Hands of the Carpenter Leadership Team

Mark Cerny, President, Board of Directors Member: Mark first traveled to Banica, Dominican Republic in 2014 on a Mission trip with St Charles Catholic Church. Mark has returned to Banica several times to continue this good work, and these trips have helped him to develop the vision for the Hands of the Carpenter. Mark is an architect, contractor, and owner of emcee design build in Falls Church, VA.

Jonathan Amgott, Secretary, Board of Directors Member: Jonathan earned an undergraduate degree in public policy studies from Duke University and a law degree from the University of Virginia.  Before his legal career in the private and public sectors, Jonathan worked for an international development nonprofit, where he collaborated with religious leaders on a public health project funded by the Gates Foundation.  In addition to his duties as Secretary, Jonathan leads the mission development and strategic planning committee for Hands of the Carpenter.

Jenn Bible, Overall Mission/Strategy Committee: Jenn is skilled in change management, and strategy development. Throughout her career, she has analyzed programmatic strengths and weaknesses, and facilitated large stakeholder groups to reach consensus around policies, procedures, and organizational strategies. Jenn received her Bachelors’ Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Marymount University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. She has previously practiced clinically, working primarily with children and families, and currently works in emergency management.

Mike Sampson, Board of Directors Member: Mike holds an undergraduate degree in political science, and advanced degrees in international relations, and law. He worked in clinical drug development prior to graduate school, and practiced law in both the private and public sectors. He has served on management advisory committees in both the private and public sectors that focused on issues of poverty, housing, and education. Mike serves on the mission development and strategic planning committee.

Patrick Fallon, Treasurer, Board of Directors Member: Born in New York and residing in Northern Virginia with his family, Patrick works in the technology industry. At Hands of the Carpenter, Patrick serves as Treasurer and leader of the Finance Committee. Patrick spent time in the Dominican Republic as a volunteer laying concrete floors for homes. In his spare time, Patrick can be found hanging out with his family, playing guitar, cooking on the grill, or agonizing over the latest New York Giants blunder. Patrick holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Providence College.

Bill Hanczaryk, Board of Directors Member: Bill’s background is in Computer Science and Engineering, attending Winthrop University and the University of South Carolina.  With over 12 years of experience in the IT/Software industry, Bill specializes in cybersecurity along with software/application engineering and development.  Bill’s role within Hands of the Carpenter mainly consists of supporting the marketing and financing teams along with administering the website, email, and IT of the organization.

Mike Lewis, Board of Directors Member: Mike holds a B.S. in construction engineering and management from Virginia Tech and has worked in the commercial and residential construction industries. Mike has spent time in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti working with USAID and Bridges to Prosperity. Mike is responsible for the building design and construction, and also assists with the marketing of Hands of the Carpenter.

Justin Pham, Finance and Marketing Committees: Justin Pham is a management consultant with Kearney, where he focuses on supporting retail and CPG clients. Prior to Kearney, Justin led the corporate fundraising program at the American Enterprise Institute. Justin has served on the boards of state and local non-profit organizations and served as executive director of a service campaign focused on raising funds & awareness for water scarcity issues.  He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

Fr. Donald J. Planty Jr., J.C.D., Chaplain: Fr. Don is pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia. He has spent many years in Hispanic Ministry and is fluent in Spanish, having been raised in Latin America.  Through service to the Church on assignment in Ethiopia, Fr. Don gained experience in relief and development issues.  As Chaplain, he provides spiritual support for HoC people and projects.