One Mission.
Two Legal Homes.
HAPI works through two connected legal entities: HAPI USA and Fondasyon HAPI in Haiti. Together, they provide the governance, local leadership, financial accountability, and operational support needed to deliver healthcare, education, and economic opportunity in Mizak and surrounding communities.
Responsibility Moving Closer to the Community
HAPI began in 2007 as a founder-led organization shaped by close partnership with community leaders in Mizak. As HAPI has grown, it has intentionally strengthened Haitian leadership, expanded board engagement, and developed the systems needed for long-term institutional stability.
Programs are led and implemented by Haitian professionals who live and work in the communities they serve. Women hold significant leadership roles throughout the organization, and staff members are supported as they take on greater responsibility in governance, program management, finance, and operations.
How HAPI Is Organized
HAPI’s structure joins U.S. nonprofit governance with Haitian legal governance and local operational leadership. The two entities have distinct responsibilities while sharing one mission, one strategy, and a commitment to Haitian-led programs.
HAPI USA Board
Nonprofit governance, fundraising leadership, financial oversight, partnerships, and strategic accountability.
Fondasyon HAPI
Haitian governance, local accountability, legal operations, and community-rooted direction.
Haiti Executive Leadership
Translates governance and strategy into daily operations, staff leadership, and community-based program delivery.
See HAPI’s Full Organizational Structure
The overview above shows the relationship between HAPI’s two legal entities. The detailed chart shows governance, reporting relationships, and departmental responsibilities.
HAPI USA Board of Directors
The HAPI USA Board provides nonprofit governance, financial oversight, strategic direction, and accountability for the organization’s mission and resources.
Fondasyon HAPI
Fondasyon HAPI provides a Haitian legal and governance structure for HAPI’s work in Haiti. Voting members carry formal governance responsibility, while additional advisory perspectives strengthen local accountability and institutional development.
Voting Members
Dr. Riouse Zephir
Board Chair
Valerie Mossman-Celestin
Founder and President
Marcel Damis
Secretary
Monique Gaston
Treasurer
Additional advisory responsibility: Corporate Culture
Advisory Committee
Rowsevelt Debel
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Doris Prevost
Social Media and Communications
Mirleine Gard
Finance and Administration
Executive Leadership
HAPI’s executive leaders translate governance and strategy into daily operations and program delivery in Haiti. Portraits are reserved for this operational leadership team so governance roles can be presented consistently across both legal entities.
Dr. Riouse Zephir
Clinical Administrator & Medical Director | Chair, Fondasyon HAPI Board
Jean Claude Jr. Gard
Director of Finance and Human Resources
Mirleine Gard
Financial Controller & Administrative Manager
Wilbert Voltaire
Director of Economic and Community Development
Yolande Zephir
Director of Community Health Programs
Why This Work Matters
Building Leadership From Within
HAPI’s long-term strength depends on the people who lead its work every day. The organization invests in professional development, staff advancement, women’s leadership, and stronger Haitian governance so that responsibility and decision-making continue to move closer to the communities HAPI serves.
Partner With HAPI
Strong local leadership makes reliable healthcare, practical education, and economic opportunity possible. Your partnership helps HAPI develop people, strengthen systems, and sustain community-led programs in southeast Haiti.