Our Staff
Head Office
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. Additionally, Lyndon is providing leadership to the organization as the interim Executive director. 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.
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.
Amata Thomas
Africa Regional Director
Amata Thomas lives in Kisumu City, Kenya, with his wife Susan and their 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.
Mario Cota
Interim SE Asia Regional Director
Mario serves as the Interim SE Asia Regional Director for Open Hands, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience and to his role. He began his journey with Open Hands as a facilitator in Choix, Mexico, where he helped launch and support savings groups, and later contributed to program development in Kampala, Uganda.
An avid traveler with a heart for cross-cultural engagement, Mario has explored various parts of the world, including Turkey, and continues to share his gifts through Spanish tutoring and church leadership within the Mennonite community in Choix. He is passionate about equipping others, building strong community connections, and helping people reach their full potential.
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
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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