Leadership

At Amazi Water, the mission is personal. With over 95% of our team local to Burundi and surrounding regions, we lead with proximity, purpose, and precision.

Registered in Texas as a 501(c)(3), Amazi Water is governed by an independent international board and led by a multinational executive team. Our CEO, Dr. Jason Peters, oversees a growing organization built to deliver high-trust, high-impact water solutions—at scale.

Our Executive Team

Jason E. Peters, DMin

Chief Executive Officer

Jason has been married to Kimberly for 32 years and they have five children, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. He is a seasoned executive leader, serving as CEO of an international NGO in Rwanda for more than five years, and as a Licensed Investment Advisor, prior to joining Amazi Water in Burundi. Completing his doctorate at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2007, Jason qualified as a Gallup-Certified coach, is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, experienced trauma consultant and graduate of a clinical residency at a trauma center in San Antonio. Jason has participated in various projects around the world, serving in 51 nations. Jason and Kimberly co-founded EPICly in 2018, serving families, clarifying values, and repairing fractured relationships. Together, they served on the teaching team for the “Legacy of Faith” Retreat at Glen Eyrie, and Jason serves on the Board of Directors for GotQuestions.org and as Vice-Chairman of the Board for Crisis Consulting International.

Jake Kidane, PE, PMP

Chief Operating Officer and Country Director

Jake joined Amazi Water in 2021. Before coming to Amazi Water, he was the Program Director for Compassion International, Africa Region. Jake has many years of experience working in the developing world, overseeing multiple projects in different countries simultaneously. Jake’s strong relational skills and calmness under pressure make him a gift to Amazi Water and the people of Burundi. He believes that working at Amazi Water is an amazing opportunity to serve Burundi by overcoming barriers through faith, collaboration, and strategy.

Howard Rich, PhD, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Howard joined Amazi Water in February 2024 and gives leadership to the Finance team. Howard and his wife Terri have been married for 34 years, have two grown children, and were recently blessed with their first grandchild.

Before joining Amazi Water, he served as COO/CFO with Global Disciples, an international discipleship training organization with operations in over 70 countries across the globe. Howard holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Religion, and a Bachelor of Arts in History. Howard’s passion lies in helping God’s people thrive in their role as stewards of everything God has placed under their care.

Austin Van Wyk

Chief Strategy Officer

Austin brings extensive experience in strategy, finance, and operations leadership. During nearly eight years at Amazon, he served in senior finance and operations roles, partnering with executive leaders to oversee multi-billion-dollar budgets and drive strategic decision-making across hundreds of sites in multiple countries. His background includes leading large-scale operational teams as well as financial planning for complex global organizations, giving him a unique ability to connect vision with practical execution. Austin and his wife, Katy, have been married since 2007 and live outside Nashville with their three daughters, whom they homeschool. Their family invested one month living in Burundi together and are passionate about helping mission-driven organizations steward resources wisely and build strategies that create lasting impact. Austin believes faithful stewardship, thoughtful leadership, and a clear sense of mission are essential to creating transformational change.

Board of Directors

The Amazi Water Board provides strategic governance, global insight, and operational accountability to help ensure mission clarity and organizational resilience. These leaders bring deep experience in entrepreneurship, government, ministry, and healthcare.

Robert Vanman

Chairman, Amazi Water | Serial Entrepreneur | 26 Patents | 3 Exits

Robert built four companies, including WatchGuard (acquired by Motorola). A mission-driven operator, he brings engineering precision and founder tenacity to Amazi’s growth. His work has been featured by the National Christian Foundation.

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Jeff Blackard

Founder & CEO, Blackard Companies | Creator of NeoRetroism

With over 40 years in sustainable real estate, Jeff pioneered NeoRetroism—reviving historical village aesthetics through modern, environmentally responsible development. He also leads Zero Global Waste, a clean energy initiative, and is a recipient of the National Wetland Conservation Award.

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Arielle Kayabaga

Member of Canadian Parliament | Young Global Leader (WEF)

Born in Bujumbura, Burundi, Arielle became the first Black woman elected to represent London, Canada. Her work spans immigration, health, housing, and public policy. She brings a global perspective to Amazi’s mission, grounded in lived experience and public service.

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Pastor Edmond Kivuye

Founder, Eglise Vivante | Intl. Director, African Revival Ministries

With over 450 churches across East Africa and deep ties to education, orphan care, and healthcare ministries, Pastor Edmond has been a partner in Amazi’s mission since 2014. His leadership blends faith, community, and practical transformation.

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Nathan Sheets

Founder & CEO, Nature Nate’s Honey Co. | Mission Leader | Storyteller

Known as “Nature Nate,” he scaled his honey company to #1 in the U.S. market while driving global ministry initiatives like “I Am Second.” Nate’s blend of business acumen and gospel passion infuses Amazi’s mission with entrepreneurial energy.

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Renee Wixon

Healthcare Executive | Nonprofit Leader | Advocate

Renee brings 20+ years of leadership in federally funded healthcare systems, serving underserved communities. Post-retirement, she launched a ministry for single mothers and continues to advise nonprofits at the intersection of faith and service.

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Donate by Check: Make checks payable to Amazi Water

Donate by Phone: Call 817-993-0050, and a member of our team will assist you with making a gift over the phone.

Donate by Stock: Please contact info@amaziwater.org or call us at 817-993-0050 for more information on making a stock donation.

Download Stock Transfer Instruction Form (PDF)  

Amazi Water
1540 Keller Pkwy Ste 108, PMB 309
Keller TX 76248-1660

Federal Tax ID Number:
EIN 47-4782701