Meet the Staff and Board of Directors

Executive Committee:

Marjorie P. Brennan, Founder and Executive Director, JDT Foundation

Marjorie is a physician specializing in pediatric anesthesiology at Children’s National Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at George Washington University. Marjorie was born in Haiti, and moved to New York at a very young age. She has a strong interest in medical missionary work, volunteering for multiple trips to Vilnius University Children’s Hospital in Lithuania, and more recently, to Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot, Haiti. Her time in Haiti has been transformative and she believes the potential of Haiti's amazing people, though education, to bring about meaningful change to their communities and lead productive lives.

She received her Bachelor of Science and her MD degree from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has published book chapters as well as medical journal articles, particularly related to muscle diseases of children. She serves as a trustee on the Board of the Potomac School, in independent K-12 school in Virginia. She has been a Sunday School teacher at her local parish and is an avid traveler, runner, and cook. She resides in the Washington D.C area.

Marie Denise Pierre, Secretary, JDT Foundation

Marie Denise was born in Haiti to Joseph Denis Thomas and his wife Felicite. She grew up on her father's farm in Hinche. She immigrated to the United States in 1967, and subsequently received a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University. She worked for the Michigan Department of Health for 20 years, primarily in the testing and development of vaccines. She received the Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service for the production of essential vaccines for the medical biological defense of our troops during the Iraq Gulf War in 1991. Marie is also an avid traveler, receiving great enjoyment from meeting those from many cultures. She believes, though, that she has seen no place as beautiful as Haiti. She lives now in Weston, Florida with her husband Eric.

Marie Evelyne Valbrun, Treasurer, JDT Foundation

Marie Evelyne was born in Haiit and came to the United States in 1970. She is a registered nurse, and worked for more than 30 years on Med/Surg at the same hospital in Fort Lauderdale. She is very active in her local community, assisting Haitians with access to health care, mentoring of newly arrived families, and providing meals. She lives in Fort Lauderdale with her husband, Jean.

Board of Directors:

Professor Myrtha (Jesse) Benoit

Myrtha is architect in Haiti. Originally residing in Plaine, her home was reduced to rubble in the earthquake in January. She currently resides in Port-au-Prince, with her husband Victor Benoit, the founder and director of the College Price Mars.

Jeanne Fils MD, RNP

Jeanne Fils was initially a Family Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner and went to pursue a medical degree. Currently, she is a Medical Doctor and CEO and Owner of WORLD FIRST CLASS HOME HEALTH, INC., a Medicare/ Medicaid certified and Joint Commission Organization accredited home health care in the state of Florida. She resides in Weston Florida.

Marjorie Josaphat

Marjorie Josaphat is of Haitian descent, living in southern California. She has one son, a recent graduate from Pepperdine University. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti. Ms. Josaphat has over 20 years experience in the field of Education including administration and teaching. Ms. Josaphat currently serves as Human Resources, Director for the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the second largest school district in the country. Ms. Josaphat holds a California Teaching Credential in the field of English and Social Science. In addition, she holds a masters degree in Education and Administrative Credential. She resides in Southern California.

Olivier Pierre, Director of Communications, JDT Foundation

Olivier Pierre is a Haitian-American, currently residing in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Pierre graduated from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in 2007 with a MA in International Relations. Mr. Pierre has about 5 years of combined experience in communication and marketing in both public and private sectors mainly acquired through private companies such as DuPont and NGOs such as UNICEF and UNITAR. Mr. Pierre currently holds Project Manager position in Marketing for a luxury watch brand in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr Pierre has been involved for many years in activities that promote the Haitian culture and numerous humanitarian projects in Switzerland.