Who We Are
As a project of Rotary clubs, H2OpenDoors enjoys the support of Rotarians and others throughout the globe. H2OpenDoors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that travels throughout the world installing water purification systems in countries where fresh, uncontaminated water is not available.
The volunteers of H2OpenDoors are primarily Rotary International members from clubs who volunteer their time to help raise funds to buy these water systems.
It is overwhelming to understand that every 20 seconds someone in the world dies from a water- borne disease. H2OpenDoors is combatting that by installing as many of these systems where water is available but is unfit for human consumption.
As a project of Rotary clubs, H2OpenDoors enjoys the support of Rotarians and others throughout the globe. Fundamentally, the name says it all…water technology and the health benefit it provides.
This all leads to the core of what H2OpenDoors tries to infuse in these communities: self-reliance and human dignity. And while we offer substantial consultation on running the water purification systems, plus guidance and friendship, we look to the receiving communities becoming self-sufficient. Activities for Water Warriors, who go on these missions installing water systems, immerse themselves in the village culture, and enjoy fun adventures.
H2OpenDoors has a non-profit status through Philanthropic Ventures Foundation of Oakland, CA. Contributions to the projects are entirely used for buying, shipping, and installing water equipment in the world’s poorest regions. Our projects run without paid staff, using private funds to pay for travel, promotions, and administration. Our Board of Directors are volunteers from various Rotary Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Robert Marshall, President
Robert Marshall: President of H2OpenDoors, Rotary Past President 2014/15, Past Assistant Governor 2020/22. Robert is a 5-time Certified Innovative Water Technologist for installation and maintenance systems.
Robert has been involved directly with 11 different system installations since 2020. He has been a Rotarian since February 1999 with the Novato Rotary Club.
He is committed to reducing infant mortality through H2OpenDoors program of installing USEPA approved SAFE drinking water systems in underserved communities throughout the world where safe water is not available.
John Marshall, Secretary
John Marshall: Secretary of H2OpenDoors. John has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality business and community service. He owned Inn Marin and Rickey’s Restaurant from 1997 to 2017 showcasing his dedication to service and hospitality.
A Cornell Hotel School Graduate, John has been a member of the Rotary Club of Ignacio since 1996. He has served as a Rotary Past President and Foundation Chair for his club. John has also contributed to global humanitarian efforts, traveling to Guatemala and Ecuador to install safe water systems from Innovative Water Technologies.
John is passionate about health and fitness and believes in a balanced lifestyle. In his free time, he enjoys an occasional round of golf.
Rhonda Pierce, Treasurer
Rhonda is the Treasurer of H2OpenDoors. She is a Past President and current Treasurer for the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown.
She participated in her first expedition with H2OpenDoors in 2018, traveling to Kenya and Tanzania. It was this trip that ignited Rhonda’s passion for providing safe water to as many people as possible using the latest technologies. She saw women and school-aged girls carrying jugs of water home for cooking and drinking from filthy sources of water that were shared by animals and used for human bathing. Because the women and girls were responsible for providing water for their families, they were unable to work or go to school. She knew she had to get involved to help provide safe water and enable these girls to go to school.
Elizabeth Mark, Board Member
Elizabeth Mark is a Past President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown and has also served as a Past Assistant Governor of District 5150. She feels that her international trips for Rotary Service have been life changing. Elizabeth has proudly been to Guatemala (numerous times), Mexico, India, and Africa for Rotary Service, primarily on H2OpenDoors missions.
As a retired registered nurse, Elizabeth knows that clean drinking water is an absolute necessity for a chance at a healthy life.
Janet Gluch, Board Member
As a Rotary Water Warrior, Janet is dedicated to reducing infant mortality and improving community health in developing countries, especially issues concerning women.
She has participated in seventeen international service trips.
She has retired from a career in nonprofit management and fund development and now serves on several boards.
Jim Zenner, Board Member
Jim Zenner is a proud Santa Cruz Rotarian for the last 39 years and a Past President, 2002-2003.
He has worked with our Club’s Water Warriors, installing water purification projects in rural areas of emerging countries for the past 13 years.
Jim’s passion with H2OpenDoors is infant mortality and “saving babies” lives!
John Flaniken, Board Member
John is a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise, Past President and will be the District 5170 Governor in 2027-2028. His goals as a future governor will be focused on growing the Rotary Brand and International Service.
John has been involved in several service projects, such as multiple water filtration systems in Guatemala. These water projects have provided up to 80,000 liters of clean drinking water daily. Additional international projects completed include a clean water installation in Guatemala and a house building initiative in Mexico.
Mark Boynton, Board Member
Making a meaningful difference in the world is truly what motivated me to become a Rotarian in 2022.
This passion manifested in my commitment to international service projects centered around fundamental human needs like housing and safe drinking water.
Equally important to me is the health of our planet. I believe it is our responsibility to be good stewards and ensure a better future for the next generation.