This past month, we said goodbye to several of our faithful board members and welcomed two new members to the board. Past board members were a big part of making events like banquets and Woven Evenings happen, hosting volunteer celebration nights, and so much more. While they left some big shoes to fill, we are excited for the fresh mix of skills and expertise these new members bring to the team, along with the same passion for sustainable change led by local social innovators around the world.
Meet the new board and re-introduce yourself to some familiar faces!
David Boyd
David has served as an educator, social activist, nurturer of social renewal movements, government/diplomatic advisor, and university administrator. Having completed undergraduate studies in history and languages, in 1969, he continued his studies in Europe and engaged in cultivating social/spiritual renewal movements in East and West Germany.
From 1984 – 2004 he served as Chancellor of the University of the Nations/Kona. He was involved throughout Asia and the Pacific teaching, consulting and networking government, business and social agencies, emphasizing organizational and leadership development and the social implications and equipping of an emerging generation of children at risk. From 2004-14 he served on behalf of Members of the U.S. House and Senate Breakfast groups, focusing on reconciliation and justice among the poor and the most vulnerable. This particular engagement led to close contact and identification with Loom and its commitment to the vulnerable and developing communities and nations.
Since early 2014, David has served as VP of Government Relations with Newdea Inc, partnering with governments to transition from aid dependency to sustainable economic development. David brings lifelong hands-on and trusted relational experience from humanitarian, academic, business and government sectors in service of emerging leaders and developing nation governments.
Doug De Vries
Doug holds a B.A. in Cross-Cultural Communications and Linguistics and has 20 years of experience in business and various non-profit ministries. He has lived in both Ecuador and Bolivia as a missionary and teacher. His business life has focused on helping local businesses succeed with their IT and web presence. He is currently working to develop Charity Director (https://www.charitydirector.org) to help accelerate workplace giving to see sustainable, thriving communities worldwide.
“My first experience outside of North America was in Bolivia, South America and it shaped my perspective on what it means when God loves the whole world. And each subsequent experience shows me that the most vulnerable truly need our attention.
I love Loom’s approach to focus on accelerating what local people are passionate about and maybe already doing. I hope to contribute my experience and interest in technology & business.”
Lionel Thompson
Lionel Thompson resides in Bellingham, Washington, with his two teenagers. Lionel was born in New Zealand, where his extended family resides. He has lived in Hawaii, Switzerland, and South Africa.
Lionel specializes in taxes, compliance, and financial statement review and presentation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science & Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and an MBA from Western Washington University.
Lionel’s desire to see sustainable change around the world led him to found Giving Anonymously in 2005, where he worked as Executive Director until 2012. He is currently the Co-Founder and President of Charity Director.
Janna Moats
Janna Moats is the founder of Loom International and has been involved in international work on behalf of children at risk for more than fifteen years. She has been a widow for 25 years and has six grandchildren ranging in age from 5-17.
“Shortly after my husband died I attended a course on international issues that put children at risk. I knew as I sat there that this was what God was calling me to for the rest of my life. Since then I have been on a journey to understand how God thinks and acts to protect and create safety for children and bring the vulnerable to a place of choice in every area of life.
“I sit on the board as the Founder of Loom International. I bring history, values, a love of learning, ideas, possibilities and a passion for the mission of Loom. I enjoy working with other board members and appreciate what each member brings in life experience, skill and thinking. They each contribute to the ongoing learning and work of Loom International.”
Colleen Milstein
Colleen Milstein is from South Africa, where she was exposed to both the injustice and potential of her region. In her early adulthood, she spent time working amongst the poorest in the squatter camps of the western Cape, where she saw first hand the complexities of generational poverty.
In the following years, her work in international development led her into networks across the entire African continent, as well as experience leading large organizational training bases across Europe. She now serves as Executive Director with Loom International.
“I believe in Loom because their strategy of standing with Local Experts – who continually inspire me because they don’t quit – is super effective.”
With a Masters degree in Global Development and Justice from Multnomah University, Colleen focuses on training in critical thinking skills and the implementation of tangible and sustainable strategies that will bring people out of poverty.
