As a Senior Director, Technology Solutions, Benktesh leads Verra’s cross-cutting technology strategy, including innovations related to MRV for natural climate solutions, program digitalization, expanded registry functionality, and linkages with external transaction platforms. In addition, he works in Verra’s IT and Knowledge Management infrastructure.

Before joining Verra, Benktesh worked in various software and technology-related roles, including at Sony Electronics, University of California Berkeley, Terra Global Capital, Spatial Informatics Group, SNV, and National Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal.  He brings 18 years of expertise in forest carbon MRV, including remote sensing, AI deployment, VCS project developments and verification, and methodology development, and the strategic leadership of enterprise software development and system integration projects involving global teams. Benktesh holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Forest Science from West Virginia University.