Our Team - Action for African Progress

Dr. Robert Elam
President & CEO

Dr. Robert Elam is the current President and CEO of Action for African Progress. Read more.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Sociology from Durham University and an MBA from The University of Glasgow. Robert was recruited by General Electric and later by Procter & Gamble where, over 25 years, he made significant contributions to the corporation's growth and reputation. Robert joined AFAP in 2019 in response to a clear calling he and his wife Jane felt to serve humanity through the organization. He brings decades of innovative leadership experience, his personal story of overcoming hardship, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ to our Mission.

Apostle Linda Barnett
Chief Financial Officer

As CFO, she champions the organizational core value that the resources at our disposal .... Read more.

As CFO, she champions the organizational core value that the resources at our disposal are a sacred trust from God through donors on behalf of the poor in Africa. Financial accountability has been a hallmark for Linda throughout her career. She spent 21 years in top Financial Officer roles at Payless Holdings, Sears Canada, Deluxe corporation and Wilson's Leather. She overseas investor relations, External Communications, Information Technology, Legal Services and Human Resources. She earned an MBA from Oxford University and Psychology degree from University of Bristol. .

Pst. Ken Fredrick
Senior Vice President - Human Resources

Pastor Ken is passionate about creating and empowering work environment.... Read more.

Pastor Ken is passionate about creating and empowering work environment in which all team members can unleash their unique talents and gifts to fulfill our mission. His experience lies in FinTech and Commerce enablement. He is part of the SoGal, Renaissance Collective and Emerging Venture Capitalist Association. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Advanced Media from Ateneo de Manila University and completed graduate coursework in Human Resources at Benedictine University. Later, he participated in an Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. .

Mr. Nathan Blymire
Senior Vice President - Transformational Engagement

Mr. Nathan leads our Transformational Engagement division which comprises multiple teams... Read more.

Mr. Nathan leads our Transformational Engagement division which comprises multiple teams including high net worth institutional foundations, corporate and planned giving fundraising. Transformational engagement seeks to create dynamic partnerships that result in significant investments of time, talent and treasure in order to facilitate impact in the lives of the less fortunate in Africa. Nathan's expertise lies in product management, marketing and fundraising. He is a graduate of The London School of Economics and Political Science .

Mrs. Laurie Sorrels
Chief Administrator

Laurie leads AFAP and it's over 120 staff in enhancing our long standing leadership... Read more.

Laurie leads AFAP and it's over 120 staff in enhancing our long standing leadership in all thematic areas of focus. She is the first AFAP administrator to be a member of the National Social Development Council where she ensures that development programs play a critical role in our response to a range of economic, humanitarian and geopolitical issues. Her experience lies in Business Strategy. She is a graduate of the University of Birmingham. She is part of the National Black MBA Association, The Consortium, Y Combinator and Endeavor .

Mr. David Lunsford
Deputy Administrator for Policy & Programming

Mr. David is a member of the BD Partnerships and GTM team for Snowflake Data.... Read more.

Mr. David is a member of the BD Partnerships and GTM team for Snowflake Data Marketplace. His expertise lies in Deep - Tech, business development and fundraising. He is part of the Global Shapers, Creative Construction Lab and Next Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia. .

Mrs. Kathy Havens
Deputy Administrator – Grants

Kathy is in charge of all grants given to Charity organizations and companies in the African continent. ... Read more.

Kathy is in charge of all grants given to Charity organizations and companies in the African continent. Her expertise lies in strategy, operations, branding and media. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Stanford Graduate School of Business. .

Team

Dr. Robert Elam
President & CEO

Apostle Linda Barnett
Chief Financial Officer

Pst. Ken Fredrick
Senior Vice President - Human Resources

Mr. Nathan Blymire
Senior Vice President - Transformational Engagement

Mrs. Laurie Sorrels
Chief Administrator

Mr. David Lunsford
Deputy Administrator for Policy & Programming

Mrs. Kathy Havens
Deputy Administrator – Grants

Quick Links

Contact Details

Team

Dr. Robert Elam President & CEO

Apostle Linda Barnett Chief Financial Officer

Pst. Ken Fredrick Senior Vice President - Human Resources

Mr. Nathan Blymire Senior Vice President - Transformational Engagement

Mrs. Laurie Sorrels Chief Administrator

Mr. David Lunsford Deputy Administrator for Policy & Programming

Mrs. Kathy Havens Deputy Administrator – Grants

Quick Links

Contact Details

Dr. Robert Elam
President & CEO

Apostle Linda Barnett
Chief Financial Officer

Pst. Ken Fredrick
Senior Vice President - Human Resources

Mr. Nathan Blymire
Senior Vice President - Transformational Engagement

Mrs. Laurie Sorrels
Chief Administrator

Mr. David Lunsford
Deputy Administrator for Policy & Programming

Mrs. Kathy Havens
Deputy Administrator – Grants