Who We Are
The Volunteers
Besides the people listed here by name, many volunteers in both the United States and South Sudan have donated countless hours to make possible our work with the people of South Sudan. Volunteers in the US have been especially effective in fund-raising and preparing grant applications. The volunteers in South Sudan have constructed several buildings, prepared regular meals for hungry children, handled government relations, walked hundreds of miles on foundation business, shipped thousands of pounds of corn and other foodstuffs on the river, and maintained an undeviating vision of what could be accomplished.
Southern Sudan Humanitarian is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to help the people of South Sudan rebuild their communities and schools after more than two decades of civil war.
Mark Ethington
Chairman of the Board, Attorney
Mark Ethington has a personal injury law practice in Salt Lake City. He is very involved in his community. Mark has made two trips to South Sudan. He worked with the people in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan on education projects. He also made an assessment visit to the SSH school in Nyamlel.
Claron Twitchell
Executive Director and Trustee, Computer Programmer
Claron Twitchell is the executive director and a trustee of Southern Sudan Humanitarian. He oversees the organization’s work in Nyamlel and Gok Machar. He led an expedition to the western part of South Sudan in December 2007 and another to Nyamlel and Akobo in 2011.
Akol Akol Deng
Program Advisor
Akol Akol Deng is a native of Gok Machar, South Sudan. He serves as a language and cultural advisor to SSH’s work in Nyamlel and Gok Machar. He has a deep knowledge of transportation and logistic matters in South Sudan and is proficient in a number of local languages and dialects. He was an expedition member to Juba, Nyamlel, and Gok Machar, South Sudan, in 2007 and 2009.
John Bayuet Mabior
Program Advisor
John Bayuet Mabior is a native of Rumbek, South Sudan. He serves as a cultural advisor, ensuring that SSH works in a way that is culturally appropriate and relevant to the people of South Sudan. He also helps SSH by interpreting the Dinka and Arabic languages. He was an expedition member to Juba and Rumbek, South Sudan, in 2007.
Stephen Biel
Trustee
Stephen Biel is a native of Akobo, South Sudan. He serves as a cultural advisor, ensuring that SSH works in a way that is culturally appropriate and relevant to the people of South Sudan. He also interprets the Nuer language and communicates with contacts in Akobo. He has visited South Sudan several times and is an essential link in the operation of the SSH program.
Stephanie Bywater
Trustee
Stephanie Bywater, her husband and their five children have been involved in humanitarian efforts for communities in Mali, Africa for many years. Stephanie is involved in her local community in the Parent Teachers Association and other organization to make her community a better place to live. Stephanie enjoys running and bicycling to stay fit.
James White
Trustee, Attorney
James White started early with Southern Sudan Humanitarian as an intern helping with our pro bono legal services for refugees while he was a law student at the University of Utah. James is now living in California with his wife and children and building a legal practice in California in the Bay Area. He is currently serving as a board trustee for SSH.
Marie Kulbeth
Trustee, Attorney
Marie Kulbeth is experienced as a lawyer, a law school administrator and a high tech executive. She has been a volunteer legal counsel for Southern Sudan Humanitarian and is now a member of the board of directors.
Mary Garbett
Trustee
Mary Garbett has been personally involved for many years in providing education for the poor in rural Mexico and other parts of the world. Mary has experience securing grants for funding Southern Sudan Humanitarian.
Jeff Cobabe
Trustee, Business Owner
Jeff Cobabe owns a company that specializes in creating exquisite wood furnishings. Jeff is very involved in doing humanitarian work in India. He has experience organizing and leading humanitarian expeditions.
