Coffee on the Couch with Pete Carlson CEO – Haiti Empowered – Formerly MissionE4

Reasons for having Pete as a guest on the podcast

Haitian children

What was the reason for having Pete Carlson on my podcast? It seemed like the perfect opportunity. I was involved with MissionE4 for about a decade in various roles and positions under the leadership of the late CEO and president, Scott Long. Despite some controversy surrounding certain periods at MissionE4, I chose to focus on the organization’s mission and positive impact.

Pete Carlson, now the CEO of Haiti Empowered (formerly MissionE4), appeared to be an ideal guest for my podcast. Considering the insights and new direction Pete might bring to the organization, I reached out to him. After several email exchanges, we agreed on a date and time for the interview. Our conversation was enlightening and provided a fresh perspective on the organization’s future under Pete’s leadership. For those interested in the evolution of MissionE4 and its new chapter as Haiti Empowered, tune into my podcast episode with Pete Carlson to hear his vision and commitment to empowering communities in Haiti.

About Pete Carlson as a person:

Pete Carlson

Pete Carlson is a dynamic individual whose journey has taken him from the corporate world to the forefront of humanitarian efforts. Just as he was preparing to retire, an unexpected opportunity pulled him back into the game. Stepping in as the CEO of Haiti Empowered (formerly MissionE4), Pete took up the mantle of leadership with a unique chance to helm an already fully functional missions operation. His transition into this role was marked by his participation in Scott Long’s final mission trip, where he had the chance to observe and learn from the organization’s esteemed founder.

Pete’s background in the corporate sector has endowed him with a wealth of experience in strategic planning and leadership, qualities that have proven invaluable in his new role. His dedication to making a positive impact and his unwavering commitment to empowering communities in Haiti reflect his compassionate and driven nature. Pete’s ability to seamlessly integrate into the mission field, leveraging his corporate expertise to further the organization’s goals, underscores his adaptability and resilience. As a person, Pete Carlson embodies the spirit of service and leadership, guiding Haiti Empowered with a vision rooted in compassion and integrity.

Current CEO Pete Carlson

(Host): “So, I thought we could start by discussing how we know each other. It’s through Mission E4. When I worked there, it was a different era under Scott Long. As many know, Scott passed away a couple of years ago, and through various circumstances, you stepped in. I believe we’ll delve into that today. Pete, what’s your perspective on how we got connected?”

Pete Carlson: “It’s interesting to see the journey and how God works. Mission E4 started from a desire to rescue and educate children and build more schools. The growth was phenomenal in a country many have given up on. I was on Scott Long’s last trip to Haiti, having been there with other organizations that eventually deemed it too dangerous. Mission E4 decided not to let that stop us, even in the middle of COVID and additional violence. We went in to serve the people of Haiti. On that last trip with Scott, I had no idea it would become more than just another mission trip. After his passing, the board asked me to step in as interim leadership, which turned into a permanent position. I had my retirement all planned out, but God had a different plan. Now, we’re continuing the legacy and looking to do even more for the people of Haiti.”

Host: “So, Pete, thinking about Mission E4’s journey since the mid-2000s, can you share a story that really touched you, something that shows the true impact of those four strategic pathways in action? Maybe a moment where we felt the heartbeat of the local community.”

Pete Carlson: “Sure. With the strategic pathways, we start with engagement to bring hope, then move to education. Beyond that, we aim to equip and empower the community so they can sustain themselves. One story that comes to mind is about a young girl who didn’t have a mom or dad, which is extremely dangerous in Haiti. She was brought into an orphanage and adopted into Pastor Brazil’s family. There, she found a safe place, learned about God’s care, discovered her own value and skills, and blossomed into a young woman.

What she didn’t know was that another student, more academically inclined, was also on a journey through the organization. He later became a high school director. These two, having been positively impacted by Mission E4, fell in love and got married. Their names are Abnall and Christella. When I visited, I saw Abnall in action at the high school and recognized his passion, knowledge, and expertise. We promoted him to run all of our schools, making him the new superintendent. It’s amazing to see them as a couple and think about how different Christella’s life would have been without the education and support from Mission E4. Now, both are fully employed by the organization, continuing to give back to their community.”

Pete’s links:
HaitiEmpowered – Instagram
Linkedin – Haiti Empowered
X – Formerly twitter – Haiti Empowered
HaitiEmpowered.com
Pete Carlson – CEO of Haiti Empowered

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