Asia Transpacific Foundation Leadership

Marilyn Downing Staff
Marilyn founded the Asia Transpacific Foundation in 1997 reflecting her deep commitment to Asia’s disadvantaged children, and in response to our travelers’ requests for meaningful ways to directly give back to the region that had so touched them during their travels.

The journey began when she adopted her son from a Thai orphanage. The firsthand experience and knowledge gained in that effort laid the groundwork for a larger vision of a sustained, grassroots effort to harness the goodwill of our travelers to greatest effect. With no paid bureaucracy (the board of directors are all volunteers) and no extraneous administration costs (our staff volunteers on behalf of the Foundation, and the company subsidizes it through the use of office computers and equipment), our travelers are ensured that nearly 100% of their donations go straight to the projects in places most in need.

Curt and Cathy Bradner
Field Directors Curt and Cathy Bradner (shown above with staff at Myanmar facility) bring an exceptional depth of experience, warmth and dedication to their work. Formerly in the high-tech industry, they have years of experience in project management, education and vocational training. Since retirement, the Bradners have dedicated their lives to helping the refugee children who inhabit the camps along the Thai/Burmese border, many of whom are orphaned. They have successfully worked with Asia Transpacific Foundation to create a vital network of Vocational Centers in Southeast Asia, that builds valuable skills. In particular, they instituted the Clean Water Initiative, whereby locals make simple clay water filters that prevent water-borne diseases, in the process increasing health and creating jobs. They are now working together with the Asia Transpacific Foundation to replicate this successful initiative in other countries in Asia.