Director & Board

Dave is retired after being in the Steel Fabrication field for over 40 years. He is married to Leona, and has five grown children and nine grandchildren. Dave has been involved with WISH since 2009. He has been involved with many of the construction projects including the Youth Center and Resource Center.

Brian lives in Columbus, Ohio and is a retired manager of an engineering services organization that designs electric utility systems. Brian first visited LaGonave in 2013 with students from Ohio Northern University to develop a preliminary design of a solar electric power system.  Brian is currently active on the Solar Task Force for WISH, and frequently visits LaGonave in support of WISH ministries.

Steve is married with three daughters and nine grandchildren. He is retired from Post Consumer Branch after being in food sales for over 45 years. Steve’s first trip to LaGonave was in 2015, and he has been returning every year doing work projects like the Feeding Center and the Youth Center.

Jon is a retired manufacturing executive. He is married to Molly; they have two grown sons and one granddaughter. Jon first visited the island of LaGonave, Haiti, in 1985. In 2015 he returned with a work team from his St. Louis church to assist WISH with community construction projects, such as a Feeding Center for children and the WISH Youth Center. Jon coordinates the work teams from his church and visits WISH annually.

Scott resides in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, where he shares a fulfilling life with his devoted wife, Shelby, and their four wonderful children. Scott is part of the Weller Auto Parts Family of Businesses and works the day-to-day operations as the Purchasing Director. His passion for WISH ignited three years ago during a transformative camping trip, where he connected with fellow board member Arlyn Smits. Engaging nightly discussions about solar energy, sustainable communities, and feeding programs sparked a deep commitment to WISH’s mission. Scott eagerly anticipates his first trip to Anse-a-Galets, which he hopes to embark on soon, to further contribute to the organization’s impactful work.

Tom resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the winter and Grand Haven, Michigan, the birthplace of WISH, in the summer. He is a retired HVACR distribution company owner. Along with his spouse Claudia, they have been associated with WISH for over 35 years. Claudia’s mother was an early Board member and made several trips to LaGonave with Tony Wolf. Claudia and Tom have been together 57 years and have three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Tom’s goal for WISH is to identify Haitian nationals to take leadership roles in the mission.

Bob is a retired business owner that has the blessing of serving God’s Kingdom at WISH. He is married to his wife, Dee, for over 50 years; they have two sons and five grandchildren. Bob first visited WISH more than 20 years ago. He continues to be encouraged by the 98% use of every dollar donated toward the implementation of the WISH mission statement.

Arlyn is retired from working 36 years in the telephone industry. He is married with 2 sons, and a daughter who went at a young age to be with her Lord. He is blessed with 4 grandchildren. Arlyn’s first trip to LaGonave, Haiti, was in 1985, to repair a well drilling rig and drill a water well. He has served on the Board since 1985. He has returned to Haiti several times, working on drilling and repairing water wells and various other projects, including tractor repair and welding projects. He is currently serving on the Solar Committee, and is looking forward to what the Lord has for WISH in the next 50 years.

Sarah joined the WISH board in 2024. She is currently an elementary school teacher and is a mom to two children. Her interest in WISH was driven by the inspiration from her father’s involvement in the solar project. She looks forward to making her first trip to Anse A Galet as soon as conditions allow.