The work of SURF would not be possible without an incredible team of committed staff.
SURF is led by David Russell, based in the UK. David has been Chief Executive of Survivors Fund (SURF) since January 2009, when he succeeded SURF’s Founder Mary Kayitesi Blewitt OBE, with whom he had worked as consultant since 2004. David is the primary point of contact between the trustees of SURF, and the SURF team in Rwanda, as well as with the partner organisations and donors. David directs and coordinates all activities of SURF, and is responsible for programme development, reporting and communications.
His work is made possible through the commitment and dedication of a remarkable staff team based in Kigali. The SURF Rwanda team (as of April 2013) is:
- Albert Gasake, Legal Advocacy Coordinator
- Alex Mugabo, Programme Manager
- Ariane Uwamahoro, Administrator
- Emilienne Kambibi, Senior Key Worker
- Gabo Wilson, National Coordinator
- Kelsey Finnegan, IGA Project Officer
- Dr Jemma Hogwood, Clinical Psychologist
- Raban Havugimana, IGA Project Officer
- Sam Munderere, Programme Manager
- Vincent Nyauma, Accountant
A number of our staff moved on from SURF in 2012. Catherine Russell, who played a critical role in establishing and coordinating our livelihood development programme, moved to a new post at the Fairtrade Federation. We are thankful for her contribution, as well as that of Francianne Icyimpaye, Lilian Murerwa and Olivier Bucyana, for their input into our work over the past year.
We also acknowledge the contribution of our support staff in Rwanda, Claudine (office assistant) and Godfrey (driver).
In the UK, the work of the SURF team is supported by a core team of dedicated, and long-term, supporters including Andy Lawrence (education), Liam Dempsey and Ngaire Ackerley of lbdesign (online) and Drew Sutton of niceimages (film and photography).
Since SURF was established in 1997, we have received support from Benon Banya who has managed our accounts in a part-time capacity. Tragically, Benon died in March 2013 in an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, which he was climbing to raise funds for SURF. His commitment and dedication to SURF extended above and beyond the call of duty, and his memory will live on forever through the work of everyone who supports the survivors of the genocide in Rwanda. David Chaney, a professional accountant and trustee of SURF, will take over the accounting duties of Benon in a voluntary capacity.