News: Chemonics Announces New Senior Vice President Garron Hansen

Chemonics International has named Garron Hansen as senior vice president of the company’s West and Central Africa and Haiti business unit. Mr. Hansen brings 20 years of international experience, including 15 years implementing donor- and U.S. government-funded programs in Africa and Haiti. In his new role, Mr. Hansen will oversee and develop the business strategy, management, and programming for Chemonics’ work in West and Central Africa and Haiti. This work includes projects focused on environment and natural resources; economic growth and trade; and peace, stability, and transition.

Mr. Hansen has a wealth of agriculture, economic growth, and private sector competitiveness experience. Before joining the executive management team, he served as director of the agriculture and food security practice, leading Chemonics’ efforts to facilitate inclusive market development, improve nutrition outcomes, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. Mr. Hansen was also acting director of the USAID-funded Mali Climate Change Adaptation Activity and Invest Activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before joining Chemonics, Mr. Hansen was embedded in the Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture to provide support and oversight on strategic priorities and operations. As program officer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Agriculture Development team, he conducted strategic analysis across the team’s 11 technical portfolios with a total annual budget of $400 million; he also managed a portfolio of 17 investments valued at $187 million that linked African smallholder farmers to markets.

“Since joining Chemonics, Garron has consistently demonstrated strong business acumen and excellent leadership skills,” says Executive Vice President Anna Slother. “His data-driven analytical approach, coupled with his commitment to our mission, will enable Chemonics to continue to create a lasting impact in West and Central Africa and Haiti.”

Mr. Hansen holds an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. He is a native English speaker and fluent French speaker.