Our People
Board of directors
Chris Cheeley
Chris brings extensive business experience to our board. In 1990, he founded Phones Plus, a Verizon retailer (18 locations in 4 states). In 2015 he sold that business and now primarily focuses on his real estate development and construction company he started over 20 years ago. Chris has spent considerable time in Uganda, and was particularly valuable during the construction phase of the farm, leading the way by introducing many new (western) best practices to the construction crews. He enjoys encouraging the farm staff and meeting with survivor graduates, always finding time for them when in Uganda.
Jeff Gibson
Jeff brings over 30 years of international business development, project management, and manufacturing experience to our board. Through Jeff’s extensive international business background, his involvement has been instrumental in the establishment of the pig farm. Throughout the farm development, Jeff had unusually creative ways of discerning solutions in critical areas.
In his spare time, he likes to grill — pork is his specialty.
Mark Graham
Mark has enjoyed a 35 year career as a financial advisor. He is currently a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager with a national firm, in Spokane WA. Mark has also begun, owned, and operated numerous businesses throughout his career. His first trip to Uganda was in 2013 and he has enjoyed traveling there since, on over 15 extended trips. Deeply committed to the success of the farm, Mark’s passion is for the survivor graduates. Mark enjoys assisting them in starting small kiosk businesses, ultimately coaching and encouraging them on to success.
Brad Hillgren
Brad brings many valuable years of business experience to our board, coupled with a passion for helping the most vulnerable in Uganda. Brad has played significant roles in commercial development throughout his career, most recently as the CEO of Lowe Development in Orange County, CA. Brad remains active in commercial development, both in Southern California, and the western US. In his spare time, you can find Brad fly-fishing in Southern Idaho, playing a competitive round of golf at his favorite club, or encouraging and giving direction to the staff on the Eternal Hope farm.
Cheryl Gotzian
Cheryl is our board administrator, and is often referred to as our “glue”. Without her meaningful involvement and commitment to our mission, we simply would not have progressed as a team to where we are today. Cheryl’s business experience began in the field of information technology within the manufacturing world. She has subsequently served in a variety of volunteer roles, from leadership on non-profit boards and in the church, to coaching youth sports and mentoring young students. Her additional interests include mountain biking, golf, enjoying the four seasons in the Pacific Northwest and traveling with her husband. She cares deeply about serving the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in her local community and beyond.