Leadership
We understand the need and are dedicated to the solution. It is personal — more than 95% of the ministry’s workforce is from Burundi and surrounding countries. Amazi Water is registered in Texas as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization governed by an international Board of Directors, and operations are managed by a senior leadership team comprised of Burundian and multinational staff members.
Our Board of Directors
Robert Vanman
Robert Vanman is a Christian and serial entrepreneur who has consistently incorporated kingdom work into his business career.
His business career has included building four companies with three successful exits, the last of which was selling WatchGuard, Inc. (a law enforcement camera manufacturer he founded) to Motorola Solutions in 2019. Over the years, he has been responsible for developing dozens of sophisticated products, and he has been awarded 25 U.S. Patents. Robert is now focused on Amazi Water’s mission. He is using his resources and business expertise to help build an organization designed to accomplish an ambitious mission in the most efficient and impactful way. Nathan Sheets
Nathan Sheets is the founder and chief steward of Nature Nate’s Honey Co., the #1 branded and fastest-growing honey company in the U.S.
Nathan got the nickname “Nature Nate” in college because he was a nature lover and outdoorsman. After graduating from college and owning his own ad agency, Nathan began serving in the ministry. He has journeyed on 100+ mission trips worldwide to help others. He was also one of the driving forces behind the global “I Am Second” media campaign that highlights stories of hundreds of lives transformed through the grace of Jesus Christ.
In 2010, he decided to make honey his full-time endeavor; life has never been sweeter. Nate says, “The Lord has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others.” Jeff Blackard
Jeffory Blackard, CEO of Blackard Companies, is a distinguished real estate figure known for founding NeoRetroism. With over four decades in the industry, his innovative concept of NeoRetroism creates sustainable, village-type communities, merging traditional aesthetics with modern conveniences and environmental practices. This approach, emphasizing historical charm and sustainable, financially viable development, has reshaped real estate.
Mr. Blackard’s commitment to the environment is evident in leading Zero Global Waste, a clean energy recycling initiative. His significant contributions to sustainable real estate development earned him the “National Wetland Conservation Award” from the US Department of the Interior.
Bob Thorp
Bob and his wife Becky grew up in Latin America as missionary children. They met in Peru, where Bob was Country Director of Food for the Hungry, and Becky taught health promoters in the Amazon Jungle. They have three children – Heather, Nathan, and Kaitlin. They are blessed with nine grandchildren. Bob has worked in Thailand, Somalia, Peru, and Argentina with Food for the Hungry and also as a Baptist missionary. In 2004, Bob joined Compassion International, overseeing various programs, such as the HIV-Aids response, WASH, Disaster Relief, and Vocational Training. Living Water International recruited him in 2011, where he held positions as Senior Director of Technical Training and Equipment and Senior Vice President of Operations. Bob’s passion is developing people. He has a master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture. His greatest joys are time with family, traveling, and gardening. Bob is a hands-on field guy with a warm smile and a can-do attitude!
Our Senior Leadership Team
Bob Thorp
Bob Thorp
Jake Kidane
Jake Kidane
He believes that working at Amazi Water is an amazing opportunity to serve Burundi by overcoming barriers through faith, collaboration, and strategy.
Michelle Oney
Michelle Oney
She is finishing a doctorate in Business from Regent University. She holds a master's degree from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Berea College. Her roots are in the hills of Kentucky, but she has enjoyed living in Washington, DC, Miami, Dallas, several cities in Venezuela, and Mexico. She now calls Weatherford, Texas home.
Jonny Harris
Jonny Harris
Shaun O'Donnell
Shaun O'Donnell
