ST. GEORGE – The international humanitarian organization Heart Walk Foundation recently announced the appointment of Kelli Charlton, a Southern Utah businesswoman, as the newest member of its board of directors.
Based in Southern Utah, HWF was established in 2004 to serve the impoverished Q’ero people of the Andes Mountains in Peru.
Charlton brings years of experience in business, marketing, mentoring and executive leadership. She is the former owner and CEO of Planet Geothermal, was president of the Utah State Business and Professional Women from 2007 to 2008 and chair of the committee on Women in Leadership Development. She returned to school after a successful career and graduated from Dixie State College of Utah this April with a Bachelor of Science in English Education with emphasis on educational technology, also receiving the honor of Female Student of the Year. She currently serves as director of education for The Skin Institute.
“Kelli’s enthusiasm, dedication and lively personality bring energy and excitement to our work with the Q’ero people,” HWF co-founder Penelope Eicher said. “Kelli offers depth of business experience and leadership skills that will help our organization grow and strengthen as we develop and refine sustainability projects for the Q’ero people.”
Charlton will serve alongside existing HWF board members David Jamieson of Seattle, Wash., Melanie Kimball of Mountain View, Calif., Ken Boche of Mariposa, Calif., and organization co-founders Tim Eicher and Penelope Eicher of Dammeron Valley, Utah.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me,” Charlton said. “My hope is to help change lives in a way that is fundamentally pure. My father always said (that) if you teach a man to fish, he will eat forever. HWF is teaching the fundamentals of self-sustenance and I believe in that. I wanted to infuse my life with depth, and the mission of HWF rang true in my heart.”
Charlton will serve as emcee at the next Heart Walk Annual Gala, to be held Feb. 9, 2013, in St. George. For more information about the HWF or to purchase gala tickets, contact the foundation at 435-773-0781.
Submitted by: Melynda Thorpe Burt
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews