Vickie Winkler
Founder/President
Vickie is a retired RN. She has traveled all around the world championing the cause of humanitarian aid for Africa. As a widow herself, Vickie can empathise with the pain of the millions of widows and orphans in Africa, and has turned that compassion into a movement. Vickie first began traveling to Africa in 1979 with her late husband, Kenn. She founded HEART in 2000.
Lori Powell
Executive Director
Lori joined HEART as the Executive Director in April 2022 after retiring from a long career in technology and risk management in the financial industry. She first came to HEART in 2016 on a mission trip when she immediately fell in love with the women, children, and HEART programs. She has been actively involved in women and children’s ministries and organizations for over 20 years. In 2014 she lost all her hair due to Alopecia Universalis, which enabled her to gain an even deeper understanding of the pain and suffering of feeling like an outcast.
Lori lives in Rancho Cucamonga, CA with her husband, 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. She and her husband love traveling, spending time with family, and outdoor activities. They attend The Way World Outreach Church in San Bernardino, CA.
Kaimon Powell
US Teams & Social Media Coordinator
Kaimon coordinates and prepares HEART teams, interns and mission staff traveling to Kenya. He also collaborates with US and Kenya HEART staff on all communications including newsletters and social media and supports special events. He is excited to join the HEART team, go on a journey that will give hope to those in need and provide others with the availability to join him.
He comes to HEART with 4 years of experience in website administration, social media communications, and processing confidential client information for the courts. He has experience with different cultures from around the world due to traveling to Mexico, Germany, and the Caribbean. He has helped on many mission trips to Mexico assisting the citizens with building homes and provide relief through food, clothing, and social support assistances.
Kaimon and his wife Ryley live in Montana.
Jo Kern
US Financial/Office Manager
jokern@africaheart.com
Jo assumed responsibility of HEART’s financial accounting and Office Management in Sept. 2019 in Auburn, CA. Her background prior to HEART was in medical billing and office management. She knew this position would require an incredible dependence upon the LORD due to her lack of experience in finances. She has humbly submitted her lack of knowledge to the LORD and He has guided her on every step. She still has challenges, but her faith in the LORD has grown tremendously because of HEART. “It is a pleasure to serve this ministry,” Jo says.
Jerry Kitchel
Partner Relations Consultant
jerrykitchel@africaheart.com
Jerry’s work with HEART began in the Fall of 2019 as Partner Relations Consultant. His Christian non-profit career began in 1985 with World Vision during the height of Ethiopia’s famine. Over the years, he has held leadership positions in communication, marketing, and advancement with several faith-based organizations. Many of his global travels have taken him to many countries throughout Africa, with extended assignments in Kenya, Somalia, and Rwanda. In addition to working in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America, he has worked with the homeless doing inner-city mission work in Los Angeles.
In his current position with HEART, Jerry enjoys working closely with Executive Director, Lori Powell, and members of the U.S. and Kenyan staff, as well as many volunteers and key supporters who make up the HEART Team. “It’s very fulfilling to see how deeply and effectively HEART touches the lives of HIV-positive mothers and their children throughout Kenya,” he says. “It’s also a very exciting time for HEART as we move ahead under a new leader who closely embraces our mission and is deeply committed to expanding and strengthening HEART’s foundation of support and team involvement.”
