Board of Directors

Sarah Wallace is the founder of Olive Tree Projects, which she established in 2008 after completing her international midwifery training. Driven by a passion for family preservation by improving the lives of women and children in Haiti, Sarah created a birthing center in Jacmel that has grown into a respected organization providing maternal healthcare, midwife training, and family support. Sarah recently stepped down as Executive Director to focus on raising her four children in Canada, while remaining a strong advocate for Olive Tree Porjects' mission.

Drew Lebowitz is an electrical engineer based in Portland, Oregon. He lived in Haiti from 2013-2018 where he ran a solar energy business, and managed the rural electrification project Sigora Haiti. Drew is a fluent speaker of French and Haitian Creole, a student of Haitian history, and an advocate for all things Haiti, especially related to energy. He has been on the board of OTP since 2020, and has been involved in helping to streamline OTP's operational metrics as well as assisting with fundraising activities. In his spare time Drew enjoys cycling and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his partner Jess.

Wendy Brown has had a long and impactful career in accounting, playing a crucial role in securing Charitable Status for Olive Tree Projects (OTP) in 2010. Since then, she has managed OTP's financial records in Canada, preparing annual Financial Statements, and has been a vital part of the organization’s growth. 

As a grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren, Wendy’s life is full of joy and family. Her connection to Sarah Wallace and OTP dates back to its early days, having known Sarah's family for many years. Wendy joined the OTP board as Secretary when Sarah founded the organization in 2009, and she later transitioned to Treasurer in 2021.

Wendy’s visit to Haiti in 2011 provided her with invaluable insight into the realities of the Jacmel community and OTP’s life-changing work. Over the years, she has witnessed the organization evolve into a respected birthing clinic and a force for positive change through its various programs, from midwife training to recycling initiatives and foster care.

Wendy remains a passionate supporter of Olive Tree Projects, excited about its future and the continued impact it will have on the Jacmel community.

Romel Jean Pierre is a Haitian filmmaker, writer, and visual artist with expertise in storytelling, policy analysis, and social equity. A graduate in International Relations, he was part of Atis Rezistans, a Haitian art collective that uses reclaimed materials to craft powerful statements on resilience and identity. Romel co-founded Tele Ghetto Haiti, a media initiative capturing life and creativity in Haiti’s communities, and has shared his work internationally. As a board member of Olive Tree Projects, he brings his creative vision, policy knowledge, and commitment to social change to support the organization’s mission of family preservation, maternal health, and community resilience in Haiti.

James Varnam is a native New Zealander who discovered a passion for golf early in life, winning the New Zealand Juniors Championship at just 14. After moving to the U.S. in 1978 to pursue a professional career, James competed on the European, Asian, and Australasian PGA Tours from 1979 to 1988. He later founded Mana Luxury Golf Excursions, offering bespoke golf and leisure experiences around the world, and regained his amateur status in 1999. His recent accolades include placing 1st in the 2023 Alberta Canada Seniors Amateur Championship and winning the Guadalajara Senior Championship in both 2018 and 2019.

Beyond the green, James is committed to giving back. He proudly supports the vital work of Olive Tree Projects, contributing to efforts that reduce maternal mortality and improve infant health in Haiti. His support helps ensure more mothers and babies receive the care they need to thrive.

TJ first connected with Olive Tree Projects while working with another NGO in Haiti, collaborating on smaller projects around the maternity center. After transitioning back to construction, he stayed in touch with OTP and joined the board when a position became available in 2021.

He is passionate about problem-solving and values the personal connections that come with supporting Olive Tree Projects. Believing that good maternal care is the foundation of a good life, TJ is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission.

TJ lives in Nanaimo, BC, with his wife, Ashley, and their two children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the ocean, on his bike, and listening to live music.

Jim Grant is the Executive Director of Global Birthing Home Foundation, which funds and oversees the operation of Maison de Naissance, a full service maternal and infant health care center in rural Torbeck, Haiti. 

He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Omaha with a BS in Economics, a business certificate in Systems Networking from MIT, and twenty years of professional IT experience, including international consulting and US regional office management. 

Jim has worked for Global Birthing Home Foundation since July 2008, and has been the Executive Director since April 2011. 

He is married to Mary Garcia Grant, a violinist with the Kansas City Symphony. They have 3 children, 3 grandchildren and two cats. His hobbies include travel, skiing, and hiking, and he is an automotive and motorcycle enthusiast.