About Our Organization
Partners In Development (PID) forges partnerships with local communities and other nongovernmental organizations. We fund sustainable projects, which involve the participation of the local community in developing and maintaining the projects. We work on a holistic concept, which is inclusive of all segments of a local population.
PID is a nonprofit, nongovernmental (NGO) organization, incorporated in 1998 as a 501(c)(3). Leadership of Partners In Development is vested in a Board of Directors.
Our Origin Story—The Turners Story
Partners In Development was founded by Fran and Lonnie Turner, who spent their early adult years working across sub-Saharan Africa with non-profit organizations that supported community development and served underprivileged populations. Their passion for helping others grew from their own experiences growing up in rural Kentucky, where they faced poverty and were motivated to make a difference for those in need.
Moved by these formative experiences, Fran envisioned creating a non-profit dedicated to food and water security and empowering women through education, with Lonnie's unwavering support. Working together, they collaborated directly with residents in towns and remote villages, joining forces with various organizations on service projects. Through perseverance and genuine care, Fran and Lonnie built partnerships and attracted supporters throughout Africa and the United States, including time spent in South Africa, Zambia, and Kentucky. They built personal relationships to fundraise and organize volunteers, connecting like-minded people worldwide to help bring Partners In Development's mission to life.
A New Era of ‘Turner’s Partners In Development’
Currently we do our work with a small team of project leaders, administrative support and laborers in the field in southern Zambia. We have a board of four members who serve various roles from maintaining financials to fundraising and organization promotion and communications, who also collaborate directly with our employee team to provide oversight on the projects we fund. We have board representation visit Zambia to see firsthand our projects in progress.
Our board is made up of past volunteers and supporters who have been on the ground at our project sites and share the passion of the organization for the impact we can make in communities.
Board President
Dr. Scott Christie
Scott first met Lonnie and Fran in 1991 in Lusaka while on a medical missions trip. He was convicted of their passion and efforts to come alongside of persons in need by providing assistance to have access to clean water, growing their own food, providing education for children, assisting with health care.
“Working with Fran and Lonnie through Partners In Development has been a life-changing journey.”
Project and Operations Manager
Stephen Turner
Stephen is inspired by Nelson Mandela, who said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' As an educator, this his belief and his drive for the work of Partners In Development in Africa.
"As we continue the legacy of my parents, I hope you agree with this statement. As I've grown up in East and Southern Africa, this is home. We will continue to work towards helping those with little hope—the hope of Lonnie and Fran Turner."
Secretary / Communications
Miranda Hall
Moved by Fran and Lonnie’s lifelong commitment to serving underserved communities, Miranda began assisting with social media, presentations, and promotional materials for the organization following her volunteer trip to Zambia in 2008. She has been a board member since 2015.
“It is a privilege to contribute, even in a small way, to the impressive achievements Partners In Development has made throughout its more than 25 years.”
Treasurer
Greg Toulson
Inspired by Fran and Lonnie’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, Greg has served as a board member since 2001.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with Partners In Development—helping others has enriched my life and made me a better person.”
Fundraising Liaison
Katie Weimann
Katie Weimann first traveled to Zambia in 2007 where, in collaboration with Partners in Development, she spent the summer doing research for her undergraduate degree. She has remained involved in PID through fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering.
"Lonnie and Fran’s hands-on approach to empowering Zambians, especially through education, was hugely inspiring to me as a young student and was a big reason I got my master’s degree in social work to continue to serve under-resourced communities and advocate for children."
Our Team on the Ground
Former volunteers, beneficiaries and our supporters form the core of our team on the ground, playing a vital role in accomplishing our work and advancing our mission.
Chela Musakanya
Chela began supporting Partners In Development in 2015 after meeting Lonnie and Fran, an experience she describes as life-changing. She sees the Turners’ compassion and commitment to education as a lasting part of the organization’s mission and is proud to carry that work forward each day.
“I am beyond grateful for my role as administrative assistant under Partners in Development, where we are helping the dreams of the less privileged in Zambia to become a reality.”
Tracy-Leigh Manuel
Since being introduced to the Turners and their work in 2024, Tracy has been deeply moved by their compassion, generosity, and lifelong commitment to underserved communities. One of their favorite songs, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” became more than part of the daily soundtrack—it became a reminder of the hope and purpose at the heart of their mission.
“I am truly grateful to have known the Turners and I am honored to play even a small role in continuing their dream of changing lives and bringing hope to those who feel hopeless and forgotten.”
Boyd Matakala
Boyd works closely with communities to understand their needs and help connect them with the support Partners In Development can provide. His work includes helping children who need access to school, supporting food distribution for island communities, and assisting with farming initiatives by providing seeds, water pumps, and training on how to use and maintain them.
“I am proud to help carry forward Lonnie and Fran’s vision of supporting communities with better access to education, clean water, and practical resources for daily life.”
Aubrey Sauls
Aubrey has worked with the Turners for twenty-four years. In his role for Partners In Development, he cares for the property, handles general maintenance around the buildings, and helps keep the work environment clean, safe, and well maintained.
“I take pride in the role I play in supporting the organization’s day-to-day work and mission.”
Nelia Sakala
Nelia met the Turner in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic while working for a travel company in Livingstone. Seeing the challenges they faced, she left her job to help care for Fran until her passing. Lonnie later encouraged her to continue her education.
Nelia enrolled at Rusangu University to study Environmental Health and is expected to graduate in 2026. Through her time with PID, she has assisted with community outreach and other activities, remaining committed to the values of service and community development she learned through the organization.
Our other Team Members
We have many volunteers and beneficiaries of the work we do on the ground in Zambia including field workers, those who support our farming and food distribution and keep up the sites in our communities. Some of those additional workers include:
Kanyanyo Christopher
Misheck Mwanawina
Brick Nyambe
Malambo Namainda
Tanya Silunga
Our work is sustained and has been fully funded by generous donors who believe in our organization and have supported our many achievements. We are sustained by a large community of like-minded individuals who understand the importance of supporting communities and need and are committed to a high level of social good in our world.
How to reach us
Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments via email at info@partnersindevelopment.org or fill out the contact for below and we will reach out to you.
You can also mail donations or send inquiries directly to our board at the mailing address below.
Get in Touch
Partners In Development
Attn.: Mr. Greg Toulson
252 N. First Street
Hampton, VA 23664
