Des Moines, Iowa (January 28, 2025) – The World Food Prize Foundation announced today that United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will serve as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, beginning March 1, 2025. As CEO, Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the Foundation’s global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Vilsack’s appointment builds on his longstanding relationship with the Foundation, where he served on the Council of Advisors and Board of Directors, offering invaluable insights that have shaped its mission and initiatives. He has served two terms as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and two terms as governor of Iowa, in addition to involvement with several organizations focused on agricultural trade and sustainable food production. His exposure and collaboration with the Foundation over the past two decades reflects his life-long dedication to advancing agriculture and food security.
“The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security,” said Vilsack. “I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with Mashal Husain and the talented team to extend the Foundation’s impact worldwide. I look forward to forging new partnerships, helping bring to life new solutions in the fight against hunger and championing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable food system for future generations.”
In this role, Vilsack will focus on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food insecurity. Foundation President Mashal Husain will continue to drive innovative programming, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of food systems transformation.
“The Foundation is entering an exciting era,” said Foundation Board Chair, Paul Schickler. “Secretary Vilsack’s unparalleled diplomatic acumen, cultivated over decades of public service and leadership, uniquely positions him to engage global stakeholders and foster meaningful collaborations. Paired with Mashal’s innovative programmatic vision and her deep dedication to driving impactful initiatives, these dynamic leaders will guide the Foundation to new heights. Together, they will honor Dr. Norman Borlaug’s legacy by addressing the most pressing global food challenges with bold action, strategic alliances and a commitment to equity and sustainability.”
“It is an honor to welcome Secretary Vilsack to the Foundation,” said Husain. “Together, we will focus on driving transformative change in food security, ensuring our work has lasting global impact, and inspires bold ideas and collaborative solutions to address the challenges facing our world.”
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About the World Food Prize: The World Food Prize is an international award that honors individuals who have improved the quality, quantity or availability of food worldwide. The Prize was founded by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his work that contributed to increases in agricultural outputs which was termed the Green Revolution. Since then, the Prize has been awarded to 55 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.
