Executive Director

“Let us be guided by our vision of a world in which people are not violently targeted because of the group to which they belong. Living out this faith will take many different forms. Some of us will be messengers. Some will be thinkers. Some will be lobbyists. All of us will demand nothing less than our ultimate goal.”

- Sam Bell, Executive Director, Genocide Intervention Network

As Executive Director, Sam Bell leads the organization’s programs and develops its strategic vision. Additionally, he works to enhance partnership and coordination across a broad spectrum of partner organizations. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director, Sam served as Director of Advocacy.

Sam was instrumental in the creation and growth of Genocide Intervention Network. Sam visited African Union headquarters in 2006 to finalize Genocide Intervention Network’s first civilian protection project in Darfur. In addition, Sam helped draft and pass the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act (SADA) and has arranged high-level lobbying visits, including with President Bush in 2008.

Sam led the creation of the organization’s scorecard system which measures the performance of each Member of Congress in fighting atrocities in Darfur. In addition, Sam developed 1-800-GENOCIDE,  the first anti-genocide hotline of its kind, which continues to be a significant activist tool helping to engage the organization’s membership base and supporters. Finally, Sam spearheaded efforts to incorporate Genocide Intervention Network’s student-led division, STAND, and the former Sudan Divestment Task Force (SDTF) - now Conflict Risk Network (CRN) - under the organization’s umbrella.

Sam has been featured and profiled in a number of media outlets/publications, including the Washington Post, the Washington Times, Houston Chronicle, The New Republic, MSNBC, Foreign Policy and CNBC.

Sam is Vice-Chairperson of the Save Darfur Coalition's Board of Directors.