About Us
Supporting More Than 3 Million People In 15 Countries
We are a U.S.-based, non-profit organization focused on bringing clean water to the world’s most impoverished communities through the installation of community-based water filtration systems and implementing our Water-Health and Hygiene Education programs. Our projects are focused on schools, children, and rural communities across Asia and Latin America.
Our Mission
To transform the health and well-being of children in the world’s most impoverished communities through providing access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education.
Recognitions
Leadership
Mark Steele
Founder And CEO
[Board Chairman And Director]
Before establishing Planet Water Foundation in 2009, Mark resided in the Asia-Pacific region for 18 years where he worked to establish the operational footprint and regional business for two global companies – most recently as Chief Operating Officer, Tele Atlas Asia-Pacific – the digital mapping subsidiary of leading navigation systems provider TomTom, and prior to that as President, ITT China – a global leader in water and wastewater products and services. During his time in Asia, Mark also led ITT’s emergency response efforts in Sri Lanka in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami and served as a member of the Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and as Chairman of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. Mark holds a degree in International Studies (Business) and Japanese from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (USA) during which time he also studied at Shizuoka University in Japan.
Kristen Steele
Vice President, Education
[Board Secretary, Treasurer, And Director]
Education has been a big part of Kristen’s life for the past 16 years. With a degree in Education from Creighton University, her career path has led to teaching elementary school, developing corporate training programs, and then operating her own company while residing in Scottsdale, Arizona. Taking a dive into Planet Water as our Director of Education was a natural move. Her passion for education has enabled her to develop and implement our Water-Health & Hygiene Education Program into elementary schools in rural villages across nine countries in the developing world.
Nick Hill
Board President and Director
John Deotrakul
Director, Global Communications & Development
John joined Planet Water Foundation in July 2020 and brings over 15 years of experience in senior marketing roles, having worked most recently in regional and global roles at Expedia and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. John holds a Bachelors degree with honors from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London.
May Heyamoto
Financial Controller
May joined us in June 2021 with over ten years of experience in various financial capacities in previous roles as Assistant Director of Finance and Financial Controller. May holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Whitworth University (US), and a Master’s degree in Accountancy from Gonzaga University (US).
Country Leaders
