(Photo: Iowa Soybean Association / File Photo)
Vilsack appointed CEO of World Food Prize Foundation
January 30, 2025 | Jeff Hutton
Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is returning to Iowa in a new role.
The World Food Prize Foundation announced this week that Vilsack will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer beginning March 1. As CEO, Vilsack will “leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the foundation's global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture,” according to a press release.
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 served as the 30th and 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2009-17 during the Obama administration and again from 2021-25 during the Biden administration. Vilsack was Iowa’s governor from 1999-2007.
Building on a legacy
According to the World Food Foundation announcement, Vilsack’s involvement with several organizations focused on agricultural trade and sustainable food production, and 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," Vilsack says. "I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with (Foundation President) 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."
As CEO, Vilsack will focus on expanding the foundation’s global network and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food insecurity. 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 Chairman 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."
ISA involvement
The World Food Prize is an international award recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world.
Created and conceived by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Borlaug in 1986, the prize has been awarded annually to recognize contributions in any field involved in the world food supply, such as animal science, aquaculture, soil science, water conservation, nutrition, health, plant science, seed science, plant pathology, crop protection, food technology, food safety, policy, research, infrastructure, emergency relief and poverty alleviation and hunger.
The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is an annual sponsor of the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony. As a sponsor, ISA shares news and information about soy’s global reach and relevance to the daily diet of people around the world, especially those in developing countries.
ISA has sponsored the soy luncheon at the World Food Prize for the past 15+ years, as well as participating alongside the United Soybean Board for a panel discussion on soy-related topics and issues.
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