Chris Bennett is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Simama International responsible for the organization’s strategic growth and impact with a focus on operations, fundraising, and oversight of funds provided to the Simama Project. As a childhood friend of Simama Project founder Matt Orcutt, Chris served as an advisor during the creation of the Simama Project in 2012 and helped establish Simama International, serving as the Founding Chairman, Board of Directors from 2013 until July 2025.

An expert in global health and international development, Chris has spent 20 years designing, managing and leading global programs to support those impacted by poverty, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Most recently, Chris worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) where he designed and led a $300 million agreement with UNICEF supporting global health, WASH, education, data, and emerging threats programs across 75 countries, including a significant portfolio of work in Kenya. 

Chris holds a BA in International Relations from UCLA and an MA in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University. He lives in Chantilly Virginia with his wife, four girls and American Bulldog Romeo. Chris enjoys cooking for his family and friends, playing and watching sports, and teaching his daughters how to play poker.