Betsy Bassan

Betsy Bassan is the founder, President, and CEO of Panagora Group. Previously, Ms. Bassan held a variety of executive and leadership positions. As a senior vice president at Chemonics, Ms. Bassan created a new health practice, ultimately building a $350M portfolio of innovative health activities around the world. In the 90s, she led Chemonics’ startup Europe and Eurasia division. At Save the Children, she served as project director for a major USAID global health initiative to increase PVO/NGO capacity. Ms. Bassan has served the industry in many capacities. As Chair, she led the transformation of the Small Business Association for International Companies (SBAIC) from an informal network into an established, successful advocacy organization. As Chair of SID-Washington, she raised its profile and efficacy. She led the founding and served on the executive committee of the Council of International Development Companies. She served on USGLC’s executive committee and launched Chemonics’ grant support that helped grow USGLC to the powerhouse it is today. Her sectoral expertise includes health, private sector development, and institutional strengthening. She has worked in all regions, and lived for seven years in Kenya and Sudan. Ms. Bassan holds an M.A. from Columbia University (Planning in Developing Nations), and a B.A. from St. John’s College, Great Books Program. She speaks French.