LAURA MACHABA (SELEPE) ABIODUN | PRESIDENT
With over three decades of governance, leadership, strategy and brand architecture experience in the US and around the world, Laura M Selepe Abiodun, is an expert governance, a brand builder, creative thinker, leadership architect, enterprise strategist and truly global. She has worked in some of the world’s leading brands in developed and emerging markets, been a valued partner to Clients, and built winning teams, boards and cohorts to drive the enterprise agenda forward. She relentlessly values talent at all levels and unapologetically demands excellence.
She is anchored in the UBUNTU principle of “Humanity, I am Because We Are” and is committed to forge an environment that gives a voice to all. Laura, a retired senior partner with Ernst & Young (EY), is the founder and chairman of a management consultancy firm, AMC International Group that operates globally with offices in the United States and South Africa. She is a founder of a nonprofit that she has just relaunched since its inception in Africa, with a revised focus on STEM and STEAM. Laura brings over three decades of building individual and organizational capability from the boardroom to the front line.
She serves on the Swamp Camp Mission Alliance (S.C.M.A.) board as the President. A former chairman of the Argus Voting Trust, Board member Times Media Group (formerly AVUSA), a leading media and entertainment firm, Vice-chairman of the board of directors of the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), a 45% owner, partner and chairman of Protect-A-Partner, an Auditing and Accounting Services firm, a Council member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IoDSA) and Lead Director for IoDSA CEO Search, and Human Resource Committee (HRC) and Remuneration Committee member of South African Revenue Services (SARS). Advisor to Northwest Province (State Governor) Premier’s ICT Advisory Council member.
An entrepreneur from a young age, career started at the treasury national department in South Africa during apartheid as an assistant accountant and then moved to Shell Oil Southern Africa as a marketing executive. Previously an Executive Head of Talent & Brand at Woolworths in Cape Town on her return to South Africa. She led South Africa National Department of Health Design of the “Logic Framework for HIV AIDS & Communicable Diseases,” consulted with all state department heads of finance and premiers / governors nationwide over six months and concluded the primary research with a three-day facilitated workshop with the executive teams and their direct reports.
She designed and facilitated a SADC Policy Leaders workshop on poverty eradication, with four women vice presidents in Southern African Development Community, hired by WKKF Kellogg Foundation. Co-chaired community building project for public private partnership on building social capital were in Charlotte NC, USA as a follow up to a Harvard Study in partnership with the University of North Carolina (UNC-Charlotte).
A Malcolm Baldrige Quality National Award (MBQNA) certified examiner for NC, USA, Laura contributed to the book “Why the Bottom Line Isn’t” by Dave Ulrich & Norm Smallwood and The Capable Organization by Richard Lynch. Laura is married to Christopher Abiodun and have just celebrated their 30th Marriage Anniversary, blessed with two creative and scientific children Sade 28 years old and Titi (Omi) 25 years old. She holds an MBA from Dominican University, MA from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting & law from South Africa. Served in the Ministry as a Women’s’ Ministry Leader in Africa.
Laura Abiodun
Conyers, Georgia
With over three decades of governance, leadership, strategy and brand architecture experience in the US and around the world, Laura M Selepe Abiodun, is an expert governance, a brand builder, creative thinker, leadership architect, enterprise strategist and truly global. She has worked in some of the world’s leading brands in developed and emerging markets, been a valued partner to Clients, and built winning teams, boards and cohorts to drive the enterprise agenda forward. She relentlessly values talent at all levels and unapologetically demands excellence.
She is anchored in the UBUNTU principle of “Humanity, I am Because We Are” and is committed to forge an environment that gives a voice to all. Laura, a retired senior partner with Ernst & Young (EY), is the founder and chairman of a management consultancy firm, AMC International Group that operates globally with offices in the United States and South Africa. She is a founder of a nonprofit that she has just relaunched since its inception in Africa, with a revised focus on STEM and STEAM. Laura brings over three decades of building individual and organizational capability from the boardroom to the front line.
She serves on the Swamp Camp Mission Alliance (S.C.M.A.) board as the President. A former chairman of the Argus Voting Trust, Board member Times Media Group (formerly AVUSA), a leading media and entertainment firm, Vice-chairman of the board of directors of the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), a 45% owner, partner and chairman of Protect-A-Partner, an Auditing and Accounting Services firm, a Council member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IoDSA) and Lead Director for IoDSA CEO Search, and Human Resource Committee (HRC) and Remuneration Committee member of South African Revenue Services (SARS). Advisor to Northwest Province (State Governor) Premier’s ICT Advisory Council member.
An entrepreneur from a young age, career started at the treasury national department in South Africa during apartheid as an assistant accountant and then moved to Shell Oil Southern Africa as a marketing executive. Previously an Executive Head of Talent & Brand at Woolworths in Cape Town on her return to South Africa. She led South Africa National Department of Health Design of the “Logic Framework for HIV AIDS & Communicable Diseases,” consulted with all state department heads of finance and premiers / governors nationwide over six months and concluded the primary research with a three-day facilitated workshop with the executive teams and their direct reports.
She designed and facilitated a SADC Policy Leaders workshop on poverty eradication, with four women vice presidents in Southern African Development Community, hired by WKKF Kellogg Foundation. Co-chaired community building project for public private partnership on building social capital were in Charlotte NC, USA as a follow up to a Harvard Study in partnership with the University of North Carolina (UNC-Charlotte).
A Malcolm Baldrige Quality National Award (MBQNA) certified examiner for NC, USA, Laura contributed to the book “Why the Bottom Line Isn’t” by Dave Ulrich & Norm Smallwood and The Capable Organization by Richard Lynch. Laura is married to Christopher Abiodun and have just celebrated their 30th Marriage Anniversary, blessed with two creative and scientific children Sade 28 years old and Titi (Omi) 25 years old. She holds an MBA from Dominican University, MA from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting & law from South Africa. Served in the Ministry as a Women’s’ Ministry Leader in Africa.
Laura Abiodun
Conyers, Georgia
WILL ARCHER | VICE PRESIDENT
Will Archer is a visionary Lead Pastor with over twenty-seven years of experience leading missional communities in diverse ministry settings. He is deeply devoted to developing healthy communities of faith that make disciples of Jesus and who engage the business community and community partners committed to helping the least of these in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He serves as a member of the Swamp Camp Missions Alliance Board. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Chamber Of Commerce and Blue Ribbon Results Academy. He is an alumnus of the 2019 Class of Leadership Prince William and of the 2022 Class of Lead Virginia. Pastor Archer has an Undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Arcadia University and a Master's degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He is currently a Doctorate of Ministry candidate at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He has been married to the love of his life, Latosha Archer, for 24 years, and they have two adventurous children, 21-year-old Mekhi and 15 year-old Journey. He serves as the Lead Pastor for the Potomac Valley Church in Northern Virginia.
Will Archer
Dumfries, VA
Will Archer is a visionary Lead Pastor with over twenty-seven years of experience leading missional communities in diverse ministry settings. He is deeply devoted to developing healthy communities of faith that make disciples of Jesus and who engage the business community and community partners committed to helping the least of these in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He serves as a member of the Swamp Camp Missions Alliance Board. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Prince William County Chamber Of Commerce and Blue Ribbon Results Academy. He is an alumnus of the 2019 Class of Leadership Prince William and of the 2022 Class of Lead Virginia. Pastor Archer has an Undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Arcadia University and a Master's degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He is currently a Doctorate of Ministry candidate at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He has been married to the love of his life, Latosha Archer, for 24 years, and they have two adventurous children, 21-year-old Mekhi and 15 year-old Journey. He serves as the Lead Pastor for the Potomac Valley Church in Northern Virginia.
Will Archer
Dumfries, VA
LEE REDD | TREASURER
Lee Redd, along with his wife Marcia, lives in Bethlehem (Georgia, that is). They met 50 years ago in South Africa as teens at a church conference (1974), have been married for 42 years and have four adult children, all of whom have attended Swamp Camp in Georgia; two have been on Swamp Corps trips. Their children and 8 grandchildren all live close to them.
Lee graduated from Abilene Christian University with degrees in Greek (BA, MA), Marcia in Bible (BA). Both were baptized in 1988 in San Antonio, Texas and have been part of churches in Dallas, New Orleans, Birmingham, and the Atlanta area, where they have served in children’s ministry, small groups, and other roles. They currently are part of the Athens (Georgia, that is) Church of Christ, where Lee had served as a board member (treasurer).
After 28 years in the pest control industry, Lee retired in 2018 and enjoys taking classes at UGA, helping with Africa missions, traveling on Swamp Corps trips, making and fixing things (always opportunity!), and learning about almost anything!
He has many fond and powerful memories of Midsouth Youth Camp and of the impact it had on him in his middle school years. He lived in Zimbabwe for 3 years as a teen during a civil war, has traveled to 35+ countries, and has had numerous experiences throughout his life that help him to see the incredible resources we in the developed world have and the tremendous needs of so many!
Lee Redd
Monroe, Georgia
Lee Redd, along with his wife Marcia, lives in Bethlehem (Georgia, that is). They met 50 years ago in South Africa as teens at a church conference (1974), have been married for 42 years and have four adult children, all of whom have attended Swamp Camp in Georgia; two have been on Swamp Corps trips. Their children and 8 grandchildren all live close to them.
Lee graduated from Abilene Christian University with degrees in Greek (BA, MA), Marcia in Bible (BA). Both were baptized in 1988 in San Antonio, Texas and have been part of churches in Dallas, New Orleans, Birmingham, and the Atlanta area, where they have served in children’s ministry, small groups, and other roles. They currently are part of the Athens (Georgia, that is) Church of Christ, where Lee had served as a board member (treasurer).
After 28 years in the pest control industry, Lee retired in 2018 and enjoys taking classes at UGA, helping with Africa missions, traveling on Swamp Corps trips, making and fixing things (always opportunity!), and learning about almost anything!
He has many fond and powerful memories of Midsouth Youth Camp and of the impact it had on him in his middle school years. He lived in Zimbabwe for 3 years as a teen during a civil war, has traveled to 35+ countries, and has had numerous experiences throughout his life that help him to see the incredible resources we in the developed world have and the tremendous needs of so many!
Lee Redd
Monroe, Georgia
EMILY SHAPIRO | SECRETARY
Emily Shapiro is a young(ish) professional living in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the last ten years and currently serves the city of Seattle as the senior program manager of the crisis response team for the homeless population. Her background includes legal advocacy for victims of abuse, and a shelter manager for sex trafficking victims. For her, camp has always been the most organic meeting with God and the place she feels the most herself. She believes that the joy, love, memories, and relationship with God shared at camp is one of the few things on earth that reflects Heaven itself.
Emily Shapiro
Shoreline, Washington
Emily Shapiro is a young(ish) professional living in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the last ten years and currently serves the city of Seattle as the senior program manager of the crisis response team for the homeless population. Her background includes legal advocacy for victims of abuse, and a shelter manager for sex trafficking victims. For her, camp has always been the most organic meeting with God and the place she feels the most herself. She believes that the joy, love, memories, and relationship with God shared at camp is one of the few things on earth that reflects Heaven itself.
Emily Shapiro
Shoreline, Washington
ARAUJO FRANCISCO | MEMBER
Bio forthcoming
Araujo Francisco
Asuncion City, Paraguay
Bio forthcoming
Araujo Francisco
Asuncion City, Paraguay
PAUL RAMSEY | MEMBER
Paul was baptized as a college student at the University of Florida in 1973. Candy is from Texas and came to Gainesville, Florida after graduating from Abilene Christian University. Paul and Candy met at the Crossroads Church in Gainesville, Florida and were married 44 years ago, have three adult children, two son in laws and a daughter in law who are all disciples. They are also proud grandparents of seven beautiful grandchildren, ages 1 to 9 years. Paul and Candy have served in multiple ministry roles in ten churches throughout eight states over the past four and a half decades, including leading churches. Paul first served as an elder in the New York City Church of Christ and later in the Columbia Church of Christ and was appointed an elder in the Austin Christian Church in March of 2020. Paul has served as an administrator for multiple churches for over 30 years. Paul is passionate about global missions and helped establish the Africa Missions Association and the Caribbean Missions Society. He served as the first Executive Director of the Africa Missions Association from 2013 until 2022. Paul currently serves as an elder and the Administrator of the Austin Christian Church in Austin, Texas, USA.
The Ramsey’s three adult children are all Swamp Camp veterans beginning several years before the GA Swamp property was initially purchased and all through their teen years. They are huge SWAMP fans and super excited about taking the Swamp experience around the world!
Paul Ramsey
Austin, Texas
Paul was baptized as a college student at the University of Florida in 1973. Candy is from Texas and came to Gainesville, Florida after graduating from Abilene Christian University. Paul and Candy met at the Crossroads Church in Gainesville, Florida and were married 44 years ago, have three adult children, two son in laws and a daughter in law who are all disciples. They are also proud grandparents of seven beautiful grandchildren, ages 1 to 9 years. Paul and Candy have served in multiple ministry roles in ten churches throughout eight states over the past four and a half decades, including leading churches. Paul first served as an elder in the New York City Church of Christ and later in the Columbia Church of Christ and was appointed an elder in the Austin Christian Church in March of 2020. Paul has served as an administrator for multiple churches for over 30 years. Paul is passionate about global missions and helped establish the Africa Missions Association and the Caribbean Missions Society. He served as the first Executive Director of the Africa Missions Association from 2013 until 2022. Paul currently serves as an elder and the Administrator of the Austin Christian Church in Austin, Texas, USA.
The Ramsey’s three adult children are all Swamp Camp veterans beginning several years before the GA Swamp property was initially purchased and all through their teen years. They are huge SWAMP fans and super excited about taking the Swamp experience around the world!
Paul Ramsey
Austin, Texas
CHRISTOPHER TODD | MEMBER
Chris grew up in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, after which he relocated to Gauteng Province to further his studies and career.
In his later years, Chris completed his Bachelor of Accounting Sciences Degree (Cum Laude) through the University of South Africa and achieved two professional designations – “Professional Accountant (SA)” and “Professional Tax Practitioner (SA)” through the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Chris’s career spans almost 30 years in Senior Finance positions of the Gold Mining and Manufacturing Industries in South Africa.
He is married to Karen and they have two daughters.
Baptised in 1997, Chris and Karen together led the Children’s Ministry in the Johannesburg Church of Christ for approx. 10 years. Karen was instrumental during the SWAMP launch, with Chris becoming “hands on” a couple years later, assisting with administration and loving being behind the camera taking the “candid snaps”. Having a heart for camp, they both helped with the launch of SWAMP Zimbabwe, assisting with administration and training. Chris has also served on the Operations Advisory Committee for Swamp Camp Services from 2021 to 2024.
For a number of years, Chris and Karen served as Family Group Leaders in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, with Chris being appointed to the Port Elizabeth Church of Christ’s Advisory Board of Trustees, one term as treasurer.
Chris hopes to add value, through his financial knowledge and insight, to compliment the already experienced and dedicated Board.
Chris Todd
Professional Accountant (SA) / Professional Tax Practitioner (SA)
Wavecrest
Jeffreys Bay
South Africa
Chris grew up in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, after which he relocated to Gauteng Province to further his studies and career.
In his later years, Chris completed his Bachelor of Accounting Sciences Degree (Cum Laude) through the University of South Africa and achieved two professional designations – “Professional Accountant (SA)” and “Professional Tax Practitioner (SA)” through the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Chris’s career spans almost 30 years in Senior Finance positions of the Gold Mining and Manufacturing Industries in South Africa.
He is married to Karen and they have two daughters.
Baptised in 1997, Chris and Karen together led the Children’s Ministry in the Johannesburg Church of Christ for approx. 10 years. Karen was instrumental during the SWAMP launch, with Chris becoming “hands on” a couple years later, assisting with administration and loving being behind the camera taking the “candid snaps”. Having a heart for camp, they both helped with the launch of SWAMP Zimbabwe, assisting with administration and training. Chris has also served on the Operations Advisory Committee for Swamp Camp Services from 2021 to 2024.
For a number of years, Chris and Karen served as Family Group Leaders in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, with Chris being appointed to the Port Elizabeth Church of Christ’s Advisory Board of Trustees, one term as treasurer.
Chris hopes to add value, through his financial knowledge and insight, to compliment the already experienced and dedicated Board.
Chris Todd
Professional Accountant (SA) / Professional Tax Practitioner (SA)
Wavecrest
Jeffreys Bay
South Africa
2024 Staff
JEFF RORABAUGH | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SWAMP CORPS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jeff comes to S.C.M.A. with over 35 years of service, working with youth of all ages. He has been involved in the planning and leadership of Swamp Camp for most of those years. He has been a full-time and volunteer youth minister and has worked with kids in the Greater Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Athens, GA, and Wilmington, NC areas. He holds a Bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Science in Operations Management from Georgia State University. Jeff has worked with the likes of The Coca-Cola Company, Scientific Atlanta, Atlanta Church of Christ, Frito-Lay, and Power Partners holding various operations management positions and comes to S.C.M.A. with much needed project management, train-the-trainer, budgeting, and leadership skills. His passion is to see the world made a better place by working with tomorrow's leaders today.
Jeff comes to S.C.M.A. with over 35 years of service, working with youth of all ages. He has been involved in the planning and leadership of Swamp Camp for most of those years. He has been a full-time and volunteer youth minister and has worked with kids in the Greater Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Athens, GA, and Wilmington, NC areas. He holds a Bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Science in Operations Management from Georgia State University. Jeff has worked with the likes of The Coca-Cola Company, Scientific Atlanta, Atlanta Church of Christ, Frito-Lay, and Power Partners holding various operations management positions and comes to S.C.M.A. with much needed project management, train-the-trainer, budgeting, and leadership skills. His passion is to see the world made a better place by working with tomorrow's leaders today.
KAREN TODD | BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Karen joined Swamp Corps in 2021 with more than 15 years administration experience that includes being part of the team that launched Swamp Camp South Africa in 2012. She has been a volunteer Kingdom Kids coordinator and a full-time church employee responsible for event management and communication. She hopes to assess and optimise existing processes and infrastructure to ensure maximum efficiencies and impact on the staff hosting, those volunteering to serve and those participating in all Swamp Corps events.
Karen joined Swamp Corps in 2021 with more than 15 years administration experience that includes being part of the team that launched Swamp Camp South Africa in 2012. She has been a volunteer Kingdom Kids coordinator and a full-time church employee responsible for event management and communication. She hopes to assess and optimise existing processes and infrastructure to ensure maximum efficiencies and impact on the staff hosting, those volunteering to serve and those participating in all Swamp Corps events.
© 2024 Swamp Camp Mission Alliance Inc, 3605 New Holland Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 706.818.5842
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