Staff

Calvin Echodu was raised and presently resides in Uganda. Mr. Echodu is the Founder and Executive Director of Pilgrim Uganda, a multi-faceted not-for profit serving the people most vulnerable in Uganda.

He is a visionary, charismatic, social entrepreneur, and has led Pilgrim into areas such as the relief, trauma counseling, and resettlement assistance of internally displaced Ugandans; extensive work in the area of community health and malaria eradication; and basic community development such as schools and education. In addition to the previous efforts, Pilgrim operates with a view towards the future of Uganda, and has conducted significant research and development of biodiesel and other sustainable rural technologies.

Dorothy studied English literature and biochemistry at Yale University, and obtained her PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Washington.

In the early 90's, she worked with Values Project Northwest (now the Florence Kluckhohn Center), a 501(c)3 specializing in conducting workshops between Native American tribes and government agencies in conflict over natural resource use in the Northwest. The experience of working with Indians gave her a lifelong appreciation and support of indigenous efforts of self-determination.

Her heart was increasingly tugged towards Africa, however, and in 2004, she founded the Three Loaves Fund, a US 501(c)3 dedicated to assisting indigenous Christian African non-profits engaged in community restoration projects, with an additional focus on promoting genuine peer relationships between Africans and Americans. This latter aim succeeded too well in her own case, and in 2007, she married Calvin Echodu, the co-founder of Pilgrim, an NGO based in Uganda. In 2008, the Three Loaves Fund changed its name to Pilgrim and the operations of its Seattle office became the US office of Pilgrim.

Katy first felt drawn to Africa at the age of 12 after seeing pictures of Uganda taken by her aunt. Not knowing yet exactly what it might entail, she set out to become a doctor in Africa.

She studied cell biology as an undergraduate at the University of Washington before earning her MD from the same. She completed her post graduate training at In His Image Family Medicine Residency in Tulsa, OK. With board certification in family medicine, she practiced for ten months as a family physician in the Seattle area before moving to Uganda to work full-time with Pilgrim as Director of Public Health.

She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with her African neighbors and for God's grace that lead her here.

Robert "Marc" Fulmer was recently named Deputy Executive Director of Development and Operations with Pilgrim, a Ugandan-based NGO with programs in public health, education, agriculture, malaria eradication, orphan care and relief. He worked from 2003 to mid-2009 as the Chief Operations Officer of Agathos Foundation, a faith-based non-profit dedicated to raising orphans and relief (food, medicines and medical equipment).

During his time with Agathos Foundation, Marc oversaw the growth in programs that took Agathos from less than $400,000 gross revenue in 2006 to over $20,000,000 in 2009 with a overhead (fundraising and admin expenses) ratio of 98% program and 2% overhead.

Marc also is board member and partner of Thain Boatworks, Inc. of Everett, Washington and COO and board member of Earthwise Ventures, committed to Health Felt Investments in Africa.

Marc is a native of Washington State, born in Yakima 1950 to Jack and Betty Fulmer. Prior to entering missions work he was an entrepreneur in the construction industry. He closed M2 Construction in March of 2003 to devote full time and attention on the Agathos Foundation. He and his wife Mae, have four adult children and one granddaughter. The Fulmer's are active members of Damascus Road Church in Marysville, Washington.

Professional Career - 20 year career at the University of Michigan with last position as a Senior Business Manager. Also was a health care consultant.

Education - MBA, BBA in Accounting and graduated with honors, Currently applying for CPA License in the State of Washington.

Memberships - Former officer and member of Beta Alpha Psi, member of Seattle Chamber of Commerce, member of the Seattle Mountaineers, member of the downtown YMCA. Former member of ACHE (American College of Health Care Executives). Member of Pilgrim's Executive Team. Former Chair of Internal Control & Ethics Committee for the College of Literature Science & Arts College and advisor to the Dean.

Personal - Married for 20 years with one daughter. Live downtown Seattle. Love the outdoors and being on the water as well as multiple sports.

Currently working on - Improving access to organizational files using cloud computing. Begin process for Year-end financials and 2009 audit and 990 tax return. Working on getting membership for Pilgrim into the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).

Helen manages the communications for the Seattle office, including our social media on Facebook and Twitter. She writes the newsletter, bi-weekly prayer letters, and keeps up with on relations with supporters. Helen also researches and compiles grants.

She graduated from Washington State University in 2003, completing her degree by distance learning. She managed a church office in Ballard for several years. Prior to joining the Pilgrim staff in 2009, Helen volunteered with the Agathos Foundation with special projects for the COO, Marc Fulmer.

Helen and her husband Will have three grown children, and one delightful granddaughter. Helen is eager to visit Africa, and meet the staff there she knows at a distance.

Kabyn Vikesland joined Pilgrim in June 2009 to help with Organizational Development. He is also responsible for Orphan Care, International Volunteers, Disaster Relief and supporting Zambia Programs.

Kabyn previously worked for Nordstrom Inc, a Fortune 500 Seattle based retailer. At Nordstrom Kabyn was involved in projects creating and implementing the Enterprise Data Management Process and received professional training in Project Management. Kabyn has been a volunteer assisting in orphan care efforts since 2003. This volunteer work has included organizing major fundraisers, leading short-term teams to Africa and developing a template for international Church partnerships.

Kabyn holds a Bachelors in Organizational Management, a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and is currently pursing a Masters in Theological Studies at Covenant Seminary.

Kabyn is married to the lovely Alyssa and they have one daughter; Alaythia.