Our Leadership
The U.S.–Djibouti Business Roundtable’s leadership team guides our mission each day—creating value for our members, strengthening U.S.–Africa economic ties, and advancing trade, investment, and job creation through strategic advocacy, partnership, and innovation.
Leadership
Chris Houghton
Chairman
For 30+ years, Chris has played an integral role in procuring, consulting, and managing high-profile projects spanning 22 countries and 38 U.S. states.
He has had the privilege of working closely with heads of state, religious and institutional leaders, and sovereign countries, delivering on mission objectives.
Chris has owned and operated numerous successful businesses, with senior executive experience covering a wide range of market sectors and focuses, including: administration/owner representation services, national development and infrastructure projects, construction and development, energy markets, mining and mining services, data centers, government facilities, port development, and national security.
He has a unique ability to see how individual personalities, skills, and organizations fit together, and to build the team combinations that make any project successful.
Chris leads projects from inception through completion—facilitating financing, attracting investors, and organizing the engineering and design teams that transform vision into reality.
Shayne Gibbons
CEO
As a senior financial executive with over 30 years of global leadership experience, Shayne brings a dynamic, self-driven style to the organization. Experienced in driving growth, increasing profitability, acquiring and merging businesses, along with optimizing and standardizing processes, Shayne has mastered leading diverse teams and managing the financial health of business operations.
His skill-sets include strong global operational and financial skills with the ability to resolve complex issues across multiple industries and countries. Shayne has a masterful ability to draw financial insights from operational realities, and a rare capability to see around corners, making him a pillar to the operational success of any project.
His background includes work in the automotive, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, mining services, defense, data center, government facilities, port infrastructure, and construction sectors. Shayne regularly demonstrates the ability to develop, mentor and build high-performing teams across all levels of an organization and diverse cultures. Shayne has lived and worked extensively in the USA, Mexico, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and the South Pacific.
Jeremy Andra
Strategic Advisor
Jeremy Andra is a dynamic leader in business development and management, with extensive experience in launching startups and driving business expansions, particularly in emerging markets. Renowned as a strategic connector, he excels at building influence with key industry opinion leaders and fostering high-value partnerships that accelerate success. His top-down approach creates pathways for rapid market entry and sustained growth.
With a strong foundation in strategic planning and international business development, Mr. Andra has successfully led initiatives that bridge domestic and global markets. His work spans across industries, leveraging partnerships and innovations that impact both U.S. and international economies.
In addition to his entrepreneurial and business development expertise, Mr. Andra serves as a Strategic Advisor for SBCC, an advising partner and resource for the Department of Defense. In this role, he supports efforts to integrate innovative commercial technology, enhance leadership capabilities, and deliver critical solutions for the nation’s defenders.
Mr. Andra is also a partner with the Bennett Group, a firm specializing in government relations and public policy. Through this partnership, he helps clients navigate the complex landscape of federal engagement, ensuring strategic alignment with legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Further extending his influence in both domestic and international spheres, Mr. Andra has been honored to have served on the Global Advisory Board for the World Trade Center Utah, as well as currently serving on the Board of Governors for 47G (formerly the Utah Aerospace & Defense Association), and the Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
Tim Stewart
Special Advisor to the Board
Tim Stewart is a Founding Partner of the Bennett Group, a D.C.-based government relations firm. He is a native of Logan, Utah.
In January ’93 Tim began his career on Capitol Hill in Washington DC working for newly elected Senator Robert F. Bennett where he served in the US Senate as a Legislative Assistant and Professional Staff member to Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT) for seven years. He then served as the Chief of Staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources under Chairman James Hansen (R-UT) for two more years.
In 2003, to start the American Capitol Group, a Washington DC government relations firm. He later joined with Senator Bennett to form the Bennett Consulting Group. These two firms are closely tied, where Tim and his partners represent over 70 clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start ups, trade associations, major foundations, foreign countries to local municipalities. The America Capitol Group has been named a top performing lobbying group by Bloomberg for eight consecutive years.
Tim also serves as the President of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association – the nation’s oldest energy trade association with over 300 oil and gas producer members. He is a well-respected spokesman for the industry in the media.
Tim has also served as the Secretariat of the AGOA Alliance, a coalition formed to advocate for the modernization and reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the landmark trade preference program which has been at the core of U.S. economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa for over 20 years.
Jon Newman
Treasurer
Based in Washington, D.C. and a member of the Bennett Group team, Jon adds a government relations and operations background to the Roundtable, having a particular concentration in the energy and natural resources, supply chain and procurement, trade, and technology sectors.
He began his career in the agricultural processing sector, working with a small team to construct a fully operational facility (from design to output) in 90 days, establish business processes and financial practices, and secure off-take agreements, as well as a partnership agreement, with an national industry leader.
Jon takes a hands-on, detail-oriented approach, aiming to go beyond the surface-level and understand the mechanics. He brings a ranging skillset including operational and strategic execution, process optimization, financial operations, economic and policy analysis, business development, and bulk commodity procurement.
External Board of Advisors
Ambassador Mohamed Siad Douale
Advisor
Ambassador Mohamed Siad Douale, representing the Republic of Djibouti, has been a steadfast voice for regional stability, development, and international partnership. His diplomatic leadership continues to elevate the strategic role Djibouti plays on the global stage, particularly in fostering U.S.-Africa economic cooperation.
Issa Hamud
Honorary Consul
Issa is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of proven leadership experience. A reliable, strategic, and resourceful leader, he inspires others to excel while driving transformational change with foresight and innovation. His track record demonstrates a goal-oriented approach, consistently exceeding expectations in every endeavor. A licensed civil and environmental engineer, Issa brings over 30 years of expertise in municipal project planning, design, and construction, making significant contributions to infrastructure development. His deep-rooted relationships with government agencies, business leaders, and the local community enable him to foster diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges throughout Utah. Beyond his professional achievements, Issa is an active community leader and a dedicated mentor to foreign students at Utah State University, helping them navigate academic and professional opportunities in the region. His commitment to service and bridge-building makes him a vital asset in both professional and civic spheres. Issa is the Principal Engineer and Owner of Five Star Engineers LLC, Logan Utah. Issa was the Executive Director of Logan City Environmental Department, Utah. Over 24 years and continues to teach at Utah State University Engineering College, Logan, Utah.
