Leadership

George O. Kegode is an agricultural scientist and international development professional with more than four decades of experience in agricultural extension, research, education, food security, and rural development. He began his career in Kenya as an agricultural extension leader serving approximately 5,000 farm families and later earned a Ph.D. in Crop Production and Physiology from Iowa State University.

His international development experience includes USAID-related agricultural and integrated pest management programs in Africa, including work in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, and Ethiopia. His work has focused on sustainable crop production, value-added agriculture, agricultural entrepreneurship, market opportunities, and environmentally responsible crop protection. He has also supported microfinance and women’s empowerment initiatives in Kenya, India, and Sierra Leone.

Since 2018, George has served as President and Executive Director, and as Board Chair, of Mwandani International. He brings his agricultural expertise and international development experience to the organization’s mission of helping rural farming communities in Kenya increase agricultural productivity, develop sustainable small-scale enterprises, and build more resilient livelihoods.

Joe Suchan is a founding member of Mwandani International and has served the organization since its inception in 2018, first as an Advisory Board member and now as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Board Vice Chair. He brings 28 years of experience in education, curriculum development, leadership, and community development.

Joe’s background as an educator and academic coach, combined with his expertise in educational technology and knowledge transfer, supports Mwandani’s commitment to building the capacity of rural farming communities through practical education, mentorship, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. His experience in developing collaborative programs and working within existing community structures aligns closely with Mwandani’s partnership-based approach to community development.

As the founder and longtime leader of the Maryville Soccer Club, Joe also demonstrated his ability to build and sustain community organizations through effective leadership, volunteer coordination, and long-term program development. His extensive institutional knowledge of Mwandani, together with his nonprofit governance experience, strengthens the organization’s strategic and financial stewardship as it works toward its vision of vibrant rural farming communities fostering rich livelihoods and nation-building.

Redempta Kegode brings extensive experience in food science, workforce development, training, regulatory compliance, and program management to her role as Board Secretary of Mwandani International. Her career has focused on translating technical knowledge and complex requirements into practical systems, training, and processes that strengthen organizational effectiveness and community outcomes.

Redempta has served in leadership and instructional roles in nutrition, food safety, higher education, and scientific research. As Nutrition Project Director at Young at Heart Resources, she provided training and operational guidance for a multi-county nutrition program serving 20 centers across northwest Missouri. She has also managed laboratory safety and compliance programs at Northwest Missouri State University and has taught food science, food safety, chemistry, and related subjects.

Her international experience includes serving as a food safety and product development consultant through the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Malawi, where she provided training in food production quality and safety, developed standardized production practices, and introduced value-added production strategies to improve product consistency, shelf life, and market readiness.

With a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, Redempta is passionate about applying knowledge, education, and practical skills to strengthen agricultural and food-based enterprises. Through her service to Mwandani International, she supports the organization’s vision of vibrant rural farming communities by helping advance higher-value agriculture, sustainable small-scale industries, and improved livelihoods in rural Kenya.

Marcie Bishop is a dedicated community servant with a strong commitment to helping individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Her professional experience includes providing direct support to homebound clients who require around-the-clock assistance, as well as working in medical transportation to help individuals access essential services such as medical appointments and groceries.

Marcie’s passion for service extends internationally. For several years, she provided logistical support for initiatives serving street children and vulnerable families in Nakuru, Kenya, while helping identify opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. She has also participated in mission trips to Haiti, where she helped build housing for disadvantaged communities, and leads mission trips to Kenya in support of orphanages and displaced communities.

Through her service with Mwandani International, Marcie brings a deep compassion for vulnerable populations and a practical commitment to strengthening communities. She is passionate about service and about helping people discover, value, and share their stories—values that align closely with Mwandani International’s vision of vibrant rural farming communities fostering rich livelihoods and nation-building.

Hakoma Boy is a seasoned business consultant with more than three decades of experience in banking, business development, financial management, and private industry in Kenya. He specializes in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through business start-ups, business planning, financial management, and entrepreneurship development.

Through his extensive career with KCB Bank Kenya and Southern Credit Banking Corporation, Hakoma developed expertise in credit appraisal, business development, relationship management, operations, and financial services. Since 2011, he has worked as an independent business consultant and part-time lecturer, helping entrepreneurs develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses.

Hakoma brings valuable expertise to Mwandani International’s mission of empowering rural farming communities by helping transform agricultural opportunities into viable, sustainable enterprises. His experience in MSME development, financial management, and entrepreneurship complements Mwandani’s focus on higher-value agriculture and the development of small-scale industries using locally available resources.

Ecy Bullock is a seasoned business and operations professional with extensive experience in contracts management, budget oversight, procurement, and strategic operations. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations strengthen processes, manage resources effectively, negotiate contracts, and build systems that improve efficiency and accountability.

Ecy brings this expertise to Mwandani International as a member of its Board of Directors, supporting the organization’s efforts to promote sustainable economic development in rural farming communities in Kenya. His experience in financial oversight, strategic sourcing, vendor management, and process improvement provides valuable perspective as Mwandani works with local partners to develop higher-value agricultural enterprises and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Ecy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Lori Lobenstine brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, program design, community development, and participatory approaches to social change. She is the Co-Founder and Program Design Director of the Design Studio for Social Intervention (DS4SI), where she has designed and led innovative community initiatives and worked with nonprofits and civic organizations on program development, evaluation, facilitation, and organizational strengthening.

Lori has deep, long-standing experience in Kenya, particularly in Western Kenya. She previously served as Kenya In-Country Director for Global Routes and has lived and worked in Kenya as a researcher and high school teacher. Her extensive experience working alongside rural communities provides valuable cultural and contextual understanding for Mwandani International’s community-led approach to sustainable agricultural and rural development.

As a Mwandani International board member, Lori contributes expertise in program design, evaluation, nonprofit sustainability, and creative problem-solving, along with a strong commitment to empowering communities to develop locally driven solutions that strengthen livelihoods and foster lasting rural development.

Andrew Owiye Obanda is a development-oriented professional with academic training in Cooperative Management, bringing a strong foundation in community empowerment, rural livelihoods advancement, and sustainable socio-economic development. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) and a Bachelor of Arts in Cooperative Management, a discipline that integrates financial inclusion systems, grassroots institutional governance, and participatory development approaches essential for effective rural transformation.

Andrew possesses extensive knowledge in the formation and strengthening of cooperative societies, community-based organizations (CBOs), and rural enterprise groups that serve as critical vehicles for inclusive development in underserved communities. His expertise spans cooperative governance, microfinance mobilization, agricultural value-chain support, and capacity building for local producer groups—key pillars in enhancing productivity, resilience, and market participation among rural populations.

With competencies in project planning, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation within community-driven development frameworks, Andrew is well-equipped to support initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable resource management. His background enables him to effectively contribute to the design and oversight of development programs that promote financial access, strengthen rural institutions, and improve livelihoods through collective economic action.

Andrew is committed to fostering participatory leadership, institutional accountability, and inclusive growth models that empower rural communities to achieve long-term socio-economic sustainability. His professional orientation aligns with the strategic priorities of rural development non-profit organizations focused on enhancing local capacities, supporting agro-based enterprises, and advancing equitable development outcomes.

He is therefore well-positioned to provide visionary leadership and governance oversight at the directorial level within organizations dedicated to advancing rural development and community resilience.