Press Information

K. Scott Drury, Esq.

Development Advisor
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Scott Drury is an experienced development and fundraising professional, with more than a decade of experience working with World Hope. At World Hope, Scott advises on fundraising strategy, including major donor relationships, planned giving, and special initiatives. Scott actively supports World Hope’s water and sanitation program. Scott began his career as a lecturer at the Budapest College of Foreign Trade, and he practiced law full-time in the US for ten years, where he specialized in civil litigation, estate planning, contracts, planned giving, and non-profit law. Scott served as regional VP for the Free Methodist Foundation and as Managing Director of Educational Services International. Scott currently holds various leadership roles within the Wesleyan Church, consults with other organizations on fundraising, and maintains a small law practice. Scott has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University and a JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Jill Gavin

International Grants and Partnerships Manager
Location: USA/Buffalo, NY

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health Jill Gavin develops grant proposals for US and international government and foundation partners—a position she’s held for four years. Jill works with World Hope’s country teams and local partners to design high-impact proposals. Prior to World Hope, Jill was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique, where she focused on early childhood development, education, and women’s empowerment. Jill holds a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York in Albany.

Dr. Elshan Orujov

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

Dr. Elshan Orujov is the Deputy Director and Financial Manager for World Hope in Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2012. Elshan is the author of seven articles and two theses on international financial crises. Previously, Elshan worked as a youth event organizer in Lille, France. He also taught classes at Azerbaijan University on “Administration in Social Work” and “Analysis of Social Policies of Azerbaijan.” Elshan speaks Azerbaijani, English, French, Russian, and Turkish. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations and a doctorate in World Economics.

David O’Donnell

Deputy Director
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

David O’Donnell is World Hope’s Deputy Director in Azerbaijan. He has been working in Azerbaijan since 2003. During this time, he has taught English as a Second Language and has headed up numerous community development projects, including at orphanages and to prevent human trafficking. David holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in International Relations from Asbury University. He holds a certificate for teaching ESL from Washington State University.

James Winn

Country Director, Azerbaijan
Location: Azerbaijan/Baku

James Winn is a former teacher with a passion for community development; this has informed his nearly two decades of work with World Hope in Azerbaijan. At World Hope, James directs programs and strategy within Azerbaijan—a role he’s held since 2006. James moved to Azerbaijan to work for World Hope in 2000, after teaching for two years in the Oklahoma public school system. When James initially moved to Azerbaijan, he oversaw World Hope’s computer training center and community development programs. James holds a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Tanya Nace

World Hope International Canada, Chief Executive Officer
Location: Canada/Kemptville, Ontario

Tanya Nace is an energetic organizational leader with a background in non-profit personnel recruitment and management. Tanya was elected Chief Executive Officer of World Hope International Canada by World Hope’s Board of Directors in December 2017. Prior to this, Tanya served as Director of Mobilization for TEAM, where she was responsible for a 400 percent increase in missionary departures and the recruitment of 326 long-term missionaries. Tanya brings experience in international communications, strategic thinking, systems development, and organizational management. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Kingswood University, and she is currently completing a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ruth Thomas

World Hope International Australia, Chief Executive Officer
Location: Australia/Brisbane

Ruth Thomas is an experienced leader whose career demonstrates her commitment to international ministry—a commitment that was inspired by her parents, two of the first Australian Wesleyan Missionaries to follow God’s calling to Papua New Guinea. Ruth was raised in Papua New Guinea and followed her parents example by taking her own family there in the 1990s to serve as missionaries. At World Hope International in Australia (formerly World Hope Australia), Ruth was elected Chief Executive Officer by the Board of Directors in January 2016. Prior to this, Ruth was the Managing Director of World Hope Australia from 2000 to 2012. Ruth also served as a member of the National Board of Administration of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia for eight years. She served eight years as a Director on the Board of Managers for World Relief Australia, including three years as Vice Chair and one year as Chair. In her spare time, Ruth is devoted to her family, including her three grandchildren.

John Lyon, Esq.

President and Chief Executive Officer
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

John Lyon is a global development visionary and a licensed law practitioner with 18 years of experience working with World Hope International and 12 years of experience in international law. John was elected President of World Hope by the Board of Directors in September 2013. Prior to this, John served as General Counsel for Joule Africa, an innovative London-based, renewable energy company focused on developing hydroelectric and solar energy in Africa. John also served as a World Hope board member and volunteer. John’s foremost technical experience is with water, sanitation and construction projects. He has developed water and sanitation plans for several World Hope locations, including Sierra Leone. Prior to his time at World Hope, John practiced law at WilmerHale, an international law firm, where he helped World Hope develop its micro-finance and social enterprise program. John served in the United States Peace Corps in Jamaica from 1998 to 2000, where he raised more than $200,000 to build a primary school and helped popularize a typhoid-proof latrine model. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and a JD from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law.

Phil Smart, PhD

Director of Donor Engagement
Location: USA/Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Phil Smart is an international development expert with more than 35 years of experience as a missionary, pastor, facilitator, and business manager. At World Hope, Phil provides strategy for the engagement of donors with the organization’s mission. Prior to World Hope, Phil worked as an International Business Manager for eight years. He served as a missionary to Brazil for ten years, and more recently, he served as the Global Outreach Pastor for Kentwood Community Church. As a facilitator for the John Maxwell EQUIP Institute, Phil has taught leadership seminars in seven countries. Phil holds a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree from Golden Gate Seminary, and a doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspective from George Fox Seminary.

Heather Hill

Director of Communications and Marketing
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Heather Hill is a transformational communications leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Heather’s work has been featured in The Washington Post and on Fox5 TV. Notable awards include, 2018 Alumni Appreciation Award and 2019 finalist for the Washington Women in Public Relations Emerging Leader Award.

Heather has served in communications at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Heather is passionate about Human Rights and is currently the presiding Chair of the Human Rights committee on the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA). In this role, Heather leads a team of dedicated members in collaborating with State Department and UN officials, the diplomatic community, as well as local NGO’s, think tanks, and agencies to publish articles and reports, host events, and advocate on vital human rights issues.

In her current role at World Hope International, Heather heads the Communications Department, leading the global alliance’s media, marketing, advertising, website, and communications efforts across 20+ countries. Multilingual and multicultural, Heather leverages her lifetime of experience living and working across four continents to skillfully navigate complex, global strategy.

Heather holds a master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s from Houghton College, for which she now serves on the Alumni Board. 

Wayne MacBeth, MBA

Director of Church Engagement
Location: USA/Fort Wayne, IN

Wayne MacBeth is a dynamic leader that connects church communities across the US with World Hope’s mission. Wayne joined World Hope in 2016 to engage churches and individuals with the organization’s strategic impact areas. Prior to World Hope, Wayne served as Vice President for Student Life and Vice President for Enrollment Management at Houghton College. Wayne has also been Director of Development and Area Director for the South Pacific for Global Partners. Wayne was recently elected to serve as General Secretary for the Wesleyan Church. Wayne holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and an MBA from St. Bonaventure University. Wayne is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Katie Kirkpatrick

Director of Child Sponsorship and Village Partnership
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Katie Kirkpatrick is a community connection specialist with nearly 15 years of experience in the field of international development. At World Hope, Katie directs efforts to connect churches and individuals with the needs of their neighbors through our Village Partnership and Child Sponsorship initiatives. Katie served as a student intern with World Hope in 2004. Recently, Katie served with Global Partners in the Caribe Atlantic Region, primarily focusing on Haiti, from 2013-2017. In addition, Katie worked in HIV/AIDS prevention, supported refugee and homelessness ministries in Australia, and began a missions’ arm of a non-denominational church in South Louisiana. Katie was an AmeriCorps HealthCorps member. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from Southern Wesleyan University.

Talmage Payne

Country Director, Cambodia & the Philippines
Location: Cambodia/Phnom Penh

Talmage Payne is a humanitarian entrepreneur and respected leader with more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit and for-profit social impact sectors. Talmage has worked to implement strategic vision within several international NGOs, and he has founded a number of social impact ventures. At World Hope, Talmage directs programs and strategy within Cambodia and the Philippines. Prior to World Hope, Talmage was global CEO of Hagar International, where he helped establish operations in nine countries using an integrated non-profit and for-profit model. Prior to Hagar, Talmage served with World Vision for 15 years, including as Country Director in Cambodia. The Royal Cambodian Government has recognized Talmage’s humanitarian work, including through the People’s Medal and the Royal Order of Sahmetri. Talmage holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic Development from Wheaton College.

Wellington Kollie

Country Director, Liberia
Location: Liberia/Monrovia

Wellington Kollie is a native-born Liberian and non-profit management professional with more than 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. At World Hope, Wellington directs programs and strategy within Liberia. Prior to this, Wellington was World Hope’s Program Manager in Liberia for five years. Wellington has also held various technical and administrative positions, including line, middle, and top level, in government, private, and non-profit organizations throughout Liberia. Wellington draws on his experience in accounting, finance, media, and management for his position with World Hope. Wellington holds a bachelor’s degree in Management with an emphasis on Human Resources and a minor in Accounting.

Saidu Kanu, MA

Country Director, Sierra Leone
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Saidu Kanu is a native Sierra Leonean and rural development strategist with nearly two decades of experience meeting the changing needs of Sierra Leone. At World Hope, Saidu directs programs and strategy within Sierra Leone—a role he’s held for more than 14 years. Saidu has overseen efforts to drill clean water wells, empower parents to fight human trafficking, create a Trafficking in Persons Recovery Center, launch Village Partnerships, and connect rural farmers with an international supply chain. Prior to World Hope, Saidu worked in several leadership positions within the Wesleyan Church of Sierra Leone. Alongside his current position, Saidu serves as the Director of Projects for the Rotary Club of Freetown. Saidu hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone in Freetown.

Sergiy Svystun

Country Director, Ukraine
Location: Ukraine/Odessa

Sergiy Svystun is an experienced manager and compassionate leader with more than 16 years of experience in the non-profit field. At World Hope, Sergiy directs programs and strategy within Ukraine. Prior to World Hope, Sergiy founded the House House program for orphaned girls in Ukraine, as well as the First Step drop-in center. Sergiy is passionate about creating a caring community for orphaned Ukranian children. Sergiy holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Odessa Theological Seminary.

Keith Norris, MA

Director of Water and Sanitation Program
Location: USA/Alexandria, VA

Keith Norris is a water and sanitation strategist with extensive experience in construction and rural development. Keith joined World Hope in 2004 as the Water and Sanitation Program Director. Prior to this, Keith managed a construction business, and he also taught at the Wesleyan School of Theology in Indonesia. While in Indonesia, he founded a local NGO that focused on economic development and childhood education; this organization later became the implementing arm of World Hope in Indonesia. Keith holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College, a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Kentucky, and a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Keith is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church.

Haley Clark, MA

Director of Anti-Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Haley Clark is a psychotherapist who specializes in trauma treatment. At World Hope, Haley directs the organization’s Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Gender-Based Violence Program strategy and activities. Haley originally joined World Hope in 2013 as the Clinical Supervisor for World Hope’s Trafficking in Persons Recovery Centre in Sierra Leone. Prior to this, she worked with children impacted by trauma and abuse in Seattle, Washington. Haley completed her clinical internship in northern Uganda, where she worked with former child soldiers. In Uganda, Haley co-founded an NGO that provides educational support to high school students. Haley holds a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

Allieu Samuel Bangura

Director of Health and Nutrition Program
Location: Sierra Leone/Freetown

Allieu is a public health expert with more than 20 years of experience in public and community health solutions. At World Hope, Allieu directs the organization’s Health and Nutrition Program strategy and activities. Prior to World Hope, Allieu was Health, Nutrition and WASH Advisor with World Vision in Sierra Leone for seven years. Prior to this, Allieu worked as a senior manager for International Rescue Committee and Concern Worldwide. Allieu also worked as a Pediatric Clinician and as a Clinical Officer for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone. Allieu holds a degree from the Paramedical School of the University of Njala; a post-graduate certificate in Tropical Community Medicine and Health and a degree in Community Medicine and Health from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences in Sierra Leone; and a certificate in Public Health from Staffordshire University in the UK. Allieu is an MBA candidate with Robert Kennedy College for a graduate degree in Healthcare Management.