Friends of Ngong Road is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Responsibilities include:
- Ensure that affairs of FoNR are conducted in a fiscally responsible manner and that legal and compliance requirements are met.
- Actively participate in the strategic planning, development, and recruitment activities of the organization.
- Monitor and evaluate programs, outcomes, impact, and performance of FoNR.
The FoNR board is a working board, with each board member having his or her responsibilities in the U. S. and Kenya. All travel and many expenses are borne by the individual board members.
Our sister organization, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, is governed by a Kenyan board of directors.
Paula Meyer – Founder and President
Paula Meyer left a successful career at Ameriprise Financial in 2006 and has since focused on building Friends of Ngong Road, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education and support for Nairobi children living in poverty whose families are affected by HIV/AIDS so they can transform their lives.
As President of Friends of Ngong Road, Paula leads a talented team of senior executive volunteers from a variety of business backgrounds. Under her leadership Friends of Ngong Road has grown from an idea to a vibrant organization delivering education and life transformation for over 500 children in Nairobi, Kenya.
After many years as a corporate executive, Meyer believes that the skills she and the organization’s board of directors have learned in business can be applied successfully to deliver results in a different context. Friends of Ngong Road provides support to one of the most at-risk populations in the world – children who have lost one or both parents due to AIDS and living in poverty in Nairobi’s slums. U.S.-based fundraising operations are handled by volunteers and a small staff.
For a full biography, please click here.
Turner Cobden – Board Member
Turner Cobden is Chief Operating Officer at Acktify.com, a growing E-Commerce company in Massachusetts. As one of the original employees at the company, he had a unique opportunity to grow an organization of five people and 20,000 annual orders to 30 people and over 2 million orders annually. Turner is responsible for both the operations and technology development, combining the two into new ways to deliver a variety of products to customers that might not have been available online before. An entrepreneur first, Turner is focused on making good investments of time, effort, and money to achieve optimal results with minimal risk.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Turner is responsible for internal operations at Friends of Ngong Road. He oversees the information exchange between Kenya and US and assists with managing the FoNR database that tracks donations, sponsorships, and children. In addition to this, he provides capacity planning and pieces of the roadmap for Friends of Ngong road to continue balancing growth and minimizing overhead.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
I first became involved with Friends of Ngong Road in 2008 when Tom Gleason reached out to me asking about my summer camp experience as a program coordinator and counselor. I had grown up going to summer camps nearly every year and my first job during high school was being a camp counselor. Once I began to learn more about Friends of Ngong Road, its mission, and the camp program, I was hooked. For all the different ways a volunteer can donate time, effort, and money, this was an opportunity to also share an experience.
I’ve traveled to Kenya multiple times to help with running camp. My wife, Emily, and I have sponsored a child since 2009. In 2015 I joined the board of Friends of Ngong Road.
Amy Johnson – Chief Operating Officer
Amy retired in 2019 from her role as Global Head of Operations at Columbia Management Investment Advisers, a division of Ameriprise Financial. With 20 years of experience in the financial services industry at Ameriprise, US Bank, and Piper Jaffray, she has performed various functions ranging from detailed analysis and accounting processes to her most recent role overseeing the operations of one of the largest investment management firms in the United States.
Amy obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Accounting from the University of Iowa and spent the first two years of her career at KPMG auditing financial institutions, manufacturing companies, and non-profit companies. While currently inactive, Amy was licensed as a CPA earlier in her career.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
As Chief Operating Officer of Friends of Ngong Road, Amy is responsible for the operational, financial, and control activities of the organization in the US and Kenya. She sets strategy and provides oversight for effective operational processes, internal controls, financial management, and reporting.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
Working with the team in Kenya and the US allows me to leverage the skills I have developed in the corporate world to make a tangible difference for individual people who need our help. I was always drawn to sponsor children but only Friends of Ngong Road has allowed me to develop a close relationship with the children my husband and I sponsor. They are my proof that with our investment of time, support from generous donors, and effective implementation of thoughtful plans, our sponsored children will help others over time and we can drive meaningful change together.
Keith Kale – Karibu Loo Advisor/Marketing Committee/TechMates Advisor
Keith retired after 10+ years as an independent marketing and strategic planning consultant at The Kale Group. Before starting his own company, Keith spent five years at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray as Marketing Director for the brokerage unit. Before moving to financial services, Keith had spent 15 years in marketing at The Pillsbury Company in the U.S. and Europe. He holds a B.A. from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and an M.S. in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Keith advises the Karibu Loo business and continues to explore other ways to find employment for our graduates.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
I became involved in Friends of Ngong Road at its inception. In 2006 Paula told my wife and me about her trip to Kenya. I have always been a deep believer in the value of education and Paula’s idea to found Friends of Ngong Road appeared to be a perfect fit with my interests. With my wife, Kathleen, we sponsored the second child I became involved in Friends of Ngong Road at its inception. In 2006 Paula told my wife and me about her trip to Kenya. I have always been a deep believer in the value of education and Paula’s idea to found Friends of Ngong Road appeared to be a perfect fit with my interests. With my wife, Kathleen, we sponsored the second child entering the program, Jackline. I became one of the founding board members and helped found the program in 2006 and ready the children for the January 2007 school term. My first trip to Kenya was in early 2008 as the program was just beginning to take shape. There we met our sponsored child and her mother in their very humble home where we were graciously and gratefully welcomed. Jackline has worked very hard and graduated from high school in 2012. She finished a post-secondary course in front-office management and was employed at NRCF and Karibu Loo as a receptionist for a few months. She is now employed full-time at Bimeda, a veterinary supply company, in their customer care area. We sponsored another girl, Freshia, and four boys – Eric (one of the first university graduates from the program), Gavin, Michael, and Jack. We are happy that all of them continue to progress in ways that would not have been possible without our support.
John Kundtz – Chief Marketing Officer and Development 
John has been a sponsor and volunteer for over 15 years and joined the board of FoNR in 2020. As an independent marketing and business consultant with Spotlight Consulting, he works with a range of clients in different industries to help them better understand their customers, categories, or competition; refine value propositions, or to develop customer-centered marketing plans. John’s work includes projects, interim leadership roles, and social intelligence research. He started his career at The Pillsbury Company becoming Vice President of the Totinos brand. He also worked as a Vice President at CNS (Breathe Right products), Nielsen and the University of MN Health and Fairview Health System. He holds a BA and MBA from the University of Michigan.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
John chairs the marketing committee. He directs the planning and execution of key events, newsletters, web content, communications, and social media.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
I learned about FoNR through Keith Kale and was intrigued by its unique mission and the potential to transform kids’ lives through education. I sponsored my first student in 2008 who graduated from high school in 2014 and am currently sponsoring two boys in different day schools. It is amazing to see how these individuals mature and set goals for their education, potential careers, and life. The quantifiable success of FoNR is impressive. In joining the board I am excited to help take FoNR to the next level and I look forward to the time I can visit Kenya.
Andy Walz – Chief Technology Officer
Andy is a rare breed of a computer geek and outdoor guru. After earning B.S. in Computer Science at the University of Minnesota, Andy worked for 11 years at Wilderness Inquiry, a fellow Minnesota-based non-profit organization that seeks to provide access to the outdoors for all. He started leading canoe and kayak trips but quickly rose to a position as Director of Operations where he planned and managed hundreds of trips all over the world. Andy started Wilderness Inquiry’s East Africa programs and has guided many groups there himself. He joined the FoNR board after volunteering at Camp in 2010 and 2011 where he helped to make field trips and hiking an integral part of the camp program. In 2012, Andy switched gears to consulting and returned to the US to pursue a Master’s in Geographic Information Science (GIS). His graduate research was focused on modeling solar potential with GIS. After graduating in 2015 he received funding from the MN Dept of Commerce to help create mn.gov/solarapp (an application that allows consumers and installers to calculate and map sites through the web). Andy is married and the proud father of three young daughters.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Andy brings his technology expertise to the FoNR board to make systems more efficient, our website is more powerful, and our database more streamlined. Travel to Kenya has also become easier with Andy on board. Andy facilitates a partnership with Wilderness Inquiry and plans several trips per year for volunteers and travelers to engage with NRCF and see Kenya. Camp is also a sweet spot for Andy–he’s planned field trips and helped make camps held outside of Nairobi possible.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
My wife Heidi and I were lucky to have had the opportunity to volunteer with a Ngong Road Children’s Foundation camp in Kenya several years ago…we saw firsthand an organization changing hundreds of lives with a small budget and an extremely dedicated team of staff and volunteers. On previous trips, we worked with organizations 10 times the size that wasn’t nearly as effective. We decided to sponsor as a way to show our support to the organization but quickly learned there was much more to it. We volunteered at camp and now can’t stay away. These kids have changed our lives as much as the help we provide changes theirs.
Kim Jenson – Development
Kim Jenson is Chief Operating Officer of Raymond James Financial, Private Client Group. Among her responsibilities is to prioritize solutions and services for advisors and clients with a focus on productivity, growth, and operational excellence. With more than 30 years of experience at Norwest Bank, Piper Jaffray, UBS, and Raymond James, she has held leadership roles in trust, product management, marketing, training and recruiting, and field management.
A native of Minnesota, Kim obtained her BS from Minnesota State University, has completed programs at the Securities Industry Institute, Center for Creative Leadership, and holds the Certified Cash Manager designation, along with several securities industry licenses. She has received multiple leadership awards including the New York YWCA Woman of Distinction, Chicago Biz Journal Woman of Distinction, Investment News Woman to Watch, the Bobby Piper Community Leadership Award, and the Ed Connolly Leadership Award. In addition to Friends of Ngong Road, Kim serves on the boards of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Her passions for community involvement focus on the needs of at-risk families and children.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Kim currently serves on the development committee, and investment committee, supporting key programs to expand the reach and impact of the organization.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
Paula Meyer and Keith Kale introduced me to this mission during its initial start-up. My husband Tom Elsen and I believe strongly that education is the key that unlocks a child’s potential. Every child deserves an education and not every child is afforded that opportunity. We sponsored our first student in 2008 and are now sponsoring our third child. This is an extremely well-run organization in partnership with our stellar staff in Kenya. Getting to know these children through letters, report cards, and videos is pure joy. FoNR makes it easy to invest a little, and produce life-changing returns for these students, their families, and marvelously, for ours as well.
Kris Petersen – Development
Kris is currently Senior Vice President of think2perform providing Executive Leadership coaching and training. Kris’s area of expertise is helping leaders maximize their effectiveness by helping them improve their emotional competency and strengthen their business skills. Before joining think2perform, she held the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager for Financial Planning and Advice at Ameriprise Financial. In her 13-year tenure at the company, she held a variety of leadership positions in Brokerage, External Products, Wealth Management Products, and Retail Retirement Planning.
Before she joined Ameriprise Financial, Kris worked in various strategic planning, product management, and audit management positions at U.S. Bank and Marquette Consulting. She holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and a BS from St. Cloud State University. In addition to FONR, Kris serves on the boards of Hennepin Health Systems, think2perform, and think2perform Research Institute.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Kris currently serves on the development committee, supporting key programs to expand the reach and impact of the organization.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
Having sponsored two girls since the start of FONR, I see the very positive impact FONR has on these children and their families. I’ve traveled to Kenya twice to meet and spend time with the girls I sponsor as well as to teach at the summer camp. This experience reinforced my belief that FONR changes these children’s lives and provides them with more opportunities than they would have had without FONR.
Judy Vijums – Board Member
A Minnesota native, Judy Vijums is a co-founder and partner at Cobalt Capital Partners, a private equity firm serving small, privately held companies. Judy has spent more than 25 years in the private equity space. She is actively involved with the transportation, logistics, and automotive sectors and is focused on diligence, acquisitions, and management of portfolio companies. Before moving into private equity, Judy spent 5 years at Arthur Andersen & Co in their Accounting and Advisory Group. She holds a B.A. from Luther College.
Responsibilities at FoNR:
Judy is involved in helping to shape the internship program for FoNR graduates called “Techmates”. She serves on the Nominating Committee and will continue to expand her financial leadership.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
I learned about FoNR through Paula Meyer and was so inspired by the dedication of all involved with FoNR to advance the lives of kids and their families less fortunate than us through education and ultimately employment. I have sponsored a student since 2009 who recently graduated from high school and is advancing to a university program. I am excited to be part of the board and hope that my passion for education as a tool to transform lives will help add to the success of this impressive organization.
Grace Ondara – Board Member
Grace Ondara is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in the banking industry. After spending a decade as a relationship manager at Barclays Bank of Kenya and Standard Chartered Bank of Kenya, she shifted her focus to nonprofit development, drawing on her previous business experience to support her current work.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace started mentoring youth aged 10-21 through a program called Future Voices. This experience proved transformative for her, motivating her to move to the United States to pursue a Master’s program in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences focusing on nonprofit development.
Grace is an ardent champion of youth development, and she serves as a mentor to many young people both in Kenya and the United States. She is passionate about empowering young people to realize their full potential and become active members of their communities.
Grace holds a BSc in Actuarial Sciences and an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya. She is pursuing her MSc in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and expects to complete her studies soon.
Why I am involved with FoNR:
I learned about FoNR through a colleague who introduced me to Paula. Finding an organization based in Minneapolis, where I live, that serves youth in a neighborhood familiar to me in Kenya was very intriguing. Getting to learn more about FoNR’s objectives has been a thrilling experience. FoNR’s history and impact, and its ongoing transformation of hundreds of lives, compelled me to join the board.
I look forward to bringing my knowledge of Kenya and my experience with Kenyan youth to create new perspectives in collaboration with FoNR’s efforts.