Our Staff
Head Office
Joe Kuepfer
Executive Director
Joe and Marilyn, along with their five children, reside in Detroit, Michigan. Having spent much of his childhood in Kenya and following a calling to serve those in poverty, Joe is passionate about how Open Hands fosters Christ-centered entrepreneurship in developing countries. His journey with the organization began in 2014 with a short-term mission in Haiti. Soon after, he and his family moved to Nakuru, Kenya, where Joe led the expansion of Open Hands' East Africa program. In 2022, after the founder’s retirement, Joe stepped into the role of executive director to continue advancing the organization's mission. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Wichita State University.
Michael Weaver
Director of Operations
Mike, along with his wife Amber and son Makai, resides in the small town of Lebanon, PA. Mike joined Open Hands, initially leading the Colombia and Venezuela programs. In May of 2024, he transitioned to his new role as Director of Operations, where he provides leadership and support to Open Hands program leadership. Leveraging his business background and field experience serving in Colombia, Mike thrives in his new role. The Weaver family enjoys cozy nights with books, exploring new cuisines, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
Lyndon Swarey
Director of Finance
Lyndon, based in Suarts Draft, Virginia, serves Open Hands in a multifaceted role. He oversees the organization's finances, ensuring the big picture remains sound. Lyndon also builds and manages systems and platforms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Open Hands' work. He additionally provides tech support for the staff. A dedicated member of the Open Hands team since its inception in 2009, Lyndon briefly stepped away in 2018 to pursue a degree in statistics. He rejoined the organization in 2021, bringing his enhanced skillset to further strengthen Open Hands.
Paul Smucker
Director Of Partner Development
Paul delivers passionate and engaging presentations about Open Hands' mission and impact to churches and interested groups across the Midwest and Western United States. Paul also identifies and communicates with missions and churches interested in beginning an Open Hands program. To schedule a presentation or discuss partnership opportunities, contact Paul at [email protected] or 541-520-5815. Leveraging his experience in pastoral ministry, mission work, education, and business ownership, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to Open Hands. He currently resides in Harrisburg, Oregon, with his wife Dorcas.
Dean Zimmerman
Director Of Public Relations
Dean, Kendra, and their four children call the charming town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, home. Dean, with his experience in pastoral ministry and in business, brings valuable knowledge and skills to his role as the director of public relations. Dean and family are excited about how Open Hands partners with indigenous churches to present an opportunity for spiritual and economic growth. Beyond their commitment to Open Hands, the Zimmerman family enjoys exploring the outdoors on a camping trip, enjoying the local park, or strolling the picturesque streets of Lititz. Interested in learning more about Open Hands or scheduling a presentation? Reach out to Dean directly at [email protected].
Gloria Stoltzfus
Secretary
Gloria, along with her husband Johnny and their four children, reside in Mill Hall, PA. As the Open Hands secretary, she maintains the bookkeeping and banking, bringing a wealth of experience in these areas from her work with other missions and businesses. Her meticulous bookkeeping practices ensure the organization's financial health, making her a great support to Open Hands. Outside of her secretarial responsibilities Gloria enjoys organizing, cooking and engaging in heart-to-heart conversations with friends and family.
Raquelle Yoder
Communications Assistant
Raquelle, who joined Open Hands in March 2024, brings a passion for learning and a strong ability to grasp new concepts quickly. Her upbringing in a missionary family in Puerto Rico instilled in her a deep commitment to service. She enjoys music, as well as learning new languages. As communications assistant, she provides support to the head office for events and marketing projects.
Regional Leadership
Walcus Vital
Haiti Country Director
Walcus, along with his wife Deb and their family, are currently based in Goshen, Indiana. Originally serving as a facilitator in Haiti, he began his current role as the country director in 2019. His strong leadership combined with a deep understanding of the savings group ministry has been instrumental to the growth of one of Open Hands' largest programs.
Delvin Zimmerman
Asia Regional Director
Delvin and his wife Darlene are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Delvin brings extensive experience, attention to detail, and strong leadership to the Asia programs as they continue to expand. In 2017 he began as a Program Liaison in Nakuru Kenya, while simultaneously launching a program in Nepal. In 2021 he transitioned to Thailand and now oversees the Open Hands’ programs in Nepal, Thailand and another undisclosed country. Some of the things Delvin enjoys outside of work are painting and photography.
Amata Thomas
Africa Regional Director
Amata Thomas lives in Kisumu City, Kenya, with his wife and three children, near the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria. As one of our program's initial facilitators, Amata brings extensive experience along with a background as a graduate teacher in Mathematics and Economics and postgraduate training in Drug and Substance Addiction Psychology. This unique combination equips him to effectively lead and develop staff in our African programs. Amata and his family are members at Rabuor Christian Believers' Fellowship.
Marlin Yoder
Kenya Office Manager
Since 2011, Marlin Yoder and his seven children have made Kenya their home through their work with AMA. Marlin played a crucial role as a key contact when Open Hands first launched in the country. Now, as of July 2025, he serves part-time as the office manager for Open Hands in East Africa, in addition to his part-time pastoral role with AMA. Outside of work, Marlin loves family time—exploring wildlife parks, going on road trips, and camping. He's also known for his dad jokes, singing, and passion for building cabinets.
Nick Suarez
El-Salvador/Guatemala Program Manager
Nick Suarez, along with his wife Vivian, resides in Mixcolajá, Guatemala where he serves with Mennonite Air Missions. Nick works with Open Hands part-time to oversee the Guatemala and El Salvador programs. Aside from Open Hands responsibilities he serves his community as a school administrator, pastor, and youth choir director. Nick and Vivian enjoy spending time with the youth and joining them in their activities.
Dietrich Miller
Mexico Program Manager
Dietrich, along with his wife Veronica, resides in Choix, Mexico. He grew up in Choix where his parents served for many years with DestiNations. Dietrich works part-time with Open Hands overseeing the Mexico program and he loves to see the savings groups bless his fellow Mexicans. Dietrich and Veronica enjoy spending time together in nature and prayer walking in their community
Mario Cota
India Regional Director
Mario brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a global perspective to his role as India Regional Director for Open Hands. He first served as a facilitator in Choix, Mexico, where he helped launch and support savings groups in local communities. He later took on a short-term assignment in Kampala, Uganda, providing program support and training to strengthen the work there.
An avid traveler, Mario has explored various parts of the world, including time spent in Turkey, and enjoys the cultural exchange that comes with his journeys. He also offers Spanish tutoring and has been actively involved in church leadership within the Mennonite congregations of the Choix, Mexico area. Mario is passionate about equipping others, fostering strong community connections, and helping people reach their full potential.
Program Leadership
Program Leaders
Across the 15 countries where Open Hands serves, we are deeply grateful for the many program leaders who pour their energy, skill, and compassion into advancing our mission. While not all of them are pictured here, their impact is felt every day—in local communities, in the lives of those they lead, and in the hope they help cultivate. This group photo is a tribute to the dedicated individuals who guide their teams, steward resources wisely, and embody the heart of Open Hands in every conversation, decision, and act of service.
Facilitators
The heroes of Open Hands are our many dedicated facilitators. These committed men and women travel tirelessly—often to remote or hard-to-reach areas—to form savings groups, teach financial skills, provide ongoing coaching, and walk alongside participants as they work toward lasting change. Their passion, perseverance, and personal investment help ensure that every group not only begins well but thrives over time. We are honored to celebrate the invaluable role they play in bringing hope, opportunity, and transformation to communities around the world.
Savings Group Leaders
Each Open Hands savings group is self-governing and led by its own leadership team. Every group elects a president, secretary, and treasurer to guide their work together. The president chairs meetings and ensures discussions run smoothly. The secretary maintains accurate records—tracking finances, attendance, and group decisions—while the treasurer manages funds, including making deposits, withdrawals, and keeping accounts in order. This structure not only builds accountability and trust but also equips members with leadership and organizational skills they can use far beyond the group.
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