Chad Bissonnette is a mission-driven nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience in international development, organizational management, and community empowerment. As the President and Co-founder of Roots of Development, he has dedicated his career to promoting a “Development without Dependency” model, focusing on sustainable, community-led initiatives, particularly in Haiti.

Chad holds a B.A. in International Relations from American University and was honored as the School of International Service’s Alumnus of the Year in 2014. He has traveled extensively and lived in multiple countries—experiences that have enriched his global perspective, deepened his insights into cross-cultural collaboration, and shaped his commitment to inclusive, locally led development.