Board of Directors

Colin Salisbury Chairman of the Board

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Volunteer Network Colin Salisbury has an intimate understanding of our programs needs. He has extensive development experience both locally and internationally with time spent in Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines and Thailand. His background in Community Development and achieving a Masters Degree in International Development has enabled him to not only launch the extremely successful Global Volunteer Network but also co-found The GVN Foundation. Colin brings extensive management, business, and development experience to the Foundation. We are ecstatic that he is the leader of our Board of Directors.

Barbara Courtney Secretary of the Board

Barbara Courtney is committed to assisting those in need and has raised thousands of dollars in donations to end poverty and educate children. With a Master's Degree in maternal/child health Barbara understands the physical repercussions of poverty and malnutrition. For the past 25 years she has owned and operated several extremely successful retail businesses in a seasonal resort community. Barbara brings enthusiasm for The GVN Foundation's mission and a high degree of business acumen.

Leslie Plomondon Treasurer of the Board

Leslie Plomondon has a Masters Degree in International Management and has utilized her skills and experience as Colorado Governor Bill Owen's Director of Development for Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Her position with the Governor has allowed her to facilitate large-scale domestic and international business projects. In addition, Leslie is a Professor of International Relations at Regis University Graduate School for Professional Studies. With over 15 years of experience in international development/ relations Leslie offers a wealth of expertise in both private and public sectors.

Courtney Montague Executive Director

Courtney has raised over $100,000 for international charitable programs in Africa and Asia. She has also launched several successful domestic fundraising campaigns, including direct mail appeals, silent auctions and the development of individual and foundation giving programs. Having lived in a number of countries, and receiving a degree from the American University of Paris, Courtney brings an awareness and understanding of international development issues. Co-founding The GVN Foundation has allowed Courtney to fulfill a lifelong commitment to developing solutions for communities in need both internationally and domestically.

Emma Cahilog Rahman Director

Emma is the founder of Volunteer Services Nepal (VSN), a local Non-Government Organization (NGO) in Nepal, and a partner of the Global Volunteer Network. VSN is an international volunteer organization which oversees programs related to Environmental Awareness, School and Community Maintenance, Health Education, Teaching English and Orphanage/Destitute Children. Through her vision and determination, Volunteer Services Nepal, Emma has successfully placed over 500 international volunteers throughout Nepal and has allocated over $100,000 to projects which have improved and empowered communities of Nepal while maintaining the culture and giving the communities a powerful voice in decision making. Emma, a native to the Philippines is a graduate of the University of Philippines with a degree in Philosophy. After achieving her degree, she became a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Philippines. Emma enjoys climbing/trekking, scuba diving, and spending time with her boys when she isn't making a sustainable difference in Nepal outside of her home.

Chris Bryan

Chris Bryan has an Agri-business and export marketing background. He is currently involved in property and funds management, with financial interests. He is a director in a number of small NZ companies, including Global Volunteer Network. He has traveled and worked extensively abroad, particularly in Western Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. His local charitable and community interests include convening the Orphans of Nepal Trust, which supports children in orphanages in and around Kathmandu. Chris has a keen interest in community development in LDC's, and in micro-enterprise.

Mike Cornish

Mike Cornish brings to The GVN Foundation, a wealth of commercial business and marketing knowledge. He has 30 years of experience owning and directing successful companies. Mike is involved in his local church and has successfully raised funds for a number of causes over the years. After having witnessed the enormous need faced by those in developing countries, he is passionate about effecting positive change in their lives. He has a visionary perspective and is able to see beyond the details to help empower people to improve their communities.