Vilex is New Life for Haiti’s Haitian field director. Newly married in December 2021 to his beautiful wife, Lovelie, Vilex is responsible for the huge task of overseeing day-to-day operations in Haiti. From coordinating purchase and delivery of materials for all programs to acting as a liaison between the Haitian people we serve and employ and the American operations team to representing New Life for Haiti in all aspects of Haitian operations, Vilex has been a loyal employee and friend for over fifteen years. His specialties are navigating tricky negotiations and successfully troubleshooting almost any situation with his “it can be done” attitude.

Marnie Van Wyk is New Life for Haiti’s executive director. Marnie brings a unique balance of mission focus, fundraising, and analytical strength to New Life for Haiti. Marnie has served in multiple capacities for New Life for Haiti, including trustee for the board of directors responsible for overseeing the School of Hope project, then as faith missions director responsible for many aspects of the organization’s operations. Experienced working with both our Haitian staff and American donors, Marnie oversees global ministry efforts. You can email Marnie at marnie.vanwyk@newlifeforhaiti.org.

Fran Leeman is the founder of New Life for Haiti and serves on the New Life for Haiti board of directors. He and his wife, Linda, live in the Chicago area and have two grown children and multiple grandchildren. Fran has played an instrumental role in building New Life for Haiti's relationships in the United States and the Grand Anse River valley. Fluent in Kreyol and a regular visitor to Haiti, he is known for his authenticity and Christ-centered engagement wherever he goes.

David Larson serves as New Life for Haiti’s operations manager. David brings his education and experience in emergency management, public safety, communications, and logistics to assist New Life for Haiti’s operations, governance, and programming efforts. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife and two teenage children, all of whom serve in their local church. You can contact David at david.larson@newlifeforhaiti.org. 

Pachou, an architect by trade, leads New Life for Haiti’s construction team. Whether it’s constructing a school or a cistern or repairing buildings after a hurricane or earthquake, Pachou coordinates with volunteer engineers in the US to ensure that all New Life for Haiti structures are built to US specifications to keep the children and staff we serve safe and secure. Pachou is married with a wife and two children and resides in Jeremie.

Daptherlande is a trained nurse who has transitioned from her prior role as Village of Hope Administrator to become New Life for Haiti's Nursing Coordinator. She coordinates medical care for VOH orphans, builds and maintains relationships with local clinic doctors and nurses, and New Life for Haiti's community health education efforts.

Junior is a trained social worker is New Life for Haiti's Village of Hope Administrator in addition to performing social work duties. His administrative duties and his caring presence provides guidance and instruction to the Mamas. He is an integral part in preparing orphans for their life after VOH.

Mike Hoffman serves as New Life for Haiti’s Board President. As a vice president at Teska Associates, he strives to help people, places, and communities thrive through creative planning and design. That work is focused on listening to the needs of residents, learning about unique local history and culture, and leading the community in solutions to address those needs. Mike is an active member at Crosswinds Church in Plainfield, Illinois, where he serves as treasurer, worship team member, and gardener. You can contact Mike at newlifeforhaiti@newlifeforhaiti.org.

Jerry Frump serves as New Life for Haiti’s Board Treasurer. Jerry is a financial professional. He is currently Manager of Bank Operations for Metropolitan Capital and one of its co-founders. Before helping to found Metropolitan Capital, Jerry served as president of two banks in Chicago’s western suburbs. You can contact Jerry at newlifeforhaiti@newlifeforhaiti.org.

Erin Smith serves as New Life for Haiti’s Board Secretary. As an editor for Tyndale House Publishers, Erin works closely with authors and teammates in evaluating, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading fiction manuscripts. You can contact Erin at newlifeforhaiti@newlifeforhaiti.org.