Ian Maxwell - Co-Founder and C.E.O.

Ian Maxwell works at Heart for Africa, a faith-based organization focusing on bringing hope to the people of Africa in the areas of Hunger, Orphans, Poverty and Education. Ian’s vision for self-sustainable food security for all people is at the core of community transformation. Ian successfully unites and partners people from many nations to work together for comprehensive and lasting solutions.

Ian has a degree in economics from Bishops University in Lennoxville, Quebec and is the former vice-president of operations for Onyx Marketing Group in Toronto, Canada.

Janine Maxwell - Co-Founder

At the age of 24 Janine Maxwell founded what would become one of the most successful marketing companies in Canada. For 16 years Janine led Onyx Marketing Group boasting some of the most well known companies in North America.

On 9/11 she found herself a part of thousands fleeing New York City. This life-changing event sent Janine on a search for the meaning of life. Her journey took her to Africa where she encountered the AIDS pandemic, hunger and disease. Janine was stirred by the faces of children, mothers and grandmothers fighting daily for their life. She turned from her boardroom savvy to be the voice sounding an alarm for those too weak to cry for help.  Together Janine and her husband Ian co-founded Heart For Africa, a faith based organization focusing on Hunger, Orphans, Poverty and Education in Swaziland.

Janine is a graduate of Evangel University. She is the author of two books, Is It Okay With You? and It’s Not Okay With Me.  For more information about booking Janine to speak at your event, please send an email to speaker@heartforafrica.org.

Press Release for Is It Okay With You?

Jimmy Wilferth - President

Jimmy lives in Cape Girardeau, MO where he was born and raised. He has been married to Chrisy for 20 years and has two children, Bo age 16 and Anne age 13.  Second only to his love for the Lord, they rank at the top of his list!  Jimmy came to Heart for Africa in 2011 from another not-for-profit ministry named Men at the Cross, where he served for 5-years as Vice President of National Operations.  Prior to that, Jimmy served as the COO of a major Stihl power equipment distributorship in the US and as the President of United Oil Company.  His full-time service with Heart for Africa began at the beginning of 2012.  Jimmy has served in the short-term mission field since 1982 and is committed to the calling on his life to serve those who cannot serve themselves. Please contact Jimmy at jimmy@heartforafrica.org. 

Tricia Ford – Assistant to Janine Maxwell

Tricia has worked with Heart for Africa since 2005, serving as assistant to Janine Maxwell.  In her tenure with Heart for Africa, she has had the opportunity to travel to both Malawi and Swaziland.  Considering it a privilege to work with an organization committed to changing lives, she looks forward to what God has in store for the future of HFA and the work they are doing in Swaziland.  Tricia lives in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania with her husband, Craig, and they have three grown children.

Amber grew up with a heart for the nations and an appreciation for the many amazing things God does as He unfolds His strategic plans for our lives.  God knows what we will do, where His path will take us, and He uniquely prepares us along the way.  Amber graduated with an education degree in Middle School Math and Science from LaGrange College, and taught middle school for four years.  After teaching, she worked as the Director of Children's Ministry at Auburn Church, a strategic partner of North Point Community Church.  God has continued to cultivate a passion in Amber's heart for missions and children.  Her first trip to Africa was to serve at Litsemba 2010, and now she is living out her passion at Heart for Africa. Amber lives in Cape Girardeau, MO with her husband, Kenny.

Strib began his fundraising career in 2004 with Camp Highland, a high adventure camp in the North Georgia mountains.  He enjoys building relationships and working with donors, helping guide the passions God has placed on their hearts.  He had the privilege of travelling to Swaziland in 2010, and loved the ministry and direction of Heart for Africa. Strib is a native of Atlanta, and currently resides in Vinings with his wife Jennifer and their four children Strib, Demi, Josie, and Win.

John lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife of 20 years, Tracye, and their two sons, Calvin age 17 and Conner age 14.  John joined the Heart for Africa team after a trip to Swaziland with his family in the summer of 2012.  The McCarthy family was moved and inspired by the work that God was doing through the staff and volunteers in Swaziland.  John has over 20 years of Accounting and Operational management experience in the business world.  In addition he has extensive non-profit experience.  He has served on boards of several nonprofit organizations as the Finance Chairman including Hickory Valley Christian Church, Hickory Valley Christian School, Tres Dias of Southeast Tennessee and Christway Community Church.  He believes that God has provided him with all those opportunities to prepare him for this role at Heart for Africa.

Volunteer Staff

Norma Tibshirany – Travel Coordinator

Norma Tibshirany manages all airline bookings for our volunteers.  A full time travel agent, Norma has been instrumental in ensuring that the hundreds of volunteers traveling to Africa each year have a seat going to Africa and coming home from Africa.  Originally from South Africa, Norma lives in Alpharetta, GA.