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Alexa Nargi
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www.hopeforhaiti.com
Hope for Haiti Elects New Board Chair: Dr. Vladimir J. Mathieu
Dr. Mathieu Succeeds the Honorable Mary E. Sommer, Who Helped Guide the Organization Through a Period of Growth and Resilience
Naples, Florida (November 18, 2025) — Hope for Haiti, a nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly women and children, is proud to announce the election of Vladimir J. Mathieu, MD, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Dr. Mathieu succeeds the Honorable Mary E. Sommer (retired), who has served as Board Chair since 2020 and whose longstanding dedication to the Haitian people and Hope for Haiti’s mission has been instrumental to the organization’s success.
A compassionate physician and humanitarian, Dr. Mathieu brings more than 20 years of experience in family medicine, geriatrics, and hospice care. Born in Les Cayes, Haiti, where Hope for Haiti operates its core programs, Dr. Mathieu has been a steadfast advocate for improving healthcare access in the region. His deep personal and professional connection to southern Haiti, combined with his leadership experience, will be vital as Hope for Haiti continues to expand its impact. He will be the first Haitian American Board Chair of the organization.
Dr. Mathieu began his relationship with Hope for Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, when he provided urgent medical care and helped coordinate emergency response efforts. Since then, he has remained closely engaged in the organization’s growth and strategic direction. He currently serves patients in Southwest Florida through Millennium Physician Group and as Associate Medical Director at Avow Hospice, and holds staff privileges at both NCH and Physicians Regional Medical Center.
“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time in Hope for Haiti’s journey,” said Dr. Mathieu. “As someone born in Les Cayes, I’ve witnessed firsthand both the challenges and the resilience of Haitian families. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of JoAnne M. Kuehner, whose vision and compassion built this organization, and the Kuehner family, whose legacy continues to inspire our work. I look forward to working closely with our Board, CEO Skyler Badenoch, and our incredible team to continue investing in sustainable, community-led solutions.”
As Hope for Haiti kicks off its giving season fundraising campaign, Fund the Frontline, Dr. Mathieu is a reminder of the importance of frontline healthcare workers and the ripple effects of their impact. This campaign supports Hope for Haiti’s healthcare program, which benefits more than 100,000 patients in southern Haiti annually.
Hope for Haiti also extends deep gratitude to outgoing Chair Mary E. Sommer for her five years of transformative leadership. Under her guidance, the organization navigated multiple national crises, expanded critical healthcare services, and strengthened its infrastructure for long-term impact.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Board Chair of Hope for Haiti,” said Mary. “This organization and the Haitian people hold a very special place in my heart. From renewing my wedding vows in Les Cayes to working alongside an extraordinary team during some of Haiti’s most challenging times, I have witnessed firsthand the resilience, strength, and hope of the communities we serve. I am confident that under Dr. Mathieu’s leadership, Hope for Haiti will continue to grow and make an even greater impact for families in southern Haiti.”
Mary’s relationship with Haiti is both professional and deeply personal. A dedicated board member since 2014, Mary helped shepherd a successful multi-generational board transition and was instrumental in sustaining donor trust and organizational transparency.
“Mary has been an unwavering pillar of leadership, compassion, and commitment,” said Skyler Badenoch, CEO of Hope for Haiti. “Her belief in the Haitian people and her tireless support of our mission have left an indelible mark on the organization and everyone who has had the privilege to work with her.”
Hope for Haiti looks forward to this new chapter under Dr. Mathieu’s leadership and remains committed to its vision of joyful children, healthy families, thriving communities, and the resources to make it so.
About Hope for Haiti:
With experience running poverty alleviation programs in Haiti since 1989, Hope for Haiti has emerged as one of the most trusted non-profit organizations working to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly women and children, in southern Haiti. The organization’s team and network of partners provide people with better access to education, healthcare, clean water, and economic development opportunities. Hope for Haiti is a 4-star-rated charity by Charity Navigator and is a participant at the Platinum Level through the GuideStar Exchange, two leading independent evaluators recognizing the organization’s transparency and careful stewardship of donor resources. Learn more at hopeforhaiti.com.
