WASHINGTON – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the United Nations’ selection of U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Luke Lindberg to be the next Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP):

Today’s formal selection of Under Secretary Luke Lindberg as the 15th Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) is a giant step forward in the fight against world hunger. We extend our congratulations to Luke and thank his family for taking on this monumental task. He is an exceptional leader at the right moment to guide the world’s largest humanitarian organization in addressing the 266 million people facing crisis-level hunger around the world.

Luke has been a key part of the USGLC family, from his leadership on our South Dakota Advisory Committee, to traveling with us to Kenya in 2023 where we saw the win-win impact of U.S. assistance firsthand, to honoring America’s farmers at our 2025 Tribute dinner.

Given his deep expertise in trade, farming, and agriculture, Luke has shown his deep understanding that food security is national security, often saying that effective food assistance doesn’t just save lives, it supports communities so hunger doesn’t drive further conflict that ultimately comes knocking on our door.

As a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, WFP has proven the power of this mission—feeding 120 million people across more than 100 countries last year alone. We are confident that Luke will bring his experience, heart, and determination to lead this critical work and ensure WFP continues to deliver for those who need it most.

This is also an opportunity to once again thank our friend Cindy McCain, not only for her extraordinary leadership at WFP over the past three years, but for her years of service, including as USGLC’s former Arizona Advisory Committee Co-Chair. Her dedication to fighting global hunger delivered for the world and the American people.

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