Sentell Barnes

Sentell Barnes serves as the Southern Africa Regional Resident Program Director at the International Republican Institute since July 2013, managing multiple USG-funded grants and overseeing a multi-national staff across several Southern African countries. Previous roles include Nigeria Resident Program Director and Nigeria Resident Program Officer, where Sentell coordinated international election observation missions and implemented democracy programs. Earlier experience includes legislative roles at the U.S. House of Representatives, notably as a Legislative Assistant and Legislative Correspondent, as well as positions at the American Bankers Association and TrainingPro focusing on governmental affairs and regulatory relations. Sentell holds a Master of Public Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery and various certificates from Cornell University, enhancing leadership and human resources expertise.