Mr. Bissonnette holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from American University in Washington, DC, and also studied PR/Marketing at Emerson College. He spent two years teaching in Spain, earning a diploma in Hispanic Language and Culture Studies from the University of Salamanca.

In 2007, after first visiting Haiti in 2005, he co-founded Roots of Development, where he now serves as Executive Director. He leads the organization’s unique approach to “Development without Dependency,” empowering communities—particularly on La Gonâve—to manage their own development through training and financial resources.

A frequent speaker on community-driven development, Mr. Bissonnette has shared his expertise at high schools and universities along the East Coast. Originally from Connecticut, he has lived extensively abroad, including in Spain, South Africa, and Haiti, and currently resides in Washington, DC.

For more information, visit his LinkedIn profile.

For more information, visit Mr. Bissonnette's LinkedIn profile