Meet one of our long-time Board Members, Dr. Chad Whited, who joined the board in 2021. He currently serves as the Board’s Vice President. Since our founding in 2006, the Gazelle Foundation’s board of directors has committed to providing access to clean water for the people of Burundi. Get to know more about our mission and the people behind the scenes who make our mission possible.
Why Water Is So Critical in Burundi
Water in Burundi is plentiful where we work, but it is often contaminated. So many people living in rural areas of Burundi, where Gilbert Tuhabonye grew up, spend hours fetching unclean water because that is what they have access to. Gilbert often shares how his daily routine as a youngster was to fetch water shortly after waking up 2 miles away before jogging another 6 miles to school. The burden of fetching water falls largely to women and children, who walk miles and miles for unclean water.
We partner with local Burundian communities, hire people who will benefit, and source supplies in-country to build spring-fed, low-tech water systems that will last. These water systems capture and filter spring water at the source, collect it in storage tanks, and distribute it with distribution pipe that is hand-dug across green fields and rolling hills at water taps across the community where it is needed most.
These sustainable water systems reduce the walk from 4 miles to 400 meters, about one loop around a track. We turn the ownership over to the community members who maintain the system. Water is available to anyone in need, no matter their religion or tribe. Access to clean water transforms lives by improving health, ending conflicts, and making time for school and other economic pursuits.
GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD MEMBER Chad Whited
Dr. Chad Whited is a board-certified Otolaryngologist / Head and Neck surgeon with specialized fellowship training in voice, swallowing, and airway disorders with Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic. He is also a running enthusiast. Chad has participated in medical volunteer trips to El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti and leads a panel of fellow otolaryngologists and speech therapists in an annual voice care workshop in support of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).
Gilbert Tuhabonye with Chad Whited, April 2026.
How did you get connected to the Gazelle Foundation?
“I first became familiar with the Gazelle Foundation through racing in the Run For The Water when I was younger. It wasn't until I started running with Gilbert, that we began discussing the life-changing work that the Foundation does in Burundi.”
What motivated you to join the Board?
“Anyone who experiences the leadership and passion of Gilbert and the other board members for bringing life-changing clean drinking water to the people of Burundi would want to be a part of the mission.”
How does your unique background and perspective help move the mission forward?
“With a background in healthcare, I try to focus on the health benefits of bringing clean drinking water in connecting Austinites with the Foundation.”
School children celebrate having a clean water tap near their school, so water for drinking and cleaning is just steps away from the classroom.
“Having a direct connection with a reliable contractor who partners with local Burundians to construct all of the Foundation’s water systems allows us to impact over 100,000 lives using our donations efficiently.”
Chad Whited and Gilbert Tuhabonye at the 2026 Spring For The Water Gala, a signature fundraiser for the Gazelle Foundation.
What accomplishments or projects keep you motivated and engaged?
“Having a direct connection with a reliable contractor who partners with local Burundians to construct all of the Foundation's water systems allows us to impact over 100,000 lives using our donations efficiently.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like to do too much! Run with Gilbert and the Gazelle Crew, of course. Travel with my wife and family, play baseball and volleyball with the kids, and squeeze in some golf and live music with friends.”
Book, podcast, movie, or music recommendation?
“A couple of books by Jan Reid, a guitar pick, and a journal.”
Chad at the finish line at Run For The Water.
Continue Exploring Burundi & Clean Water
Although one of the poorest countries in the world Burundi has a vibrant, welcoming culture. Learn more about this East African country and how clean water systems break the cycle of poverty and poor health.
Learn what doctors working in Burundi say about the health effects of clean water
See how the Murwindara-Mugano water system came to life from start to finish
Learn more about how the Gazelle Foundation’s Run For The Water race, now in its 20th year, was started by an engaged community of Central Texas runners
The joy on these faces says it all. Reliable access to clean water helps children spend less time collecting water and more time learning, playing, and dreaming about the future.