Board of Directors

  • Description textSuzanne is an international development leader with more than 20 years of program and business development expertise in transition and conflict programming where she has lived/worked in the Middle East, South Asia, the Balkans, Europe, and Equatorial Africa. Suzanne owns a woman-owned small business, SMS Strategic Services, LLC, that supports clients working in transition and peace programing in conflict zones. Suzanne has worked with USAID, the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the U.S. Department of State, and Bechtel. Suzanne started in politics working with elected officials in the California State government and the U.K. Parliament. Suzanne holds an M.A. in International Relations from San Francisco State University and a B.A. in Political Science from CSU, San Jose. Suzanne is the first woman to swim across the Libreville Estuary in Gabon in Africa and is a tenth generation Californian. Suzanne resides in Europe and Washington, D.C.  goes here

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Harmon Parker, the visionary founder of Bridging the Gap Africa (BtGA), is a dedicated humanitarian driven by a lifelong commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. In 1997, moved by the urgent needs of an isolated Kenyan village, he built his first footbridge, igniting a transformative journey. Since then, BtGA has constructed over 80 life-changing footbridges across rural Kenya, ensuring safe and reliable passage over dangerous rivers for countless communities.

    Harmon's extraordinary impact has garnered global recognition, including being named one of CNN's Top Ten Heroes in 2010. This prestigious honor amplified his mission, bringing worldwide attention to the critical importance of footbridges. In 2011, he shared his story by presenting a TEDx Talk at the Orange County event titled "Living in a Walking World."

    Harmon is known for his unwavering dedication and adventurous spirit, sense of humor, and love for music. These personal attributes make him relatable, and his relentless commitment to helping others continues to inspire and lead the way in building bridges to a better world.

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

  • Linda Dunn is the faculty director and assistant professor of the practice for the Master’s in Supply Chain Management (SCM) at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Dunn guided the curriculum and oversaw course development for the SCM program which launched in Fall 2020. Her focal SCM areas of study include how SCM intersects with CSR, Change Management, Neuroscience, Diversity, and Agility.

    Dunn brings over 15 years of industry supply chain experience spanning Planning, Sourcing, Distribution, and Supplier Relationship Management. Before joining Georgetown, Dunn served as Vice President of Supply Chain & Quality Assurance for HMSHost. Other prior experiences at HMSHost included FP&A, business process analysis, and revenue optimization. Prior tenures before HMSHost included marketing and finance roles in the telecommunications and banking sectors.

    In 2020, Dunn received The Women in Supply Chain Award from Supply and Demand Chain Executive Magazine. Dunn served on the inaugural National Restaurant Association’s Conserve Sustainability Advisory Council. She is a member of the CSCMP and ASCM. She earned her MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and obtained her BBA from James Madison University with a double major in Finance and English.

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • In the rich tapestry of Essence Nixon's life, the threads weave a story of genuine commitment and empowerment. With almost two decades of experience, Essence leads as the driving force behind Field Operations for a prominent global pharmaceutical company, deftly guiding strategic visions for a team of over 3000 representatives and leaders.

    Beyond the corporate landscape, Essence is dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth, particularly through avenues in the arts. Collaborating with local church groups, she extends support systems beyond traditional boundaries, empowering young minds to explore their potential. These experiences not only foster artistic growth but also instill confidence, contributing to overall well-being.

    Essence embodies the powerful principle of "lift as I climb." Her leadership shines through dedicated mentorship, sponsorship, and a commitment to providing equitable opportunities, emphasizing the transformative impact of connections in fostering professional growth.

    Balancing the demands of a thriving career with personal joys, Essence finds fulfillment within her family. Her husband, Jarrett Sr., and their remarkable children, Baylee and Jarrett Jr., form the heart of her happiness. Essence's resilience and dedication underscore the delicate balance between professional commitment and personal joy.

    For Essence, tennis, theater, and travel are not mere pastimes; they are outlets for personal expression, emphasizing the significance of self-connection and balance in her multifaceted life.

    Essence Nixon's narrative is a compelling tale of "Empowerment through Connection," resonating across her roles from the corporate arena to family life and impactful mentoring relationships. Rooted in sincerity, her journey stands as a testament to making meaningful connections and uplifting others in every facet of her life. As a new board member of Bridging the Gap Africa, Essence brings this passion for empowerment and connection to further the organization's impactful mission.

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Stan is a partner and serves as Vice President of Development for PremAIR Hospitality Group. PremAir is a leading airport concessionaire focused on the development and operation of “Award Winning” food and beverage concepts in this unique venue. Stan is also a partner and Co- Chairman of Apple Mountain, LLC, a multi-unit operator of Applebee’s Restaurants in Salt Lake City, UT. and the surrounding area. Prior to his current assignments Stan held executive level positions at Host Marriott, PepsiCo and City Investing Company. Stan is a graduate of the Marriott Executive Development Program at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. He holds an MBA in Finance from Anna Maria College and a BS degree in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts. Stan is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at various colleges, universities, and industry events. He is an avid scuba diver, competitive swimmer and Muay Thai boxer.

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Terry brings over 30 years of pharmaceutical and healthcare experience, including multiple leadership roles in sales, training, marketing, trade, and general management.

    As part of the InVentiv Health team for 10 years, Terry helped grow and support many organizations. He also brings experience with both transdermal delivery products and Women’s Health. He worked on Estraderm® (estradiol transdermal) and Vivelle® (estradiol transdermal system), and he led the launch sales team for Vivelle DOT® (estradiol patch, extended release). He was involved in launching and marketing Women’s Health products at Ciba-Giegy, Solvay, Noven, and Mission Pharmacal. Terry was recognized for his industry accomplishments by PharmaVoice magazine in 2007, 2008, and 2017.

    He sits on several boards, including Bridging the Gap Africa. A graduate of the Citadel with a B.S. in Biology, he enjoys history and being on the water. He and his spouse and daughter live in New Hope, Pa., with their four dogs and two horses.

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Josh Parker grew up in Kenya and had extensive work experience in East Africa. His experience in the non-profit sector in East Africa provides contextual knowledge of the people, cultures, and complexities of life in the area. He joined Chick-fil-A in 2017 and is currently the Owner/Operator of a Chick-fil-A franchised location near Sacramento, California. Josh graduated from Azusa Pacific University, where he studied sociology and economics. He and his wife Rebekah currently live in Elk Grove, California. In his spare time, Josh loves anything active and outdoors, and he loves hanging out with his son Levi. 

MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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