Heather Paul, PhD.
Chief Executive Officer
Heather's mission is to build the visibility and support for SOS villages across the world. As the former Executive Director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign for ten years, Heather created and oversaw a broad national and international network of child safety programs. With a diverse background in children’s issues, public policy, communications and research, Ms. Paul has held previous positions including Vice President of the National Health Council in Washington, DC and Senior Research Associate with the US Department of Health and Human Services. Heather has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland, an MA in English from the American University and a BA in English from Ohio Wesleyan University. Heather recently visited a number of SOS Villages in Bolivia and was further inspired by the terrific work that SOS is doing for orphans as well as the surrounding communities.
Mark A. Neidig
Chief Development Officer
Mark joined SOS-USA in January 2008, bringing with him a passion for change as exemplified in his life. While VP of Administration for the Indiana based ITAMCO, he was actively involved on numerous not-for-profit boards and initiatives. His desire to make a greater impact on the world prompted relocating to The Gambia, West Africa to serve as Interim National Director for an NGO. That was his first encounter with an SOS Children’s Village. “I can remember driving by the Bokateh Village and saying to my family, what a neat place...now I’m here!” Since returning to the USA , Mark has spent the last fifteen years serving his communities and directing fund raising endeavors in medical centers in the Midwest (Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and Community Hospital of Bremen) and in the District of Columbia (Washington Hospital Center). Today, in harmony with a talented staff of committed professionals, Mark orchestrates the delivery of lead gifts from passionate individuals, corporations and foundations.
David Capriccioso
Web Content Specialist
David joined SOS in Summer 2008 and helps update and maintain the SOS-USA Web site and assists with SOS online communications. He has over five years experience working with online media and a background in Web site development, online marketing and social media. David has also served on an executive board for a student organization and has contributed to several publications, including a national newspaper. David has a BA from Michigan State University.
Suzanne Gatto
Director, Household Marketing
Suzanne is responsible for managing direct mail campaigns, the sponsorship department and customer relationship management strategy. The experience and passion she brings from working for the American Red Cross and Safe Kids Worldwide complements the business skills she brings to SOS. Suzanne grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA and earned a BS in Marketing and an MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Tony Lee
Database Administrator
Tony manages the SOS-USA database, oversees data entry, and provides input and support to the marketing team. With over five years experience in non-profit development and several years in data management, he is improving the efficiency of SOS-USA’s marketing efforts and aims to provide SOS-USA’s supporters with the highest level of stewardship and customer service. Tony brings with him many years of activism and a passion for human rights and international justice. Currently, he sits on several Board appointed committees for organizations such as Amnesty International USA.
Adekunle Onadipe
Sponsorship Coordinator
Adekunle Onadipe (Ade) joined SOS-USA in August 2007 as the Sponsorship Coordinator. He intends to use his background and education in non-profit management, fundraising and marketing skills, and on-site experience at SOS Children’s Village Isolo in Nigeria for over 8 years to strengthen the sponsorship program. Prior to joining SOS-USA, Ade worked with Fundraising Initiatives Inc., in Arlington VA. He obtained his BA in Agricultural Economics from University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in Nigeria and MPA from Southeastern University in Washington D.C.
David Stinson
Controller
David Stinson manages financial and technological matters for SOS-USA. He has worked in the non-profit arena for seven years and has for-profit experience in the media and insurance industries. He is pleased to lend his skills and talents to an organization whose mission improves the prospects of disadvantaged children throughout the world. He recognizes the future economic benefit that SOS-USA's work bears on the children and on the children's communities.
Lisa Vogt
Director, Internet Marketing
Lisa is responsible for web site content, management and development, as well as on-line marketing initiatives. Lisa's background includes extensive experience with children's education initiatives and she is pleased to be able to combine her interest in children and families with a focus on the ever-changing world of the Internet. Her career has also included management of Web Development, Marketing and Information Technology programs. Lisa has a BA degree from Colgate University and an MBA from the University of Rochester's Simon School of Business.
Kelly Wise
Office Administrator
Kellly manages the day-to day administrative functions for SOS Children’s Villages-USA’s office. Her goal is to develop and implement strategies that will enable the office to run efficiently while providing each donor/sponsor with a high level of customer service. She has a wealth of non-profit experience in the administrative and financial field. As a mother of three, she understands the importance of family values and knows what it takes to provide a loving and secure home. Kelly is very excited to join SOS Children’s Villages-USA’s staff and support SOS Children’s Villages-USA’s mission of building homes for disadvantaged children internationally.
Solmaz Zabiheian
Administrative Assistant
Solmaz provides administrative and general support to the SOS-USA office in order to ensure that the fundraising and sponsorship departments run efficiently. Having worked with children and families at various public and private schools, Solmaz is excited to be a part of SOS Children’s Villages because of its commitment to children’s issues and family strengthening. She has an MA in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University, a BS in Family Studies and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland.