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.