A member of the Rotary club of Carmel Valley since 2003, Bryan has been a part of The Safe Blood Africa Project since its inception. He is also a Managing Director of Private Capital Corporation, specializing in designing and implementing Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) and Management Stock Ownership Plans (MSOP) for the firm’s clients. His experience includes extensive executive level management of both public and private businesses in manufacturing and engineering. He also founded and operated his own manufacturing company. Bryan also served in the U.S. Army for 30 years and retired in 2001, having reached the rank of Colonel. Bryan earned an engineering degree at Seattle University, an MS in Systems Management from USC and a certificate in e-Commerce Management from San Jose State University.
WARREN KAUFMANPRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
After becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley in 2002 Warren was immediately
chosen to lead a Group Study Exchange Group from Rotary District 5230 to Nigeria. Upon his
return, he created The Safe Blood Africa project to fill the tremendous need for safe blood in that
country. He has since served as Membership Chairman and International Chairman of Carmel
Valley Rotary Club, and District 5230 GSE Chairman. In 2004 he returned to Nigeria to dedicate
the first blood bank installed in Uyo. He returns every year for subsequent dedications.
JOHN MCKENNACHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JAMISON KAUFMANPUBLIC RELATIONS
PAUL SMISTGRANTS COORDINATOR
Paul Smist has been a real estate professional specializing in real estate financing, sales and investments for 25 years. He has the experience of over 1,000 closed escrows. Prior to real estate, Paul worked in corporate finance, accounting and executive positions. Paul has been a member of the Carmel Valley Rotary since January of 2008. Shortly after joining the club, he became aware of the Safe Blood Africa Project and the life saving efforts in Africa. It wasn’t long thereafter that Paul accepted an invitation to become directly involved. Paul’s experience in coordinating and closing transactions is put to good use in the Safe Blood Africa project. Each blood bank project typically involves a shared effort with local and district Rotary clubs and international clubs participating. A grant proposal is required for each project. Paul is involved with coordinating the preparation and completion of the grant proposals necessary to fund the blood banks.
BEN OBIAJULU ADUBANIGERIA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Born in Enugu State, Nigeria, Mr. Aduba immigrated to the United States and became an active
member of the Salinas Steinbeck Rotary Club, CA , serving as Foundation Chair. He has served as
advisor to the team of The Safe Blood Africa project since 2002 and was a member of the Display
Creation team, was a Conference presenter at GETS 2003 and is the Nigeria Liaison since 2004. His
love for his birthplace lends great energy and inspiration to the project.
SBA - AFRICA
LORD JUSTICE EDMEKONG EDMEKONGPRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
President of the Rotary Club of Uyo in 2002-2003, Superior Court Justice Edemekong wanted to do
an international project for his Club. Being intimately familiar with the need for blood in his country
and having a great heart for service, he was the perfect co-founder for the Safe Blood Africa Project.
In 2004 he co-dedicated the first blood bank installed in Uyo at the University of Uyo Teaching
Hospital.
