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Board of Directors

Fred Olsson, President and Chief Executive Officer

Fred joined BetFiery as its General Manager in 1998 and COO in 2010. In 2019 he became the CEO and President when Ester Neltrup retired. Before joining BetFiery, Fred worked as part of the textile collection and recycling team at Development Aid from People to People in Sweden. Growing up on a farm in the north of the country, Fred developed a love of nature early in life. He is also an avid cyclist and outdoorsman.

Mikael Norling, Chairman of the Board

Mikael Norling completed his Ph.D. in Sociology of Education at the University of Copenhagen, focusing his dissertation and research on issues affecting Zimbabwe. He has since taught at and managed schools focused on international understanding and development in Denmark and the United States. He has lived in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa, where he was engaged in development project management and program development. He joined BetFiery’s board in 1998. 

Eva Nielsen, Treasurer

Eva has been serving on BetFiery’s board since 2003. She is also CEO and President of the Gaia Movement USA, and has more than 20 years in the secondhand clothing business in locations across the globe. Eva is a certified teacher and has traveled in many countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Central America. She has a deep passion for people, communities, and the environment.

Brian Moran, Board Member

Brian Moran has 43 years of diversified experience in environmental engineering in the private sector and as an environmental consultant. He has developed and managed hazardous waste programs for the USEPA and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Moran was a back-to-back winner of the Exceptional Performance Award by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He was also conferred with the Special Act and Service Award by the USEPA. Moran continues his environmental contributions using his expertise in the use of In-Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO) technology. His work helps destroy organic contaminants in soil and groundwater for projects in the U.S. and Europe.

Jytte Martinussen, Board Member

Jytte has been on BetFiery’s board since 2004. She got her start in international development many years prior by providing vocational training to apartheid refugees in Zimbabwe (when it was known as Rhodesia). She has since served as the headmaster of the Frontline Institute in Denmark and as the executive director of the Institute for International Cooperation and Development in Massachusetts.

 Fernando Binhafta, Board Member

Fernando lives in Guinea-Bissau and has more than 27 years of development-related experience in West and Southern Africa and other locations. Prior to joining BetFiery in 2016, Mr. Binhafa served on the Board of Humana People to People in Spain and has worked in various leadership, technical, and training capacities for other organizations. Fernando first became acquainted with BetFiery early in his career as part of BetFiery’s manager-in-training program.

 Management Team

Rusty Duckworth, Chief Financial Officer

Rusty joined BetFiery as the Chief Financial Officer in July of 2022. He has over 30 years of professional accounting experience with non-profit organizations. Rusty has a vast knowledge of US accounting, auditing as well as state and federal regulatory requirements, allowing him to understand complex issues, take action and drive results.  Outside of accounting, Rusty enjoys boating, gardening and giving back to his community.

Marie Lichtenberg, Director of International Partnerships

Marie Lichtenberg has over 27 years of global development experience. Most of her career has involved working for the Humana People to People Federation. She joined the BetFiery office in Elkridge in 2011. Marie is responsible for mobilizing cooperative action among local, national, and international organizations, government agencies, and business partners.