Kent Benson
- Vice President, Operations, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Kent Benson, vice president, Operations at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, leads and supports human resources, building operations, safety and security, event planning and hospitality, financial management and revenue generation, and information technology.
Benson is a seasoned global operations executive with more than 20 years of experience leading complex programs and organizations across diverse international environments. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for driving operational excellence, organizational performance, and strategic execution in both public and private sector settings.
Benson’s work has taken him to some of the world’s most challenging and dynamic regions, including Eastern and Southern Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean. His extensive international experience has given him a unique perspective on navigating complex operational landscapes, leading multicultural teams, and delivering results in high-impact environments.
His professional portfolio includes leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the State of North Carolina, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He is also a small business owner, a volunteer small business mentor with the SBA’s SCORE program, and a career coach.
A graduate of The George Washington University, Benson earned a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina.
He lives with his wife and three sons in Northern Virginia. Outside of work and family, he enjoys basketball, travel, hiking, and competing in triathlons.
