Philip Smith – Co-founder and President Philip grew up in Ethiopia where his Presbyterian missionary parents, Rev. Jack and Evangel Smith, founded Hope Enterprises, which now cares for over 10,000 at risk youth in 32 sites.
After attending Seattle Pacific University and Bethel Seminary West, Philip co-founded Hope Unlimited for Children with his father and close friend, David Swoap.
Philip is married to Corenne Garrison, who, prior to moving to Brazil, served as the Director of the Communications Division for International Ministries/American Baptist Churches USA. They have one son, Marc Adrian, three years old.
Philip is actively involved in Rotary and their local church in Brazil. He is the recipient of many awards for his humanitarian work in Brazil.
David Swoap - Co-founder: David was appointed by President Reagan - after having served as his Director of Social Welfare in California - to serve as Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He became Secretary for Health and Welfare in California under Governor Deukmejian. A long time friend of Jack and Evangel Smith, he worked with them and Philip to found Hope Unlimited in 1991. He was the first Chairman of the Board of Directors and currently serves on the International Board of Advisors.
Dr. Burt McDowell, MD - Chairman of the Board: Burt has served on the board since 1995 after making 2 trips to Brazil with his teenage son which profoundly impacted their lives. A graduate of Stanford and the University of California at San Francisco, Burt is a practicing internist and an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine. He and his wife Mimi are very active in their church and share a passion for ministry. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Senator Tim Leslie (Ret.) – Chairman of the International Advisory Board: Tim served for nine years in the California State Senate and 11 years in the State Assembly. He earned his degree in Political Science at California State University and his Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Tim and his wife, Clydene have two grown children and two grandchildren and are active in their church an ministry through Hope Unlimited.
