People at RainCatcher

David Zielski – Executive Director

From the early age of 12, David worked with his father drafting for the family mechanical-engineering firm. His love of computers and building things led him to Boston in pursuit of a degree in electrical engineering. In the early 1990s, he used his knowledge of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to help launch the first commercially available Caller ID product.

Driven by the growing environmental push in the 2000s, David and his wife started a company that manufactured and marketed all-natural products. Besides achieving national and international distribution, their products were used exclusively in a sustainable off-the-grid community in Taos, New Mexico where he gained first-hand expertise in sustainable energy and water systems. David’s interest was piqued and he continued to study sustainable living systems.

While back in school part-time for his MBA in Marketing, he met RainCatcher’s founder was captivated by how simple, effective and sustainable rainwater harvesting can be and the significant impact that can be made in the lives of many. His appreciation for the RainCatcher mission and his love of energy and water systems led him to get involved. With the RainCatcher team, he helps combine the ancient art of rainwater harvesting with today’s technology, providing sustainable, affordable sources of clean drinking water to people in need.

Julie Lomakka – Executive Development Director

Julie Lomakka joins RainCatcher with 24 years of operational experience in specialty retail. As the Senior Director of Operations at bebe and as the VP of Operations at Planet Funk Julie’s scope of responsibilities have included Marketing, Communications, Training, Loss Prevention, Construction, Facilities, Web Development and Purchasing. Julie’s primary focus has been and continues to be building teams that are highly specialized in the areas of communication and operations. It has been her dream to apply this experience to a cause that can change and save lives. Working with RainCatchers dedicated and passionate team is making this dream come true.

Martha McBride – Project Director Africa

Martha McBride started as a volunteer for RainCatcher. A former broadcaster, she’s spent much of the past 20 years leveraging her journalism training and love of connecting people. She’s primarily worked with small businesses, with specific focus on bringing out the best in others.

In recent years as a leadership and sales-performance coach and consultant, she’s had the opportunity to work alongside clients as they changed direction or transformed their lives. Realizing there is more to a fulfilling life than just making money, she began seeking opportunities to apply her business and communication skills to service.

As a freelance commercial copy writer and voice talent, Martha’s flexible schedule allows her the freedom to travel freely and work from almost anywhere. With RainCatcher, she’s able to apply her team-building and program-management experience to effectively get things done, both while in the field and in cooperation with partners. She is a tireless traveler and feels so blessed that she lives in a world where she can write, see the world, forge connections and help people, all at once.

Sarah Savedra – Office Manager

Sarah has been with RainCatcher and Armfield Design and Construction as office manager for over three years. Her management and organizational skills have led to the continued growth of both RainCatcher and Armfield design. Her tenacity, drive and experience make her an essential member of the board. She is currently working towards her Degrees in Management.

Dennis Ssebuggwawo – Country Director Uganda

Dennis Ssebuggwawo Dennis has been working with RainCatcher in his native Uganda area since 2011. Knowing first hand about the clean water problems his country faces and how quickly and efficiently RainCatcher can get clean water to those in need, he first volunteered his time before we quickly realized his passion for his people and brought him into our mission.

Fred Mango – Country Director Kenya

Fred Mango Fred has been working with RainCatcher in his native Kenya area since 2011. Having a background in rainwater harvesting, he aligned with RainCatcher and formed RainCatcher Kenya so we could implement more projects in this area in need of clean water.

Advisory board

Our advisory board is a group of professionals which donate their time and resources to offer advice and direction to RainCatcher. We value their input and help in spreading awareness of the global clean water crisis and are grateful for the energy they bring to RainCatcher.

Wendell Figueroa Ruiz

An expert public relations and marketing executive with several years of experience, Wendell is the director of communications for one the largest luxury brands group in the world. A true cosmopolitan, Wendell was born in Honduras, attended school in the United States and France and holds degrees in Business Marketing, French and International Business; he speaks fluent Spanish, English, French and Italian, and has traveled all over the world. His keen understanding of different cultures brings him closer to people of all walks of life. Avid reader, loyal friend and concerned world citizen, for many years Wendell has been involved with various charitable and cultural organizations such as the American-Italian Cancer Foundation; the American Cancer Society and the New York Museo del Barrio, and actively supports his friends’ charitable efforts in various areas. He is well known in the international luxury industry circles and uses his professional expertise and connections to bring attention to and get support for the causes he holds dear to his heart. Wendell believes strongly that we all can make a difference -regardless of our background, social status or educational level, if we all pitch in a little bit, we can build great things and help others on the way. In the summer of 2011 Wendell traveled with a group of friends to the southern Indian state of Kerala on behalf of RainCatcher, this life-changing experience strengthened his commitment to do the utmost to bring clean water to those people around the world who lack access to it.

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert RainCatcher Dennis Haysbert is RainCatcher’s spokesman and long time supporter. Dennis is known for starring as President David Palmer on the show “24”; Sergeant Major Jonas Blane on David Mamet’s The Unit; and the face of Allstate Insurance.