Integrate Health is proud to announce that Emily Bensen will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer in January 2026, following a planned leadership transition led by the Integrate Health Board of Directors.
After 20 years of service, Integrate Health Co-Founder Jenny Schechter has decided to step down from the role of CEO and transition onto the Board. Under Jenny’s leadership, Integrate Health scaled high impact programs across Togo, expanded into Guinea, and built a strong foundation for lasting change. Jenny will remain deeply engaged with the organization through her new role serving on the Board, continuing to support our strategic growth.
Emily Bensen brings meaningful experience, including a decade with Integrate Health. From spearheading the launch of the Integrated Primary Care Program in Togo in 2015 to establishing new multi-million-dollar partnerships and leading IH’s expansion to Guinea, Emily has played a significant role in the impact the organization has achieved to date.
“It’s a privilege to carry forward the work that Jenny has led with such vision and care,” Emily said. “Under her leadership, Integrate Health has demonstrated that health for all is possible: rooted in community, and led by governments. My mandate now is to build on that incredible momentum. I commit to sustaining our core values and expertise, while seeking opportunities to amplify our impact.”
This transition is the result of a thoughtful, multi-year succession planning process, initiated by Jenny, and led by Integrate Health’s Board of Directors. Guided by an active subcommittee, the process included the development of a success profile for the next CEO, an assessment of the evolving global health landscape, and a review of both internal and external leadership pathways—all with the goal of sustaining the organization’s momentum and values.
This marks a chapter of strength and momentum for Integrate Health. With Charlotte Dzamado stepping into the role of Country Director in Togo, succeeding co-founder Christophe Gbeleou, and Dieynaba Thiam-Ka appointed as Managing Director, we are building a resilient, locally led organization. Their expertise and vision, alongside our committed teams in Togo, Guinea, and globally, are reinforcing what has always set us apart: strong proximity to the communities we serve, and an unshakable belief in the power of communities to drive lasting change.
Please join us in thanking Jenny for her visionary leadership and in welcoming Emily, Charlotte, and Dieynaba into their new roles. Together, we look forward to continuing the work of building health systems that leave no one behind.
To learn more about the transition process and the Board’s reflections, we invite you to read the Board’s letter.