Board of Directors
Solomon Dabe Founder, President and Executive Director
Solomon Dabe is the founder, president, and executive director of A Bright Future for Kids, which began operating in 2012. Originally from Ethiopia, Solomon believes God has been preparing him his entire life to launch and lead this ministry. Through ABF4K, Solomon hopes the communities, families, and individuals served by the ministry in Ethiopia and Kenya will experience physical and spiritual transformation. His professional background includes working in the healthcare industry as a healthcare provider. He also graduated from the Institute of Hotel Industry in Germany, where he worked for 7 years before moving to the US.
Allyson Seitz Vice-President of Community Relations
I am a life-long follower of Christ and a mother of four. I have worked in dementia care since 2016 - working as an activity director, a community coordinator and a caregiver to those living with Alzheimers and other forms of memory loss. I have found deep purpose and joy in coming alongside this vulnerable population, providing care in a secure and comfortable environment and creating community for these people and their families. Over the past 6 years, through various church and work relationships, God has offered amazing opportunities to connect with fellow believers from many parts of Africa. During this time I have felt God calling me into the vision and mission of A Bright Future For Kids - Exposing dark places, Engaging deep needs, and Empowering a bright future for underprivileged communities. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on this board.
Bruce Tuschhoff Treasurer
Bruce and his wife, Jill, have three sons: Bruce, Ryan and Michael. Bruce attended an ABFK get together at Heartland Community Church in Olathe Kansas and has been in conversation with Solomon ever since. Bruce received his Undergraduate Engineering degree from the University of Kansas. He has worked primarily with SS&C in software development capacities since 1997.
The reason can be distilled down to acknowledging God’s provision. I live in a nation that provides enormous material wealth and know God provides for the just and unjust. This leads me to believe material possessions are not the ultimate gift, seek first His Kingdom. I am cautioned by Matthew 6:2, I do not desire any recognition. I am convinced the recipients of the service from ABF4K are wealthier in other aspects of the Kingdom and will share. Even though my name might be on the position in reality it is joint with my wife Jill. In all honesty when asked to join the board I was taken aback and had reservations, am I worthy and what skills do I bring? the answer is both myself and the organization are simply coming along side Jesus who is doing the work.
Looking forward to the journey of service.
Ryan Fagan Board Chairman
Ryan and his wife, Sarah, have four children. After adopting a daughter from Ethiopia in 2013, the family began searching for opportunities to invest in their daughter's native country and help preserve and strengthen vulnerable families there. Ryan was introduced to ABF4K and is pleased to serve as Treasurer for the organization. The Fagans worship and serve at Life Mission Church in Olathe. Ryan received his Undergraduate Finance degree and MBA from the University of Northern Iowa. He has worked at T-Mobile in various capacities for the past 20+ years, currently serving as a Marketing Analytics Manager.
Paul Hawkins Partnership Committee
Paul Hawkins resides in Lee’s Summit with his wife and two children. His daughter is a senior and son is a freshman at Summit Christian Academy. Paul and his family attend Journey Church international in Lee’s Summit. He is a math teacher along with being the assistant varsity coach for both Men’s and Women's Soccer at Lee’s Summit High School.
Michelle Julian Vice-President of Marketing and Social Media
Michelle is married to Jeff Julian and has two kids Brandon and Addison. She has a BS in computer information systems from DeVry University and has had great success with different marketing adventures. Michelle has gone on multiple mission trips, but only one with Solomon in 2011. In 2008 she and her husband were able to bring light to a youth group that started with 5 kids and left with 60+ kids. They now go to Foundry Church in Lenexa and have slowly helped plant seeds in others' hearts to go with what God calls them to do and not be afraid of change. Currently, the family runs their farm in Lenexa where they supply the community with chicken, eggs, turkeys, goat milk, and cheeses.