Tom Vilsack appointed CEO of World Food Prize Foundation

Tom Vilsack, who served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama and Biden administrations, has been selected by the World Food Prize Foundation as its next CEO. Vilsack will take the reins of this organization known its prestigious international food award on March 1.

Vilsack’s appointment builds on his longstanding relationship with the foundation, where he served on the Council of Advisors and Board of Directors, helping to shape its mission and initiatives. In addition to his tenures with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Vilsack served two terms as governor of Iowa and has been involved with several organizations focused on agricultural trade and sustainable food production.

In this new role, Vilsack will focus on expanding the Des Moines, Iowa-based 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 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 increasing agricultural outputs in an era known as the Green Revolution.

“The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security,” the 74-year-old Vilsack said. “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.”

Since its creation, the World Food Prize has been awarded to 55 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, a week of events dedicated to an issue surrounding food insecurity or hunger each year.