Chris Steiner

Background

About Chris Steiner

Experienced executive with 25+ years of global leadership in international development across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Currently serving as CEO of Helvetas USA and as Board Member & Head of Philanthropy at the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, Southern California. I’ve spent my career working to expand access to opportunity and dignity—especially for vulnerable communities—through practical, locally rooted solutions. I’ve led global teams, grown programs across multiple countries, and helped secure long-term funding through cross-sector partnerships with governments, donors, and the private sector. A key focus of my work has been in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)—designing and scaling programs that promote health, resilience, and equity. I’ve also worked extensively on youth employment, labor mobility, and inclusive economic growth, all with a systems-change mindset. Fluent in multiple languages and culturally adaptive, I bring both field-level experience and strategic perspective. I grew up on a farm in Switzerland and began my professional path through an agricultural apprenticeship—grounding my development work in real-world experience from day one. I’m now looking to contribute on the funding side, where I can apply a practitioner’s lens to philanthropy—helping shape investments that are impactful, equitable, and community-driven. Further reflections from donors, partners, and colleagues are available in the recommendations section below.