Meet Our Board of Directors
David Woods, Chair
David is Mechanical Engineer at Raytheon Technologies, where he applies his technical skills to drive innovation in aerospace technology. Beyond his engineering pursuits, Woods is an entrepreneur in crafting exceptional beverages. As the driving force behind Brillé Beverages, he channels his engineering expertise into the creation of unique Ethiopian-inspired drinks. Woods and Brillé Beverages are dedicated to providing the highest standards of authenticity and quality, blending traditional brewing methods.
He was born and raised in Ethiopia until he was a teenager, so he understands the struggle to find clean water sources in the rural communities. He has been delighted to have been selected to serve on the board of Bridge H2OPE Inc. He looks forward to helping the organization reach its long term goals.
Romulus Ferrer Perez, Co-Chair
Romulus brings over 15 years of expertise in the higher education sector, specializing in student life and leadership development. As a former adviser of H2OPE at Trinity College, Hartford, he has a deep-rooted passion for nurturing students' growth and seeing them evolve into impactful leaders.
Romulus leads by example, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones, share their unique talents, and inspire others to do the same, ultimately fostering a culture of positive influence and transformation.
Jane Winn, Secretary
Jane is a co-founder and the current Executive Director of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), based in Pittsfield, MA. With a profound passion for clean water, healthy air, and interconnected landscapes for wildlife, Jane has steered BEAT towards impactful environmental initiatives. Her expertise in nonprofit accounting has enabled BEAT to allocate resources efficiently and forge strategic partnerships, amplifying the organization's influence on environmental matters in the Berkshire community. Apart from her accounting proficiency, Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in zoology, further enriching her understanding of ecological systems.
Vernal Sibble, Treasurer
Vernal is a seasoned Professional Civil Engineer with extensive experience in land development, utility design, and water resource management. With accreditations from prestigious organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Vernal's career highlights include securing substantial funding for coastal and community infrastructure projects during his tenure at the Department of Public Utilities in Hollywood, Florida. He recently relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, to take on a project manager role with Stewart, Inc., contributing to the transformation of Raleigh and its surrounding areas into a major metropolis.
Apart from his professional achievements, Vernal is deeply involved in civic activities, particularly in promoting sustainability and community welfare. He is an active member of groups like the Community Caring Organization and the Citizens Climate Lobby, demonstrating his commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world. Vernal is excited to join the Board of Bridge H2ope, Inc., where he looks forward to leveraging his expertise and passion to guide the organization's vision and actions toward achieving its goals.
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