional

Todd Castagna

Real Estate Private Equity Professional

Castagna leads real estate investment strategy, overseeing acquisitions, partnerships, and portfolio management across large-scale development initiatives. He has managed a portfolio exceeding $10 billion and built a leading private equity platform focused on Opportunity Zone housing development across the United States. His expertise in finance, investment strategy, and community-focused development supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on capital deployment, long-term asset planning, and scalable investment approaches.

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Bret K. Clayton

Board of Directors
Boart Longyear

National Advisory Council
Brigham Young University

Bret K. Clayton

National Advisory Council, Brigham Young University; Member of the Board of Directors, Boart Longyear

Clayton led global business operations at Rio Tinto, overseeing strategy, large-scale project development, and government and investor relations across complex markets. He directed efforts to secure and develop a majority stake in the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, a multi-billion-dollar investment requiring parliamentary approval and coordination across engineering, social, and community dimensions. His expertise in governance, capital investment, and large-scale operations supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on oversight, strategic execution, and long-term development planning. 

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Christine Holding Professional Statement[58]

CHRISTINE S. HOLDING, DMFT, LMFT

Owner
The EFT Clinic

Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert

Christine S. Holding, DMFT, LMFT

Founder, The EFT Clinic

Holding is a licensed marriage and family therapist and trauma specialist with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and family enterprises through evidence-based care. She founded The EFT Clinic, which provides services across multiple states and has been recognized as “Best of Salt Lake City” for seven consecutive years. Her expertise in trauma-informed care, attachment science, and family systems supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on relational dynamics, leadership continuity, and strengthening multigenerational organizations.

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Deonne Johnson, PhD

Founder & Owner
Dr. Deonne

CHOICE Expedition Leader

Deonne Johnson, PhD

Founder & Owner, Dr. Deonne

Johnson guides individuals and communities through leadership development and education, integrating human-centered approaches to well-being and self-reliance. She has more than 20 years of experience in instructional design, leading large-scale learning initiatives for global organizations and mentoring teams to deliver measurable outcomes. Her expertise in education, leadership development, and long-term board service supports CHOICE’s governance with a focus on capacity building, accessible learning systems, and sustained community engagement. 

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James Mayfield

James Mayfield

Co-Founder of CHOICE Humanitarian
Professor Emeritus
University of Utah

Values-Based NGO Development Consultant

James B. Mayfield

Co-Founder, CHOICE Humanitarian

Mayfield is a co-founder of CHOICE Humanitarian and Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah, with more than four decades of experience in public administration, rural development, and institutional capacity building. He served as a Fulbright Scholar and consultant with USAID across 18 countries, advising on decentralized governance and development systems. His expertise in leadership development, rural networks, and scalable poverty alleviation models continues to inform CHOICE’s governance and long-term strategic direction.

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PIA RICE WANEK

Founder & President
EmpowerAid Consulting

Pia Rice Wanek

Founder & President, EmpowerAid Consulting

Rice Wanek is a humanitarian and international development professional advising global organizations and leaders on strategy, operations, and cross-cultural engagement. She expanded a small support unit at Global Communities into a department supporting multi-million-dollar programs across 10 countries, earning more than half of organizational revenue and strengthening response systems. Her expertise in international development and systems strategy supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on cross-cultural partnership, operational scale, and effective program design.

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Mary-Lee-Call

MARY LEE CALL

Professor Emeritus
Brigham Young University

Mary Lee Call

Professor Emeritus, Brigham Young University

Call taught and mentored graduate students in Teaching English as a Second Language and Applied Linguistics, with a focus on language acquisition and cross-cultural education. She served as a language teaching consultant with the Peace Corps and worked across multiple countries supporting language education initiatives. Her expertise in linguistics, international development, and long-term board service supports CHOICE’s governance with a focus on cross-cultural understanding, education, and sustained program effectiveness.

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Tim-Evans

TIMOTHY EVANS

Co-Founder of CHOICE Humanitarian

Timothy Evans

Co-Founder, CHOICE Humanitarian

Evans is a co-founder of CHOICE Humanitarian and a retired dentist with decades of experience in international service and community-based development. He founded the Andean Children’s Foundation, which later became part of CHOICE, and contributed to development efforts across multiple countries. His expertise in grassroots development, volunteer engagement, and long-term organizational leadership supports CHOICE’s governance with a focus on sustainability, continuity, and mission alignment.

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Niels Valentiner

Architect & President
VCBO Architecture

Past Board Chair

Niels Valentiner

Architect & President, VCBO Architecture

Valentiner leads VCBO Architecture, guiding the firm’s growth and overseeing complex projects across civic, institutional, and international portfolios over four decades. He has led award-winning work across multiple regions and was appointed Danish Consul of Utah by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in recognition of his international service. His experience in architecture, governance, and long-term board leadership supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on infrastructure planning, strategic oversight, and sustainable community development.

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Advisory Board

Ty Brewer

Ty Brewer

Interim CEO
Candor Development

City Council Member
City of Holladay

Managing Partner
Naniloa Investment Company, LLC

Bio coming soon.

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Adriana Cortés Jiménez - -- _ LinkedIn

Adriana cortés

Synergos Senior Fellow & General Director
Bajio Community Foundation

Adriana María Cortés Jiménez

Founder & Former Director, Fundación Comunitaria del Bajío 

Cortés Jiménez brings more than 40 years of experience in civil society organizations, focusing on youth, disability, addiction prevention, and community health. She founded the Fundación Comunitaria del Bajío and has served as a Senior Fellow with the Synergos Institute, advancing cross-sector collaboration and local development strategies. Her expertise in building multisector partnerships and binational approaches to migration and local development supports CHOICE’s leadership with a systems-level, community-centered perspective.

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Catherine Covington

Catherine Covington

Managing Director, Chief Business Development Officer
MCE Social Capital

Catherine Covington

Chief Business Development Officer, MCE Social Capital 

Covington leads fundraising and capital strategy for an impact investing organization deploying debt capital across emerging markets. She has sourced and closed more than $70 million in philanthropic guarantee commitments, including a $20 million campaign spanning 30 funding relationships. Her expertise in institutional philanthropy and impact investing supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on capital strategy, funding structures, and scaling resources for community-based initiatives. 

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Rachel Flynn

Rachel Flynn

Director, Funder Alliances
Skoll Foundation

Rachel Flynn

Director, Skoll Foundation 

Flynn leads strategic philanthropic engagement, working with institutional and individual funders to advance flexible, trust-based funding for global social entrepreneurs. She manages relationships across a portfolio of more than 100 grantee partners and 300 funders, facilitating over $100 million in grant funding. Her expertise in international development and institutional philanthropy supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on funding strategy, partner alignment, and strengthening locally led development models.

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Santosh Gyawali – Birat Nepal Medical Trust (1)

Santosh Gyawali

South Asia Disaster Management Specialist
USFS/IP

Santosh Gyawali

South Asia Disaster Management Specialist, U.S. Forest Service International Programs

Gyawali has more than 30 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, and development systems. He held senior roles with the USAID in Nepal, including leading multi-sector resilience and reconstruction efforts. His expertise in disaster management systems, last-mile connectivity, and community-based infrastructure supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on resilience, technical implementation, and locally led response systems.

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Crystal Hirschi

Crystal Hirschi

Executive Vice President
Hirschi Companies

Crystal Hirschi

Executive Vice President and Co-Owner, Hirschi Companies 

Hirschi oversees strategy, communications, and operations across a multi-entity organization spanning business, workforce development, and philanthropy. She has engaged with international stakeholders, including participation with the United Nations, on issues related to human trafficking and crisis response. Her experience in workforce systems, cross-sector partnerships, and community engagement supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on economic opportunity and stakeholder alignment.

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Adet Kachi

Chief Executive Officer
Yehu Microfinance Trust

Bio coming soon.

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Brad Merrill

Brad Merrill

Partner
Snell & Wilmer

Brad Merrill

Attorney, Snell & Wilmer

Merrill focuses on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and complex financial transactions, advising institutions on capital strategy and regulatory compliance. He has counseled national and regional banks on large-scale financing, acquisitions, and regulatory matters requiring high levels of oversight and coordination. His expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and risk management supports CHOICE’s board with a focus on accountability, long-term planning, and organizational resilience.

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Gary Morsch

Gary Morsch, MD

Founder and Executive Chairman
Global Care Force

President and Founder
Docs Who Care

President and Founder
Heart to Heart International

Gary Morsch, MD 

Founder & Executive Chairman, Global Care Force; President & Founder, Docs Who Care; President & Founder, Heart to Heart International

Morsch is an emergency medicine physician and social entrepreneur who has founded multiple organizations mobilizing medical volunteers for global service. He established Heart to Heart International, which has delivered more than $3.5 billion in medical aid to over 130 countries. His expertise in global health systems, volunteer mobilization, and nonprofit leadership supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on scalable service models, healthcare access, and community-based impact.

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Sebastian del pozo

Co-founder
Regeneratio

Bio coming soon.

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Veronica Schindler

Veronica Schindler

Associate Director, Development Communications
Stanford University

Veronica Schindler

Associate Director, Development Communications, Office of Development, Stanford University

Schindler leads development communications, helping institutions articulate fundraising priorities and demonstrate donor impact through strategic messaging. She has supported The Stanford Fund’s direct appeals, contributing to efforts that raised $29.5 million in a single fiscal year to support undergraduate education. Her expertise in philanthropy and communications supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on donor engagement, narrative clarity, and aligning messaging with institutional funding strategies. 

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Krista Sorenson 1

Krista Sorenson

Director
Sorenson Impact Foundation

Bio coming soon.

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David Utrilla

David Utrilla

President & CEO
U.S. Translation Company

David Utrilla

President & CEO, U.S. Translation Company

Utrilla leads a global language services company, overseeing operations, growth strategy, and international client engagement. He has scaled the organization to national recognition, including multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. His experience in international business, cross-cultural communication, and organizational leadership supports CHOICE’s governance with a focus on global strategy, market expansion, and cross-sector collaboration.

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Tim Valentiner

Tim Valentiner

Principal Consultant + Founder
Alltruix, LLC

Senior Advisor, Business Development
FairWild Foundation

Tim S. Valentiner

 

Principal Consultant & Founder, Alltruix, LLC 

Valentiner is a senior executive with more than 25 years of experience across nonprofit, multilateral, and private sector organizations, working in over 50 countries on rural, agricultural, and economic development. He built and led a global corporate social responsibility program supporting over 350,000 sourcing jobs annually and impacting more than 1 million people through livelihoods and community initiatives. His expertise in international development and corporate impact strategy supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on scalable systems, cross-sector partnerships, and results-based implementation.

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Ann-Watts

Ann Watts

Humanitarian

Bio coming soon.

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Brent Watts

Brent Watts

Chief Creative Officer and Partner/Owner
Struck

Brent Watts

Chief Creative Officer/Owner, Struck 

Watts leads brand strategy and creative direction for corporate and private clients, shaping high-impact design, storytelling, and experiential work. He has collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop storytelling that engages both internal teams and public audiences at scale. His expertise in marketing, communications, and business leadership supports CHOICE’s advisory work with a focus on narrative strategy, brand positioning, and audience engagement.

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Matt Wunderli

Matt Wunderli

Director of Investments
World Trade Center Utah

Executive Editor Global Markets, Finance & Economic Strategy
Finplays.com

Member of the Board of Advisors
African Business Trade Association

Bio coming soon.

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