OUR TEAM and Board of DIrectors
Carol Van Bruggen-Kuhn
President and CEO - After traveling to Africa for over 7 years, Carol decided to make a commitment to fight against poaching and to provide education to the young people of Zambia.
Steve Kuhn
Vice President and Director - Steven fell in love with Africa after a 2001 vacation and wanted to make a difference. The connection he makes with the communities that AHF helps, puts a huge smile on his face.
leslie leggio
Trustee and Director - A board member since the beginning, Leslie fell in love with Africa after a trip in 2008. Seeing the progress of the students she helps is one of the many reasons Leslie continues to support AHF!
Desiree Wilson
Treasurer -Desirée had the opportunity to visit Africa several years ago and fell in love with the animals, the school, the people and the culture. She enjoys serving the community, both locally and globally, through Rotary. Her background in financial management began with a degree in Accounting which served her well in her two careers – 20 years with the State of California in financial management and owner of a small chain of Hallmark Card stores in Sacramento and Napa for 17 years.
theresa paige del bueno
Director - A board member for 6 years, Theresa is passionate about the need for education and the conservation of elephant herds in Africa.
Amber L
Operations Manager - Although her background is in the tech industry, she decided to follow her passions and work for a non profit. She now helps Debby lead the volunteer trips to Zambia every year.
Heather Estay
Director - A board member for 9 years, Heather felt called to do what she could to help conserve African wildlife, and help the students of Africa after a Safari trip with Carol & Steve. Heather has overseen 5 of the last 7 major fund raisers at AHF.
gary hursh
Director - A valued member of our board, Gary asks, "What could be more important than educating kids and saving animals?!" He would like to invite you to join us in making a difference in this world. Gary is our board attorney and jack of all trades.
Joel AyREs
Director - Joel comes to us with years of impressive experience, of not only working on numerous boards, but is currently the Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation where he received way too many awards to mention. He also is the founder of SEMA Cares, a foundation that supports numerous children’s organizations in particular related to health issues.
Dr. Steven Winlock ED.D
Steve’s passion is education. As the Executive director of the Sacramento County Office of education and over 45 years as a teacher, principal , and superintendent has made him especially qualified to work with our schools, libraries, teachers and children in Africa. He also is passionate about the arts and has served on numerous boards over the years. He joined the board in August 2021 after traveling with AHF on a volunteer trip.
DEBBy LOTT
Director - A board member for over 6 years, Debby has volunteered for 3 months every year at AHF’s 5 Libraries in Mfuwe, Zambia and she trains the reading assistants as educators working in the libraries She has over 40 years experience in the education field and brings that passion to the villages of Zambia.
Ann Gambino
Director - A board member for 8 years, Ann loves the ability she has as a member of AHF to directly support providing education to the students in Africa. She has traveled to Africa many times, where she has helped set up reliable bookkeeping systems for the local nonprofits.
Jan ahders
Director - She has been a regional theatre actor, voice over artist for commercials and books on tape and tv. Jan currently volunteers at Effie Yeaw Nature Center where she is in charge of the landscaping around the buildings. She is a Master Gardener and a Certified California Naturalist.
Benson Kanyembo
Benson is the Law Enforcement Advisor for one of the conservation organization that Africa Hope Fund has supported from its inception. He leads all Conservation South Luangwa anti-poaching law enforcement and wildlife rescue operations In 2019 his commitment to conservation in Africa was recognized on the global stage, when he was awarded the TUSK Wildlife Ranger Award in London by Tusk’s Royal Patron HRH The Duke of Cambridge. He joined the AHF board in 2021
Kathleen Schnobrich
After many years of volunteer work with young people, school boards, Girl Scouts and Chair of Children's International Summer Villages, Kathleen had taken a respite from her involvement with youth organizations. BUT, her trip to Mfuwe this past summer rekindled that fire for young people and their love for education and conservation. As she has often said “the world’s future is dependent on the education that we provide our youth today.
Chris Reyes
Working together with the local community in the real estate industry, Chris has firsthand knowledge of how a little help can make a huge difference. Chris first got involved with AHF by sponsoring their annual charity dinner, and it only grew from there. Along with AHF, he contributes to the AACF, and is an active member of the East Sac Chamber of Commerce, in addition to philanthropic interests in an array of other charities, including Alzheimer's and Autism.