Amnesty International Executive and Leadership Team

Leah Velaga, the Campus President at Amnesty International, directs campus-level initiatives focused on human rights advocacy and education. This leadership role involves mobilizing student groups and fostering awareness of critical human rights issues within academic communities. Velaga coordinates outreach programs designed to engage students in Amnesty International's global mission, ensuring that campus activities directly support the organization's broader objectives of preventing and ending grave human rights abuses. The Campus President oversees the development and execution of local campaigns, working to amplify the voices of those whose rights have been violated. This position requires strategic planning to maximize student participation and impact, aligning campus efforts with the organization's research and action agenda. Leah Velaga ensures that student-led actions contribute meaningfully to demanding justice and holding perpetrators accountable.

Theresa Behnan, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) at Amnesty International, spearheads regional operations and strategic development for the Maine chapter. Behnan's responsibilities include establishing and nurturing partnerships within the East Maine community to advance human rights awareness and action. This leadership position involves guiding chapter members in research and advocacy efforts, ensuring alignment with Amnesty International's global mandate to combat human rights violations. Theresa Behnan oversees the implementation of localized campaigns that address specific human rights concerns, driving engagement and support for the organization's mission. The Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) also focuses on building the chapter's capacity and reach, fostering a strong network of activists dedicated to demanding justice for victims. Behnan's strategic vision ensures the chapter's activities effectively contribute to the broader goal of protecting human rights worldwide.

Amanda Roach, the Interim President and Historian at Amnesty International, provides critical leadership during transitional periods while preserving the organization's historical context. Roach's dual role involves guiding strategic decision-making and ensuring operational continuity, alongside documenting the organization's past efforts and impact. This position requires a deep understanding of Amnesty International's mission to prevent and end grave human rights abuses and demand justice for victims. Amanda Roach oversees the maintenance of organizational records and archives, ensuring that historical data informs present and future strategies. The Interim President and Historian works to maintain momentum on advocacy campaigns and research initiatives, bridging past achievements with ongoing objectives. Roach's leadership ensures that the organization's historical perspective strengthens its commitment to human rights globally, providing valuable insights for future actions and policy development.

Cheikh Kama, the President at Amnesty International, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution of the organization's global human rights initiatives. Kama's leadership encompasses guiding research into human rights abuses and spearheading advocacy efforts to demand justice for those affected. This executive role involves ensuring that Amnesty International's actions effectively prevent and end grave violations worldwide. Cheikh Kama oversees the coordination of international campaigns, working to mobilize public support and influence policy changes. The President is responsible for fostering collaborations with other organizations and governments to amplify the impact of human rights advocacy. Kama's strategic direction ensures the organization remains at the forefront of defending human rights, driving progress towards a world where justice prevails for all victims.

Jean Saint-Cyr, the External Affairs lead at Amnesty International, manages critical relationships and communications with external stakeholders, including governments, intergovernmental bodies, and partner organizations. Saint-Cyr's responsibilities focus on advancing Amnesty International's mission to prevent and end grave human rights abuses through strategic engagement and diplomacy. This role involves shaping the organization's public profile and ensuring its advocacy efforts are effectively communicated to a global audience. Jean Saint-Cyr oversees the development and implementation of communication strategies that support research findings and campaign objectives, demanding justice for human rights violations. The External Affairs function works to build consensus and foster support for human rights protections worldwide. Saint-Cyr's efforts are crucial in amplifying the organization's impact and securing broader commitment to upholding human rights standards.