The drive behind the Souls Foundation developed during a holiday in Thailand in December 2004, when cofounders and longtime friends, Dave Kingston and Dean Armstrong explored the possibility of using their skills and resources to help others. They discussed their options on the island of Phuket just days before it was hit by the Asia Tsunami. The devastation that followed strengthened their resolve to develop the foundation, and within weeks they were providing emergency relief funding in Thailand.

David O. Kingston

David O. Kingston is the Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Companies. Kingston Companies is a private, family-owned group of companies founded and controlled by David O. Kingston. The broad enterprises of the Kingston Companies include Kingston & Associates Marketing, and are also involved in commercial and residential real estate, green energy power projects, motion pictures, and various businesses supporting and servicing the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability) community.

Dave has held and serves on several public and private advisor boards in the agri-business sector and philanthropic endeavors. His service includes the U.S. federal PACA Task force, Chairman of Board Idaho Growers Shippers Association, National Legislative Committee for United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, interim CEO of Wisdom Media Group, and various advisory positions for Wholelife, Campaign for Better Health, Higher Ground for Humanity and The Clearwater Project.

Dave attended Weber State College, University of Utah and graduate school at Stanford University.


Dean Armstrong

Using his extensive experience in the visual arts field and wide travel in South East Asia for a number of years, Dean has directed nearly all of Souls activities to date. Most of his time is spent in the field, networking and working closely with the partners, teachers and children who are the driving force of the foundation.

In 1989 Dean founded The Society for Tribal Children, which is dedicated to increasing the visibility of indigenous peoples by promoting public awareness of their lives and concerns. Dean has published two books of photographs with Pilgrims Press: The Spirit of Angkor, and Souls. He has also produced and directed a documentary film: Mississippi Catfish…Gots the Blues.