World Food Program USA welcomes the announcement today by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Qu Dongyu, of the appointment of Luke J. Lindberg of the United States as Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). Lindberg’s appointment continues America’s legacy of leadership in the fight to end global hunger. The announcement follows consultation with the WFP Executive Board today in Rome.
“Luke Lindberg will be a powerful advocate in the fight against global hunger. His deep expertise in agriculture, strong leadership across business and public policy, and unwavering commitment to service will be invaluable as we work together to create a world free from hunger,” said Barron Segar, president and CEO of World Food Program USA. “We look forward to partnering with Luke to inspire American leaders and supporters to advance our shared mission of ending hunger.”
Lindberg’s leadership comes at a critical moment as escalating conflict and climate extremes continue to push millions of people into hunger. This year, the World Food Programme aims to reach 100 million people in nearly 83 countries with food assistance. The United States has been WFP’s largest donor and strongest advocate since its founding in 1961 with the help of then South Dakota Senator George McGovern. As Executive Director, Lindberg will continue an American legacy and commitment to feeding those in need.
“We are pleased to welcome Luke Lindberg into this important leadership role at the World Food Programme. Luke brings a strong record of service, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to strengthening food security around the world. We look forward to working alongside Luke and the entire WFP team as they advance their vital mission of delivering lifesaving assistance to communities facing hunger,” said Tony Fratto, World Food Program USA Board Chair.
Lindberg succeeds Cindy McCain, who served as WFP’s Executive Director from April 2023 through May 2026, and stepped down due to health reasons. In June, Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, took on the role of Acting Executive Director while the search for a new WFP Executive Director was conducted.
A native of South Dakota, Lindberg currently serves as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In that role, he oversees the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program and Food for Progress program and has worked to restructure the Food for Peace program through an innovative, accountable model. His experience managing large-scale operations and expertise navigating complex international partnerships demonstrate proven operational excellence at the scale required for WFP leadership. Throughout his career, Lindberg has demonstrated the strategic vision, geopolitical insight, and focus on accountability that are necessary to lead WFP in delivering emergency food assistance.
Before joining USDA in 2025, he founded and led, South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership focused on expanding international markets for the state’s exporters. He served as the organization’s President and CEO from November 2022 through to August 2025. Earlier in his career, Lindberg was Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. He has worked for Sanford Health as Director of External Affairs, and as Director of Global Operations for Sanford World Clinic, where he led global health operations across seven countries. Lindberg holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Public Policy, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He and his wife Brittany Lindberg have two children.
World Food Program USA is proud of America’s legacy of leadership in feeding families around the world. Over the past 50 years, U.S. business leaders, policymakers and the American public have continuously demonstrated a shared understanding that overcoming hunger is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. Solving global hunger contributes to a stronger, more prosperous and more stable future.
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About the United Nations World Food Programme
The U.N. World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
About World Food Program USA
World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. To learn more about World Food Program USA’s mission, please visit wfpusa.org/mission-history.
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