Amnesty International Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Amnesty International has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and regional advocacy.

Driven by a commitment to global justice, Amnesty International champions human rights through rigorous research and direct action, demanding accountability for violations and seeking justice for victims worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Amnesty International

  • President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) - Jamshed Iqbal
  • Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) - Theresa Behnan
  • Deputy President - Sthuthukile Conco
  • Co-President of Yale Chapter - Ayaisha Alsaedi
  • President - Venus Dastidar
  • Campus President - Leah Velaga
  • President - Cheikh Kama
  • President - Faith Tucker
  • Chief of Staff - Tamara Bean
  • External Affairs - Jean Saint-Cyr
  • Jamshed Iqbal - President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan)

    Jamshed Iqbal, the President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) at Amnesty International, spearheads advocacy and engagement within Pakistan. Iqbal directs efforts to address specific human rights violations prevalent in the region, fostering dialogue and mobilizing local support. This leadership position involves developing and executing strategies tailored to the unique socio-political landscape of Pakistan. Iqbal's responsibilities include building partnerships with local civil society groups and government bodies to advance human rights protections. The President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan) ensures that Amnesty International's global mission is effectively translated into impactful local action. Jamshed Iqbal's focus is on driving tangible improvements in human rights conditions through targeted initiatives and public awareness campaigns.

    Theresa Behnan - Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East)

    Theresa Behnan, the Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) at Amnesty International, leads regional advocacy and community engagement in Eastern Maine. Behnan drives local initiatives focused on human rights education and activism within the specified chapter. This leadership role involves organizing events, coordinating volunteer efforts, and representing the chapter's work to the wider community. The Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East) ensures that Amnesty International's global objectives are met through localized action and grassroots mobilization. Behnan's efforts are vital for fostering a strong base of support and action within the region. Theresa Behnan's dedication strengthens Amnesty International's presence and impact at the local level.

    Sthuthukile Conco - Deputy President

    Sthuthukile Conco, the Deputy President at Amnesty International, supports the President in steering the organization's strategic direction and operational oversight. Conco plays a key part in ensuring the effective implementation of human rights campaigns and research projects across various regions. This position involves collaborating closely with other senior leaders to address complex human rights challenges. The Deputy President contributes to policy development and organizational governance, upholding Amnesty International's core values. Conco's role is essential for maintaining momentum in advocacy efforts and ensuring accountability. Sthuthukile Conco's leadership reinforces the organization's commitment to defending human rights globally.

    Ayaisha Alsaedi - Co-President of Yale Chapter

    Ayaisha Alsaedi, the Co-President of Yale Chapter at Amnesty International, leads campus-based human rights advocacy and awareness initiatives. Alsaedi directs the chapter's activities, focusing on educating students and mobilizing them for action on pressing human rights issues. This role involves organizing events, managing chapter communications, and fostering a strong sense of community among members. The Co-President of Yale Chapter ensures that the chapter effectively contributes to Amnesty International's broader mission through campus engagement. Alsaedi's leadership cultivates a new generation of human rights defenders. Ayaisha Alsaedi's efforts empower students to become active participants in the global fight for human rights.

    Venus Dastidar - President

    Venus Dastidar, the President at Amnesty International, directs the overall strategy and operational framework of the organization. Dastidar leads the executive team in executing campaigns that address grave human rights abuses worldwide. This critical role involves setting organizational priorities, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring adherence to Amnesty International's mission. The President oversees research integrity and the effective deployment of advocacy actions to demand justice for victims. Dastidar's leadership is instrumental in navigating complex global challenges and maintaining the organization's impact. Venus Dastidar's vision guides Amnesty International's unwavering commitment to defending human rights and promoting justice.

    Leah Velaga - Campus President

    Leah Velaga, the Campus President at Amnesty International, spearheads student-led human rights advocacy and awareness programs on campus. Velaga directs the chapter's operational activities, focusing on engaging the student body in critical human rights issues. This leadership position involves coordinating educational events, volunteer recruitment, and outreach efforts to expand the chapter's influence. The Campus President ensures that the chapter's work aligns with Amnesty International's global objectives, fostering a culture of activism and awareness. Velaga's role is vital for empowering young people to become advocates for human rights. Leah Velaga's leadership energizes the campus community towards meaningful human rights action.

    Cheikh Kama - President

    Cheikh Kama, the President at Amnesty International, leads strategic initiatives and operational execution for the organization. Kama directs the development and implementation of campaigns aimed at combating severe human rights violations globally. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration among international teams and ensuring the effective allocation of resources. The President oversees the organization's research agenda and advocacy efforts, driving progress towards justice and accountability. Kama's focus is on strengthening Amnesty International's capacity to respond to emerging human rights crises. Cheikh Kama's guidance ensures the organization remains at the forefront of defending human rights worldwide.

    Faith Tucker - President

    Faith Tucker, the President at Amnesty International, drives the organization's strategic vision and operational effectiveness. Tucker leads the executive team in executing impactful campaigns that address systemic human rights abuses across the globe. This pivotal role involves setting organizational priorities, cultivating international partnerships, and upholding Amnesty International's core principles. The President oversees the integrity of research findings and the strategic deployment of advocacy actions to secure justice for victims. Tucker's leadership is essential for navigating complex global human rights landscapes and maximizing the organization's influence. Faith Tucker's direction reinforces Amnesty International's unwavering commitment to human rights and justice.

    Tamara Bean - Chief of Staff

    Tamara Bean, the Chief of Staff at Amnesty International, directs strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Bean coordinates high-level planning, ensuring alignment between departmental objectives and the overarching mission of human rights advocacy. This role involves managing critical projects and facilitating communication between executive leadership and various global teams. Bean's oversight extends to resource allocation and process optimization, directly supporting Amnesty International's research and action efforts. By streamlining internal operations, Bean enables the organization to respond more effectively to human rights abuses. The Chief of Staff ensures that the organization's operational framework robustly supports its global mandate. Tamara Bean's leadership enhances the effectiveness of Amnesty International's campaigns for justice and accountability.

    Jean Saint-Cyr - External Affairs

    Jean Saint-Cyr, the External Affairs at Amnesty International, manages the organization's public profile and stakeholder relations. Saint-Cyr cultivates relationships with governments, international bodies, and other non-governmental organizations to amplify Amnesty International's advocacy. This role is crucial for building coalitions and securing support for human rights initiatives globally. External Affairs oversees communications strategies, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms and regions. Saint-Cyr's work directly contributes to the organization's ability to influence policy and public opinion on critical human rights issues. The focus is on expanding Amnesty International's reach and impact through strategic external engagement. Jean Saint-Cyr's leadership in external affairs strengthens the organization's global advocacy efforts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Amnesty International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Amnesty International?
    Amnesty International is led by Jamshed Iqbal (President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan)), along with executives such as Theresa Behnan (Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East)) and Sthuthukile Conco (Deputy President).
    Who is part of Amnesty International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Amnesty International includes leaders such as Jamshed Iqbal (President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan)), Theresa Behnan (Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East)), Sthuthukile Conco (Deputy President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Amnesty International have?
    Amnesty International has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Amnesty International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Amnesty International includes roles such as President, Democratic Forum (Pakistan), Co-President & Co-Founder, Maine Chapter (East), Deputy President, Co-President of Yale Chapter, President.