Beyene Gessesse

Beyene Gessesse is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in grant management, program development, and international consulting. Currently serving as a Program Officer for the Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems Program at the McKnight Foundation since November 2021, Beyene previously held the role of Grant Specialist at Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, where responsibilities included collaborating on grant proposals and managing a grants calendar. Beyene's background includes consulting on rural development and entrepreneurship with Praxis Consulting PLC, serving as a Project Consultant for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and contributing as a Farmers' Organisation Expert for the Integrated Seed Sector Development Project in Ethiopia. With a strong academic foundation that includes a Master of Science from Wageningen University, Beyene has also held teaching and research roles at Mekelle University and gained practical experience as an Agribusiness Intern in the USA.