OUR FOUNDERS
Convinced that strategic partnerships founded on trust were essential for development in the most challenging international contexts, Dr. Ralph and Tara Leo founded True Sojourners with a prayer and a shoestring budget in 2008. Since that time, God has blessed the organization with substantial growth and influence that now reaches around the world.
Ralph and Tara are the grateful parents of six children, two of whom are adopted from Ethiopia. Having lived and worked in over a dozen countries, they currently reside in Abu Dhabi, UAE with their family, where they have grown to love and cherish the local people and culture.
U.S. LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mark Kraines
Board President
Rev. Mark Kraines is the Senior Pastor at the Congregational Church of Goffstown, NH, and earned his M.Div from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In his over 25 years of experience, Mark has led service projects in Europe, Asia, Central and North America. His seasoned cross-cultural experience along with his leadership gifting make him aptly suited as president of True Sojourners.
Nancy Hellmann
Board Secretary
Nancy has invested her career in the software/technology industry and is currently Manager of Customer Account Management at Loftware. In addition to serving on the True Sojourners board, Nancy volunteers with ChildVoice International and serves as part of the leadership team at her local congregation. Nancy serves our organization in a vast array of capacities, including oversight of local events & fundraisers, logistics and supporting ongoing operations of the organization.
Dr. Melissa Bishop
At Large
Melissa brings to the Board an extensive business and academic background. She has taught a variety of business classes at the university level and has worked intermittently in the financial products industry since 2004. She and her husband have enjoyed raising their three children in the Seacoast area, and have served in several ministries including Modern Day Missions and YoungLife.
Susan Trahan JD
At Large
Susan has had a variety of corporate work experiences over the last 25 years, with a focus on finance, investments and law; currently she works in the energy sector. Susan brings to the Board significant leadership experience in governance and financial matters.
Joe Cheslock
US Director | jcheslock@truesojourners.org
Joe serves the organization with a hybrid background in pastoral ministry and business. Joe's experience in Digital Marketing & Global Product Management are a great asset to our leadership team. And with a ministry background in managing cross-cultural partnerships, Joe brings a focus on strong confluent partnerships that aligns well with the True Sojourners ethos.
Peter Smith
Director of Development
Having worked as an independent consultant in both the public and private sector for most of his career, Peter brings a wealth of experience in both ministry and business. As our chief field advocate, Peter frequently travels the world to meet with our local partners and staff and has the privilege of sharing about the impact of our work with friends around the world.