Meet the ACI Team

Bob founded Aqua Clara International in 2005 and currently serves as Founder, Chairman, and Chief Scientist.  He continues his involvement in all aspects of ACI operations in collaboration with the Executive Team, and directs the projects undertaken by the ACI Science and Technology Council.

Harry joined ACI in 2010, bringing his years of management and   administrative experience, along with his work in medical education, the health sciences and the Safe Water Insitute, to lead ACI and help expand its impact into other countries with both existing and new technologies.

Marcia joined the AC Team in early 2007 and is a member of the Executive Team.  She serves as Director of Program Operations, overseeing general AC operations and administrative support functions, financial management, donor and community relations, and directs the ACI guided service trips program. She also works actively in developing the AC Kids to Kids program.

Sam joined ACI in 2011 and now serves as full time Program Development and Evalation Specialist in the Kenya Program.

John is in the final stages of completing his Masters in Environmental Legislation and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University.  John began volunteering with Aqua Clara in 2010 conducting water tests on the filters in the Kisii area.  John joined the team as Director of Operations in 2011 and is based at the ACI WASH Training Center in the Kisii region.

Isaac Soita joined the ACI team in 2011.  Isaac has significant experience of working with concrete bio sand filters through his work with Running Water International.  Isaac is based in the Eldoret are and directly oversees the ACI projects there.

Benson originally became involved with ACI in 2009 when he attended a training session in the Kisii region.  Benson went on to be one of the most successful Community Development Entrepreneurs and to date, has constructed and sold over 200 water filters.  Benson became the Training and Supplies Officer in 2011 and works directly with the Community Development Entrepreneurs supporting their work and arranging for additional supplies.

Betty joined the ACI team in 2010 and works from the ACI WASH Training Center in the Kisii Region.  Betty inputs all the information from the filter sales receipts and filter monitoring forms into the ACI data base, and also welcomes and explains the program to guests and visitors.

Mario is native of Nicaragua and a chemical engineer with extensive experience in a broad array of endeavors in the business, engineering and agricultural sectors.  He has been with Aqua Clara since 2009 and is now Director of AquaNic, our in-country organization in Nicaragua.

Ted is Emeritus Professor of BioSystems in the Department of BioSystems & Agriculture, Michigan State University.  He created the laboratory at the MSU Bi0-e facility that houses Aqua Clara and is a member of the ACI Science and Technology Advisory Council.  Ted actively engages in a number of ACI initiatives, particularly focusing on new sanitation models and systems.

Steve directs Steve Werner Consulting, where his more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management provides multi-faceted assistance to international nonprofit organizations, including Aqua Clara. He most recently served as the Executive Director for Water For People, an international nonprofit organization based in Denver, Colo., whose mission is to assist people in developing nations gain access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.

Bill retired from decades of service as a senior executive at Dow Chemical and then operating his own company, Metalamics. His business background and doctoral degree in chemical engineering have been of significant assistance to ACI in many areas.

Tom is a retired engineer who has developed specific expertise in the construction and maintenance of water wells.  Tom works with ACI in its training programs and program development initiatives, with particular emphasis on Haiti and Mexico.

Paul was born and raised in Kenya and has been involved in a number of different development programs in countries including Kenya, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Mozambique and Tanzania.  Paul has also worked on some projects for ACI in the Congo and Nepal.   Paul brings a wealth of development expertise to the ACI program and took over leadership for the ACI Kenya Program in April 2012.

Dale is a lifelong resident of Michigan.  He holds advanced degrees in the Education field.  Dale has 11 years teaching experience in Michigan Secondary Schools and 28 years experience in Nuclear Electrical Power Generation with American Electric Power.  Dale is retired and his current interests include, in addition to volunteering with Aqua Clara, gardening and woodworking.

Bob Johnson is President of JDH Structural Engineering.  He provides ACI with ongoing technical advice in a number of areas and, through Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is responsible for deploying scores of Aqua Clara filters in Rwanda, along with other, related health improvement initiatives.

Jim Tuinstra, widely recognized in West Michigan for his many years of distinguished service as President of Hope Network,  is currently President of the Kent Health Plan.  He is also an active participant in and advisor to the Nicaragua program, having first traveled to Nicaragua with aid funds after the 1973 earthquake.

Deanne is Director of Finance and Human Resources for OST Consultation, LDT.  She advises Aqua Clara on accounting and financial management issues, and assists in on-the-ground management of ACI service tours.

Steve is a global business consultant focusing on business development and account management.  Steve’s professional background includes global market analysis. strategic planning and product and market development in the consumer and industrial market sectors including water purification.

Bob Engster is Chief Executive Officer of Single Source Procurement, a full services life sciences instrument and supply room management company.  He manages an extensive client list and is particularly focused on start-ups and new businesses as well as initiatives undertaken by Michigan State University.