Sandra Leyh - President
Sandy is the founder of Ark Ministries USA.
She grew up in Philadelphia, PA, graduating from Temple University with a BS in Education. She feels blessed to have experienced a career as a teacher in both public and Christian schools. For the last 25 years she has run her own travel agency, often organizing group tours and fund raisers for non-profit organizations.
Sandy is the mother of two girls and the grandmother of 4 wonderful, lively grandchildren, all of whom bring her great joy.
Brian Zimmerman - Vice President
Brian grew up in Lebanon County, PA. He became a Christian at an early age and seeks to follow God in all areas of life. Though not raised on a farm, he’s known since childhood that he is called to be a farmer. Brian currently manages crop production on a farm in Lancaster County. He has a passion for using agricultural advancements to alleviate poverty in developing countries.
Brian and his wife have five sons. His family has sponsored students through ARK for many years, and meeting their sponsored students on trips to Uganda has been a highlight. Brian enjoys spending time with his family, especially riding motorcycles with his sons. The Zimmerman family attends the Alliance Church of Elizabethown where Brian currently serves as an elder.
George Leyh - Secretary
George is the co-founder of Ark Ministries USA. He has a BA from Temple University, a Master’s of Religious Education from Gordon Conwell Seminary, an MA from Millersville University and a PhD from Temple. He is a retired History teacher and an Adjunct Professor of Church History at Lancaster Bible College. George is also a retired Army Reserve Colonel with service in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. George’s chief interest is improving the educational facilities for the children of Uganda. George & Sandy attend Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, PA.
Cheri Harr - Treasurer
Cheri, our faithful Treasurer, and accountant, resides in Elizabethtown, PA where she is the full-time grandmother of twin boys. In addition to working for the tax bureau of Derry Township for many years, she also has served as Church Treasurer, Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study Leader and as a team member for the English as a Second Language program. Cheri is a prayer warrior with a servant’s heart!
Cody Miller - Member at Large
Cody has a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State University and works in the engineering department for PPL Electric Utilities. He is married to his wonderful wife and has two amazing kids. He has served in many capacities at the E-town Alliance Church including as a trustee, deacon, youth worker, Sunday School teacher, growth group leader, and has also played the drums on the worship team for many years. He has volunteered with many different organizations and has also served as a leader within a local 4-H group. Cody has a servant heart and enjoys helping others.
Jan Dvorak - Member at Large
Jan Dvorak, a native of Minnesota, is mother to 4 adult children and grandmother to 6. She holds a BS in Christian Ministries from Crown College and is also a graduate of the Child Evangelism Fellowship Leadership Training Institute.
Jan has served in children’s ministry positions for 50 years, 30 years full time, and has led numerous teacher training workshops. She has gone on short term mission trips to children in Palestine and Uganda.
Currently, in her “retirement” years, she still has occasion to teach both children & adults, as well as serve on a worship team and senior citizen board at Word of Life Chapel in Elizabethtown, PA.
James Tumwesiigye - Member at Large
James was born and raised in Uganda. He gave his life to Christ at the age of 16.
James’ childhood dream was to be a filmmaker so after graduating from high school, he volunteered to be on the media team of a local church. It was there that he acquired his videography skills which eventually led to founding his own company, James and More Films LLC. It was while shooting a documentary in Uganda that he met his wife, Morgan, who had gone there on a missions’ trip. They became friends and eventually married in Pennsylvania in 2015. “My wife and I are so blessed to be part of Ark Ministries US. It gives us great joy to be part of a ministry that joyously serves the most underprivileged children of Uganda”. Ark Ministries is equally blessed to have the benefit of James’ wisdom, spiritual maturity, family connections and insight into the customs and culture of Uganda.
Joe Brogan - Ex Officio
Joe is a retired Social Studies teacher, World History and Psychology.
He has traveled as a chaperone on student trips and has visited 25 countries. Most memorable was a trip through Nepal and Tibet and to Mt. Everest with friends.
He has a Bachelors degree from Millersville University, Masters degree from Immaculata college in school administration, Masters degree from Philadelphia University in Instructional Technology
In addition to Ark Ministries, he volunteers with the Lancaster County Office of Aging.