Meet the Team
Say hello to the VCFD Executive Leadership Team!
Dave Schaffer – Veteran Founding Officer
Dave is a decorated Canadian Military Veteran and cofounder of VCFD. His vision for VCFD is guided by what is possible in Africa, as well as, what is possible for veterans around the world. The company’s mission is only made possible because of Dave’s partnerships with worldwide veteran networks, and his powerful relationships created over decades of work and life in Africa. The goal is to build a brighter and sustainable future for all involved; using a “hand up” rather than a “handout” approach, through education, improved agriculture, access to medicine and other African-directed development. These projects, funded by local resources promise to be verifiably transparent and demonstrate VCFD’s commitment to Africa and its people
Dr. Greg Passey – Veteran Founding Officer
Greg is a decorated Canadian Military Veteran and cofounder of VCFD. Using his expertise and his passion, he introduced VCFD’s principles of: Engagement, Empowerment, Enhancement and Enrichment to guide the companies mission. Greg is an emergency physician and trauma psychiatrist in receipt of awards for clinical excellence in his field.
As a national and International expert in his field he is at the fore-front of the most innovative and current treatments for: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress injuries related to military service. Greg initiated the first outreach program for Peacekeepers and is now a staunch supporter of utilizing medical cannabis in the treatment of PTSD and other medical conditions.
With his commitment to holistic wellness (individual, community, or national) he is driven to champion the causes of our indigenous population, our Veterans and their families.
Shaun O'Mara – Veteran Chief Executive Officer
Shaun is a Veteran of the Canadian and British military. He is a solutions-focused strategist who enjoys novel problem solving and tackles challenges with energy, skill, and clear communication. He holds a master’s degree in Disaster & Emergency Management from Royal Roads University and is working on his MBA. Shaun’s keen appreciation for the humanity of any situation forges relationships across cultures, inviting those separated by literal or organizational boundaries to see what unites us. He is the founder the Veterans Portrait Project and has worked in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Tunisia, UAE, Oman, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Eritrea, Ghana, Mexico, Columbia, Croatia, and the Canadian Arctic.
The Rest of Our Executive Team!
Reid Schaffer – Local Liaison & River Consultant
William Kalala Mbiya – Investor Relations Manager
Ignatius Lindique – Veteran Air Operations Officer
Sharon Ciyoyi Ciamala – Legal Representative
Joe Stefanik – Equipment Acquisition & Logistics Officer
Geraldine Goyer – Executive Administrative Director & Translator
Bettina Fuchs – Veteran Education Officer