Chris Bleers (He / Him)

With over 20 years of experience in humanitarian relief and development programs, including over a decade as a Country Director and Chief of Party, I currently lead the STaR Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This €32.5 million initiative supports communities and local governments in four countries affected by the Lake Chad Basin crisis, focusing on conflict recovery, resilient infrastructure, land restoration, peacebuilding, social cohesion, local governance capacity-building, and climate-smart agriculture. As a high-energy team leader, I have a strong track record in strategic planning and program management, particularly with the HDP Nexus approach and managing security risks. I have successfully led teams to raise over US $100 million, leveraging my business development and financial management expertise. I am committed to restoring vulnerable populations' access to basic services, resources, and dignity, promoting strong communication and capacity building, and fostering respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion.