Negesse Gutema was born in Oromia Region, Ethiopia in 1957. He was one of many siblings that grew up together in the small town of Bekoji. In his late teens, Negesse left Ethiopia and ended up in California, USA (by way of Germany and Greece). In the US, Negesse received his Bachelors from University of Washington, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He later also received a masters in Engineering Management.

Negesse moved with his wife, Juanita, to Vermont where his three children were born and raised. Negesse remains a key member of the Ethiopian community in Vermont, which has grown considerably since he and his family first arrived roughly 30 years ago.

Negesse recently retired from his decades-long career in the workforce and has since published his debut book in 2022, titled “Tinish Bekarta Tiliq Bealem”. Negesse plans to continue to write books, including a personal memoir that is currently underway. He also plans to continue supporting YESSERA (Young Ethiopian Self Sufficiency Enhancing Re-education Association) which he founded alongside a group of friends in 2001 with the mission to help provide youth in Ethiopia with the immediate hands-on training to immerse in the workforce in order to improve their economic status. In addition to his work with YESSERA, Negesse also works with the KDA (Ketar Developmental Association), and many other Development Projects, including the Bekoji Seniors’ Center. Negesse and his family also contribute to funding the education of 5 children in Bekoji and 2 in Mizan Teferi.