GLO US is growing! We are in an exciting season of taking on new team members – PJ Smyth, serving as US Executive Director and Chad Norris as US Director of Strategic Partnerships. We sat down and got some quick-fire info on them, and what’s exciting them as they get stuck in!
Where do you guys hail from, and who is in your family?
PJ: I’ve been married to the amazing Ashleigh for 32 years. We’ve got three sons – Jack and his wife Lauren who have baby Charlie, Ben and Grace, and Sam. I’m a bit of a blend as I was born in the UK, lived 30 years in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and then we’ve lived in the USA for nearly a decade, currently based in Texas.
CN: My wife, Wendy and I live in Charleston, SC, with our youngest son, Jack, with two older children who are grown and out in the world. Ruthie is at Anderson University, and Sam just graduated from the same – he is getting married to Addison next year!
How did you first hear about GLO – and why did you decide to join?
PJ: Africa is very much a home, but I was less familiar with Burundi. I heard about it from friends in Charleston who told me it is the most life-changing place in the world! I just got back from a trip, and I was blown away! I’m thrilled that I have the privilege of serving the hungriest nation on earth.
CN: I took a trip with my family to Burundi in July 2024, visiting GLO projects, and while I was there, my heart felt led to be a part of serving GLO. All you have to do is see what God is already doing through GLO and you will want to join it. I have been around the world and met many people in my career but I can say that I have rarely seen a ministry like GLO – I wanted to be a part of that. Through God’s providence, a door opened for me to join the team – it was the easiest decision I perhaps have ever made.
How do you see your role shaping up as you step into it?
PJ: I am here to pour rocket fuel on the incredible efforts of GLO in the USA!
CN: My job is to help bring awareness of what Jesus is doing through GLO and to raise support for our amazing partners on the ground in Burundi.
What excites you as you start?
PJ: I’m excited about the opportunity to blend my experience living in UK, Africa, and the USA, as well as my experience from leading church networks and corporate enterprise.
CN: I’m excited about being on a team going after the same purpose of helping as many people in Burundi as we can. I have always enjoyed being on teams, and the GLO family is a special one.
What’s something you love about Burundi?
PJ: I was inspired by the profound levels of contentment people have, despite having so little.
CN: I love the people of Burundi the most – they are the most resilient I have ever met. What they have and still overcome on a daily basis is inspiring. Burundi is an under-resourced country, and yet the people are some of the most genuine and hopeful people you will meet anywhere.
People should get in touch with you if…
PJ: …they want to join in the extraordinary adventure of transforming Burundi while being transformed into the best version of themselves.
CN: …they are interested in learning more about how they can help GLO serve our Partners in Burundi. Money is a muscle for missions, and GLO is a great opportunity to invest in a thriving ministry.
Get in touch with PJ or Chad by emailing usglo@greatlakesoutreach.org!
