Board of Directors
Andrew Sullivan (andrewsullivan@ecta-international.org)
Executive Director
Andrew Sullivan graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Tourism and Recreation and is currently pursuing his Master's of Public Administration at the University of Colorado. He has guided climbing, backpacking and whitewater rafting trips in Colorado and North Carolina for years and spent several years as the director of an outdoor youth program. In 2005/2006 he deployed to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps where his work in support of community reconstruction efforts inspired him to form ECTA upon his return. He is trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician. Most recently he has worked with Grand County EMS on an ambulance and responds as a member of their Mountain Medical Response Team who provides medical support to search and rescue operations in the backcountry.
Brenton Hutson (brentonhutson@ecta-international.org)
Chief Operations Officer/Chairman
Brenton Hutson's work with ECTA began in 2006, leading him to explore sustainable community solutions throughout India and Bhutan along with his fellow co-founders. In 2005/2006 he deployed to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps where his work in support of community reconstruction efforts inspired him to form ECTA upon his return. He has worked extensively in community-based programs both in the United States and abroad, and has found his passion in linking groups of people around the world to each other through the common string of humanity. Brenton holds his Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Colorado, and is currently pursuing his
Master's of Public Administration.
Owen Sizemore (os@ecta-international.org)
Treasurer/Accounts Manager
Owen Sizemore was born and raised in Lebanon, Ohio. He first attended college at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio, until joining the Marines after his freshman year and transferring to the University of Northern Colorado. He deployed to Iraq in 2006; conducting security operations in the Anbar Province. Owen graduated from UNC in May 2009 with a B.S.B.A. in Accounting; he currently works as a Tax Commissioner Agent for the Ohio Dept. of Taxation and is in the process of becoming a CPA. He enjoys board sports and learning various grappling-based martial arts when he is not busy studying for the CPA.
Dan Charbonneau (dc@ecta-international.org)
Fundraising Chair
Daniel Charbonneau is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in architectural engineering. Having been an active participant and enthusiastic supporter of ECTA’s efforts since his first trip to India and Bhutan to visit the Dayasagar Community in 2006, Dan currently serves as ECTA’s Fundraising Coordinator. Currently working as a first responder and firefighter at the Pleasant View Fire Department in Golden, Colorado, community service, and those who engage in it, are always at the forefront of Dan’s mind. When not putting out fires or serving the ECTA community, Dan enjoys rock climbing, hiking, kayaking and camping.
Jeff Owsley (jo@ecta-international.org)
Leadership Development Director
Jeff Owsley has a passion for people and other cultures. From an early age, his life has been about getting involved with communities of people and helping them to meet needs, be connected, and grow. Jeff holds a bachelors degree in business from Adams State College and a masters degree in cross-cultural ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, and his career has been similarly divided between business and ministry or nonprofit work. He directed all the efforts to serve the needs of the Albanian people group for Pioneers during the first five years of their transition from Communism to a more open society. As a highly trained long distance runner, Jeff dreams of seeing developing countries take advantage of the health, economic and environmental benefits of a dynamic running industry.
Staff Members
Lora Smith (lorasmith@ecta-international.org)
Website Coordinator
Lora Smith lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, Dan. They have a daughter, Sarah, who is away at college. Lora is an IT consultant who helps with the ECTA website.
Caitlin Jezek (caitlin@ecta-international.org)
Advocacy Coordinator
A longtime follower of the joys and struggles of the Dayasagar community, Caitlin has felt a strong connection since her first trip to India in 2006. Caitlin has worked with Jefferson County’s Public Information Office where she has contributed insights into using social media platforms, made recommendations for web design and maintained the quality of the county’s web content. Her love for the outdoors led her to work with Outward Bound out of Golden, CO and her desire for exposing adolescents to meaningful and impactful experiences nurtured an environment for growth while she was a backpacking guide for a wilderness therapy program in northern Idaho. Caitlin is passionate about connecting people within life changing communities and encouraging soul growth and healing of all individuals. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is WFR certified. When not connecting project members and their supporters with information, she can be found exploring the mountains for a new adventure, picking up new music (her thirst for good music can never be satisfied), or making her friends and neighbors fall victim to trying her latest recipes.
Lindsey Julen (lj@ecta-international.org)
Communications Manager
Lindsey Julen has begun her work at ECTA International as anIntern for the fall semester 2011. She is a Senior at the University of Colorado working on a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, focusing on advocating for non-profit organizations. She moved here from Chicago last year to experience the culture and diversity of Denver and to explore the mountains. Since 2003, she has volunteered as an Events Coordinator for the American Cancer Society and has also been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society’sMS Walk. Her passion for charity and goodwill has led her to work with many non-profit organizations and center her goals around the needs of other people.
