John Bul Dau
President

John DauJohn Bul Dau received his Associates Degree from Onondaga Community College in 2004 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He was featured in the 2006 documentary God Grew Tired of Us and co-authored his autobiography, God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir, along with Michael Sweeney. He has founded three non-profit organizations and is a professional speaker represented by Keppler Speakers. Between 2001 and 2006 John held multiple jobs including working as a server at McDonald’s, an inspector at UPS and XTO factory and a security officer at St. Joseph Hospital Health Center. He has received numerous awards including the 2007 National Geographic Emerging Explorer Award. John speaks five languages and currently resides with his wife, Martha, and their two daughters and son in Syracuse, New York.

Tom Dannan
executive director

Tom DannanTom Dannan received an A.A. in Humanities (Journalism) from Onondaga Community College and his B.A. in Public Affairs from Syracuse University, where he participated in SU's Maxwell in D.C. International Relations program. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Peace Corps and served in Morocco for two years as a Community Health Educator, working out of a rural health clinic teaching about nutrition, hygiene, basic first-aid, and HIV/AIDS. He has volunteered and worked for many non-profits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, and the Syracuse Track Club. His hobbies include fishing, enjoying nature, and writing.

 

 

Peggy Surdam
FINANCE MANAGER

 

Sean Herron
Director of Public Relations

Sean HerronSean Herron joined the John Dau Foundation in August of 2008. As Director of Public Relations, he is primarily responsible for the majority of the Foundation's public relations work. Sean comes to the Foundation from Los Angeles, California, where he has previously worked in the theme park industry and NASA.  Sean also has volunteered and worked for a multitide of non-profit organizations, including Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Camps, the Student Television Network, and FIRST Robotics. In his spare time, Sean enjoys following politics, reading, and videography.

 

 

Chelsea Holmes
Outreach Management Coordinator

Chelsea HolmesChelsea comes from a small town in central Michigan and is excited to be working with the John Dau Foundation.  She has past experience working in the non-profit sector, most recently with the Women's Resource Center of Mid Michigan.  She also has volunteered with the Gratiot County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, the Mentor PLUS Program, and the International Young Scholars Program.  In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

 

 

Emma Krupnick
Executive assistant

Emma KrupnickEmma is a student at Syracuse University studying public policy and the environment. Her interest in the John Dau Foundation started when John Dau came to speak to one of her classes. She is grateful for the opportunity to work for such an important cause and hopes that the Clinic's efforts continue to be a success.