On the front lines of Haiti’s complex logistical landscape, Jean-Francois Laforet operates with a calm, unwavering resolve. As Build Health International’s Director of Operations & Procurement for Haiti, his mission is to ensure that critical materials—from steel and plumbing parts to life-saving medical supplies—navigate daily challenges to reach their destination.

This immense responsibility is fueled by a deep, personal commitment to his country. With over a decade of experience supporting major healthcare NGOs, his entire career has been dedicated to serving his community. Before joining BHI, he managed the supply chain for the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation. He held several management roles at Partners In Health, including Logistics Coordinator for the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais. In these roles, he learned the complexities of international and local procurement, from purchasing medications in Europe to working with customs brokers in Port-au-Prince.

“For the BHI projects, we mostly purchase construction materials in Haiti or the Dominican Republic and then ship them to the US for distribution to Haiti. That has happened several times, but I recall a time when we were searching for a specific plumbing part. We were unable to find it in Haiti, so we needed that part to complete the work. Usually, when we can’t get it in Haiti, we contact Chris in the Beverly office and then try to purchase it at Home Depot. We put it in a bag that someone is carrying to Haiti, typically someone traveling from the US. And then we give it to that person, and then bring it to Haiti to help continue the project.”

A strategic and principled approach to financial management matches this resourcefulness. Currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Finance to sharpen his skills further, Jean-Francois understands that his role is not just about purchasing, but about stewardship. He sees every dollar saved as a dollar that can be reinvested into BHI’s mission and the community. “I’m also working with the accounting and finance team in Boston, for instance, recording all expenses and creating reports on the costs for projects in Haiti. For me, saving money is an essential part of the project, which is crucial for its completion.”But for Jean-Francois, what truly defines his experience at BHI is the organization’s profound commitment to its people. During a period of intense crisis in Haiti that forced most other international organizations to close their doors and abandon their operations, BHI stood by its local staff. He tells the story with a mix of pride and emotion, recalling how BHI responded even after its warehouse was looted and projects were forced to pause.

“BHI was there to support its employees and their families, helping them relocate from Mirebalais and then providing financial assistance to help them sustain themselves. This is something that I appreciate. Most of the organizations left Haiti and abandoned the people who had been working for them; they now have no jobs. It’s challenging to find an organization that supports its employees during difficult times in Haiti. So that’s what makes me very proud of BHI.”

That pride extends to the growth he witnesses in his colleagues every day. He has seen local masons, plumbers, and foremen who have been with BHI for years transform into highly skilled professionals. He sees a significant opportunity in this legacy of mentorship. In Haiti, he explains, professional schools often focus on theory, but it’s the hands-on, practical experience from BHI sites that truly builds expertise.
Looking ahead, Jean-Francois is excited to see BHI continue to grow and take on more projects in Haiti and across the globe, and he is determined to be a key part of that expansion. “I see myself like I can be more and more important, more helpful, and contribute to the… growth of BHI”. It is a vision led by a man whose experience perfectly reflects BHI’s deepest values: resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities we serve.

This story is featured in our 2025 Financial Report. Read it here!

About the Author: Joseph Doe, BHI Communications Associate