Staff, Board & Volunteers

Peter Chasse, President & Founder

Peter started The Water Project in 2006 with a committed group of students in Saint John, NB, Canada where he was serving as a Pastor. Together they set out to complete one water project after hearing of a specific need in Kenya. It quickly became evident that by equipping people with the right tools for telling the story of water, a movement could take hold. Within three years, TWP had raised its first $1 million of support for clean water projects - almost all through individual and small group efforts.

Peter's background in marketing, non-profit development and internet technologies have helped TWP continue to grow rapidly through grass-roots fundraising campaigns around the world. Though his passion is helping others find clean water, Peter finds his greatest joy hanging out with his wife and three young children.

Crissie Ferrara, WASH Program Director

Crissie has extensive first-hand experience working in the WaSH (Water and Sanitation) sector on water projects in Kenya, South Sudan, South Africa and El Salvador.

After starting her career in development as a Peace Corps volunteer in Belize in 2003, Crissie went on to receive her Masters in International Affairs from SIPA, Columbia Univerity. She has since worked continully in capacity building and training of local communities and NGOs with a WaSH focus.

Crissie will continue to deepen our reach and commitment to our implementing partners through a model of accompaniment and collaboration, all to serve the people of sub-Saharan Africa who suffer needlessly without access to clean, safe water.

Having lived abroad for many years in El Salvador, Crissie is looking forward to relocating to our home here in New Hampshire.

Tess Crick, Outreach and Fundraising

Tess Crick has been in the project management field for 14 years with experience in both for-profit software ventures and grassroots non-profits. Tess is a relationship builder by nature. Bringing people together for a common goal is one of her great passions.

Tess' involvement with clean water projects began when she started her own fund raising efforts selling chocolate for wells in Rwanda in 2008. Volunteering for Global Benefit, a non-profit in New Hampshire, Tess eventually began working with other donors as a Relationship Manager.

Tess works one-on-one with fundraisers and supporters like you to make sure your experience deepens your love of the poor while allowing you to see the full impact our your efforts.

When not in Boston visiting her adult daughter, Tess lives in Concord, NH with her two German Shepherd dogs and enjoys dance, cooking, and almost anything that can be done outside in the fresh New Hampshire air.

Michael Ballou, Operations & Church Outreach

Michael is responsible for the day to day operational activities of The Water Project (he helps cross the t's and dot the i's). His passion for the the gospel helps churches discover their place in seeing relationships and people reconciled through the gift of clean, safe water.

Michael is also serving as Senior Pastor of North Shore Baptist Church in Peabody, MA. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Jack Owen, WASH Program Consultant

Jack is currently based in the UK, where he works with our various implementing partners throughout Africa. Jack ensures that our projects are being implemented in a sustainable and efficient manner. He works with each partner on all aspects of the water, sanitation and hygiene projects funded by TWP. Together, we're consistently honing our approach to community led sustainable development.

Jack has a great deal of experience traveling, living and working in Africa. He has worked alongside rural water committees in Cameroon, leading the development of a regional network of community water projects and he has conducted field research into hygiene knowledge and behavior in Ethiopia. Jack holds an MSc in Community Water and Sanitation from Cranfield University in England.

Jack's first experience of Africa was scaling the heights of Mt Kilimanjaro - nearly 20,000 feet - with a good friend.

Rob Hudiburg, Board Member

Rob has spent his career in industry, and has a personal passion for seeing that doing good and doing well coexist. Rob is currently Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Kellogg Garden Products, a third generation family owned business dedicated to producing premium Organic soils and fertilizers within the Lawn & Garden industry. Rob also has an MBA in Finance & Entrepreneurship from Pepperdine University. Rob's idea of a perfect day includes an afternoon at Fenway Park with his beautiful wife and two sons.

David Myers, Board Member

Dave's professional background includes a graduate degree in Civil Engineering and experience helping to start and grow private companies and organizations. He is excited about applying these professional skills to The Water Project. Dave and his wife Nancy live in Massachusetts and have 3 children and six grandchildren.