United States Staff
John Bul Dau
President
John Bul Dau received his Associates Degree from Onondaga Community College in 2004 and his Bachelor's Degree in Public Affairs at Syracuse University in May 2011. He was featured in the 2006 documentary God Grew Tired of Us and co-authored his autobiography, God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir, along with Michael Sweeney. Most recently, he co-authored with his wife, Martha, a young adults book called Lost Boy, Lost Girl. He has founded three non-profit organizations and is a professional speaker. Between 2001 and 2006 John held multiple jobs including working as a server at McDonald’s, a factor inspector and a security officer at St. Joseph Hospital Health Center. He has received numerous awards including the 2007 National Geographic Emerging Explorer Award. John speaks five languages and currently resides with his wife, Martha, and their two daughters and son in Syracuse, New York.
Tom Dannan
executive director
Tom Dannan has been with JDF since June 2009 and has spent more than a year at the Duk Lost Boys Clinic, training staff and developing new projects. He received an A.A. in Humanities from Onondaga Community College and his B.A. in Public Affairs from Syracuse University, where he participated in SU's Maxwell in D.C. International Relations program. After graduating, he joined the Peace Corps and served in Morocco for two years as a Community Health Educator, working out of a rural health clinic teaching about nutrition, hygiene, basic first-aid, and HIV. He has volunteered and worked for many non-profits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, and the Syracuse Track Club. His hobbies include fishing, enjoying nature, and writing.
Joshua Gwinn
Project Manager
A native of Nashville, TN, Josh began with the John Dau Foundation in December 2011. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Burkina Faso and holds a B.A. in International Relations and History from Centre College in Kentucky. As Project Manager, Josh oversees activities on the ground at the Duk Lost Boys Clinic and provides oversight on behalf of JDF.
Amy Bonilla
Development Associate
A native of Syracuse, NY, Amy began with the John Dau Foundation in June 2011. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and Communications from Stanford University and an MPA from Syracuse University. Amy manages JDF's public relations, development and other fundraising projects. If you have an idea for helping fundraise for the people of South Sudan, contact Amy!
Outside the Box Business Solutions - Finance Team
Lynn Brown & Elaine Slater-Kogler
Lynn and Elaine are Members and Managers of Outside the Box Business Solutions, a consultancy firm based in Skaneateles, NY specializing in the delivery of business solutions based on Client requirements.
