Who Makes up LATAM Aid?

President and Founder

Chip graduated from Flagler College with a BA in Spanish and Latin American studies and has a passion for the people and cultures of Latin America. For the past 17 years he has focused on business and investment opportunities in the region where he was the Owner/Broker of a Coldwell Banker Franchise, worked on over 12 real estate development projects, and other business ventures throughout the region including BPO call centers, Telecommunications, and New Technology in building construction utilizing Steel Framing. 

As the President of LATAM Aid, Chip plans to utilizes the collective knowledge he has gained as an entrepreneur in Latin America and experience in management, teamwork coordination, and collaboration to give back to those people whom are most at need. 

Vice-President

As one of three adopted children, he learned from a young age the importance of determination to improve not only his life, but of those around him. Lou graduated from the University of South Florida in 1971 and worked in a variety of industries which gave him worldly perspective and unique business expertise. He worked in hospitality and restaurant management for most of his life that gave him access to philanthropic activities that directly impacted those in need by donating food to local churches and homeless shelters. 

He is looking forward to fulfilling his role as Vice-President of LATAM Aid by distributing sanitary water, building sustainable housing and providing disaster relief to Latin American communities. 

Treasurer

Paul was born and educated in Ontario, Canada where he grew up in the land development industry. In 1978, he moved to Palm Beach, Florida, to pursue housing development. Ten years later, he had the fortunate opportunity to move to Jacksonville to open a Record retention business where he developed software and techniques that are still used in the field today. He owned and operated a Harley Davidson aftermarket shop, while racing his bikes in multiple locations around the state. Currently, he is involved in the oil and gas industry in offshore Louisiana; in addition to owning an apiary, retail honey outlet called, Bee Friends Farm, with over 300 active hives. For over twenty-five years, he has travelled to third-world countries and generously donated Beanie Babies to indigent hospitals and orphanages where the stuffed bears are produced. Over this time, he has also frequently traveled to Haiti to help orphans, as well as, returned in 2010 to aid in the earthquake aftermath through search/rescue and food/water disbursement teams. 

Throughout his life, Paul's passion has been to put smiles on children's faces. He works with several charities to bring a life full of happiness, health, and shelter to families in need. Now, he plans on bringing his humanitarian experience to continue to keep children smiling through the efforts of LATAM Aid Foundation Inc. 

Secretary

Having taught for 34 years, Diane's service to others has been at the heart of her life.  She recently retired but continues to touch the lives of others by tutoring young children in reading and math. Throughout her adult life, she was heavily involved with charitable nonprofit organizations such as Habitat International and Heifer International.  Recently, she spent ten days in Honduras touring small farms to understand and promote sustainable agricultural projects. She served in the Peace Corps in northeast Brazil working in community development. She continues to be a source of light by being involved with local nonprofits that benefit community programs and children.

Secretary

Callie is an intelligent, warm individual with a love for children. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1983 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. With over ten years of experience in training, managing, and developing operations for multiple businesses, she learned how to successfully navigate the corporate field. Over the past two years, Callie has rekindled her passion in teaching pre-kindergarten at Bridges Preschool. Learning is an important value in her life and knows that LATAM Aid will give children access to a healthy life and the opportunity to attain an education.