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.
Read Full BioRobert 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.
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.
In the philanthropic realm, Mr. Blackard is not only on the board of Amazi Water but also founded Amazon Outreach, delivering medical aid to Amazonian tribes, notably with the Linda Esperança. His extensive partnerships in over 50 countries highlight his dedication to global humanitarian efforts.
A Northwestern University alumnus and former Big 10 athlete, Mr. Blackard’s multifaceted leadership in real estate and philanthropy has marked him as a person of integrity and influence with a profound impact in various sectors and communities worldwide.
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.
Pastor Edmond Kiyuve is a dedicated spiritual leader and humanitarian committed to transforming lives across Africa. He leads Eglise Vivante de Jésus Christ, a church network spanning Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Senegal, with 450 branches advancing the mission of "Making Disciples of All Nations." As International Director of African Revival Ministries (ARM), he oversees education, healthcare, orphan care, and advocacy initiatives across multiple African nations. Both Eglise Vivante and ARM exist to proclaim, teach, and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. Entering full-time ministry in 1987, Pastor Edmond trained in the UK after working as a diesel mechanic. He and his wife, Pastor Faith, married in 1989 and have two children, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
A sought-after speaker, he shares his message globally through conferences and media. His commitment to community transformation led him to partner with Amazi Water in 2014, providing clean water to families in Burundi. Born in Bujumbura, Burundi, Pastor Edmond holds dual Rwandan and Burundian citizenship and continues to lead with unwavering faith and a deep commitment to seeing lives changed for the glory of God.
Renee Wixon has spent more than two decades leading federally funded healthcare centers, serving as Chief Executive or Operating Officer for organizations providing medical, dental, mental health, and community services to those facing barriers to care. While raising her children, she founded a management consulting practice, advising clinics, hospitals, health departments, and health plans. She also developed and taught graduate courses in Human Services as an adjunct professor at the University of Northwestern St. Paul.
Passionate about service, Renee has served on numerous nonprofit and parachurch ministry boards, volunteered in various roles at her church, coached soccer, and advocated for children as a guardian ad litem for Minnesota’s fourth district court system.
After retiring from healthcare administration, Renee "refired" into a new season of ministry, pioneering and leading the Single Moms Connection program in Minneapolis. She also enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Bill, their dog, Bo, their cat, Lucy, and their two adult children, Dave and Sara.
Arielle Kayabaga serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and the Member of Parliament for London West. Born in Bujumbura, Burundi, she immigrated to Canada as a refugee at the age of 11. She was first elected to the House of Commons in 2021, becoming the first Black woman to represent London in Parliament.
Arielle has served on several parliamentary committees, including Citizenship and Immigration, Health, Official Languages, and Science and Research. Before entering federal politics, she made history as the first Black woman elected to London City Council and worked as a settlement worker supporting newcomers to Canada. She is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and civic engagement.
Arielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University. In 2023, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and honored as Politician of the Year by One Young World. A born-again Christian since 2012, her faith has been the foundation of her leadership and service.