Board Members
Roger Orozco
I grew up in Nicaragua in a small village called Albellanas; it does not have electricity, running water, roads, or bathrooms. At the age of nine, I could finally attend school for the first time. The walk to school was more than two hours and required swimming across a dangerous river. One day during the rainy season, I had to take my final exams, and the river was more dangerous than usual. As I stood on the bank of the river, I thought about the importance of my exams versus the risk involved in crossing the river as I nervously entered the rushing river. Upon reaching the middle of the river, I became exhausted and could no longer swim. My books fell into the river, and I thought I was going to drown, but God protected me, and the river pushed me to shore, and I was able to take my exam. From this, I learned that sometimes, we have to make difficult decisions without knowing the outcome. Without risk, there is no victory.
Years later, I was seventeen and finishing up my high school education when I met an American Businessman, Scott Rigell, who would become a dear friend, while on a mission trip. He offered me the opportunity to come to the United States in 2001 for a college education. While studying in the United States, I continued to think of my family and community back home in Nicaragua. I wanted to make a difference in their lives, so in 2005, I built a house for my mother in a small town where she could access running water, electricity, and transportation. There was also a school close to the new home for my siblings.
In January 2012, my wife and I created JUST ONE OPPORTUNITY. Its purpose was to provide a more enriching life for the people in Albellanas through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it has grown to include more than 20 villages in remote Nicaragua. I encourage you all to get involved in the community because you never know how you can change the lives of others. God has given you a unique gift, and it is up to you to use it. WHEN YOU HELP OTHERS, you are IMPACTING GENERATIONS.
Years later, I was seventeen and finishing up my high school education when I met an American Businessman, Scott Rigell, who would become a dear friend, while on a mission trip. He offered me the opportunity to come to the United States in 2001 for a college education. While studying in the United States, I continued to think of my family and community back home in Nicaragua. I wanted to make a difference in their lives, so in 2005, I built a house for my mother in a small town where she could access running water, electricity, and transportation. There was also a school close to the new home for my siblings.
In January 2012, my wife and I created JUST ONE OPPORTUNITY. Its purpose was to provide a more enriching life for the people in Albellanas through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it has grown to include more than 20 villages in remote Nicaragua. I encourage you all to get involved in the community because you never know how you can change the lives of others. God has given you a unique gift, and it is up to you to use it. WHEN YOU HELP OTHERS, you are IMPACTING GENERATIONS.
James Bolander - Advisor to the Director
Jim retired from Norfolk Southern as a Group Vice President of Domestic Intermodal after 36 years of commitment. During that time he and his wife, Joy, raised their three children Spencer, Mary-Blake, and Avery and their family has grown to include eight grandchildren, with one more on the way. Jim’s devotion to Christ will uplift future generations as a result of his work as a Sunday School Teacher at Christ Community Church in Virginia Beach where he is an active member. His love and commitment to the Lord is carried over to Just One Opportunity and the support he provides to all the students helped through the years.
Bob Deacon
Bob is a seasoned professional in the home building industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Operations at Bishard Homes. With a wealth of experience spanning 15 years, Bob is entrusted with the crucial role of managing, overseeing, and organizing the intricate processes involved in bringing a home from the planning stage to its final sale. His responsibilities encompass personnel management, purchasing, and the overall coordination of operations. Bob holds a Class A Commercial and Residential Building Contractor’s License in an impressive 14 U.S. States and Territories, a testament to his expertise and proficiency in the field. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Chowan University, further solidifying his educational foundation.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob is deeply passionate about his faith, and his commitment to seeing people come to know Jesus is a central aspect of his life. As an active member of his church, he engages with his community in meaningful ways. Residing in Virginia Beach with his wife, Angie, and their two children, Bob not only excels in his professional endeavors but also finds fulfillment in his personal life. His dedication to his family, coupled with his commitment to his faith and community, reflects a well-rounded individual who brings both expertise and a compassionate perspective to Just One Opportunity.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob is deeply passionate about his faith, and his commitment to seeing people come to know Jesus is a central aspect of his life. As an active member of his church, he engages with his community in meaningful ways. Residing in Virginia Beach with his wife, Angie, and their two children, Bob not only excels in his professional endeavors but also finds fulfillment in his personal life. His dedication to his family, coupled with his commitment to his faith and community, reflects a well-rounded individual who brings both expertise and a compassionate perspective to Just One Opportunity.
Mark Coster
Mark brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Currently serving as an Operating Executive for Polaris Growth Fund, a distinguished Private Equity firm based in Boston, Mark is dedicated to building and leading the Strategic Acceleration Team. In this capacity, he collaborates with PGF portfolio companies to evaluate and execute strategic acquisitions. Prior to his role at PGF, Mark held the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development at Trader Interactive, where he also served as the Head of Product for its B2B technology offerings. His background includes valuable contributions to companies such as CarMax and PRA Group, where he played key roles in Corporate Strategy, Corporate Development, and Portfolio Acquisition. Mark commenced his career at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as an Associate in the DC office.
Mark is an alumnus of the Darden Graduate School of Business, where he earned his MBA, and the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where he obtained a BS in Commerce. Residing in Virginia Beach with his wife Courtney and three children, Mark is an active member of Lynnhaven United Methodist Church. In his leisure time, he enjoys coaching, playing, and watching sports. Mark's extensive background and genuine passion for helping others will make him a tremendous asset to Just One Opportunity’s Board of Directors.
Mark is an alumnus of the Darden Graduate School of Business, where he earned his MBA, and the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, where he obtained a BS in Commerce. Residing in Virginia Beach with his wife Courtney and three children, Mark is an active member of Lynnhaven United Methodist Church. In his leisure time, he enjoys coaching, playing, and watching sports. Mark's extensive background and genuine passion for helping others will make him a tremendous asset to Just One Opportunity’s Board of Directors.
Erika Paris
Erika graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a bachelor's degree in communications and a concentration in advertising in 2009. Upon moving to Virginia Beach, Erika worked in the financial sector and has experience with several Fortune 500 companies including Bank of America, Capital One Financial Corporation, and Luxottica of America. In 2017, Erika decided to take on her biggest role yet and become a full-time mother to her two girls, Michele and Sophia.
Erika began volunteering with Just One Opportunity in 2021 and will continue supporting JOO in a part-time capacity by administering the marketing and communications platforms for Just One Opportunity, helping reach supporters, partners, and friends all over the world. When she is not developing logos, writing copy, and managing Just One Opportunity's newsletter, she loves curling up with a great book, learning about history, and spending time gardening with her husband Michael at their home in Virginia Beach.
Erika began volunteering with Just One Opportunity in 2021 and will continue supporting JOO in a part-time capacity by administering the marketing and communications platforms for Just One Opportunity, helping reach supporters, partners, and friends all over the world. When she is not developing logos, writing copy, and managing Just One Opportunity's newsletter, she loves curling up with a great book, learning about history, and spending time gardening with her husband Michael at their home in Virginia Beach.
Joe Clarkson
Joe Clarkson grew up in St. Petersburg, FL, and Kingston, Jamaica. While in Jamaica, Joe was inspired by watching his Episcopal priest father serve churches throughout the island that did not have full-time clergy. His father often spent all Sunday on the road, holding services in three or four locations and serving in some impoverished neighborhoods.
Joe served in the U. S. Navy for 30 years and, having been stationed in Virginia Beach twice while on active duty, settled here after retiring in 2011. Joe now works as the VP of Business Development for Xylem Tree Experts, a utility vegetation management company based in Norfolk.
Joe's spiritual journey has been a significant part of his life. He and his wife, Sandee, are active members of the Virginia Beach Community Chapel (VBCC). Joe not only leads their community group once a month but also participates in the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). In recent months, Joe has felt a more vital calling to serve, and the opportunity to join the board of Just One Opportunity is a part of his response to that call. Joe sees JOO as a perfect platform for service, inspired by Roger's story, his personal connection to the people in the villages of Nicaragua, and the legacy of service instilled in him by his father.
Joe served in the U. S. Navy for 30 years and, having been stationed in Virginia Beach twice while on active duty, settled here after retiring in 2011. Joe now works as the VP of Business Development for Xylem Tree Experts, a utility vegetation management company based in Norfolk.
Joe's spiritual journey has been a significant part of his life. He and his wife, Sandee, are active members of the Virginia Beach Community Chapel (VBCC). Joe not only leads their community group once a month but also participates in the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). In recent months, Joe has felt a more vital calling to serve, and the opportunity to join the board of Just One Opportunity is a part of his response to that call. Joe sees JOO as a perfect platform for service, inspired by Roger's story, his personal connection to the people in the villages of Nicaragua, and the legacy of service instilled in him by his father.