Christopher Bessenecker

Background

About Christopher Bessenecker

Over the last 30 years my work has taken me to all regions of the world to address some of the most pressing problems faced by the global poor. My vocation in international development began as a rural Peace Corps volunteer in the northwest Honduras, Central America. Since that time I have worked or consulted for various organizations including UNICEF, International Rescue Committee, and Project Concern International serving in capacities as varied as research investigator, field director and vice-president of programs. In addition to development work, I have led organizational efforts in responding to numerous natural disasters and complex emergencies including the 1994 Rwandan genocide, 1998’s Hurricane Mitch the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and 2013 Hurricane in the Phillipines. I currently reside in San Diego, California and serve as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives to Project Concern International. From 2003-2005 I traveled nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean in a small, traditional wood sailboat with my wife. In addition to the incredible rewards this experience offered, it has furthered my own personal and professional development and provided me with a far greater appreciation for patience, persistence, perseverance. I have a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and a Masters in Public Health. I currently lead the organization's efforts to embed innovation including a social enterprise that can help millions of pastoralists more effectively find pasture and better adapt to climate change.