The World Food Prize Foundation, the foremost international organisation recognizing the achievements of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity or availability of food in the world, announced Barbara Stinson as its president effective January 4, 2020.
Ms. Stinson previously served as a co-founder and senior partner of the Meridian Institute, a renowned non-profit organization that guides collaboration and drives action to address our world’s most complex challenges. She will succeed Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, whose 20-year presidency established the international reputation and secured the legacy of the World Food Prize. Ms. Stinson will become the second president of the Foundation since Dr. Norman Borlaug established it in 1986.
“The Board, Council of Advisors and I are delighted Barbara will join the World Food Prize Foundation as our next President. We look forward to her leading the Foundation’s next era as we continue to advance Borlaug’s mission of increasing agricultural productivity and education globally,” said John Ruan III, Chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation. “Based on her impeccable policy credentials, ability to convene diverse groups of people to advance a common purpose, proven business management skills and passion for our purpose, I am confident that Barbara is the right leader to uphold the outstanding reputation of the World Food Prize while expanding the impact of our programs to address pressing global challenges, including nutrition, climate change, water and soil management, gender equity and youth engagement.”
Ms. Stinson brings more than 30 years of experience in environmental public policy and business management, focusing the last 10 years on global food security and food safety. She has successfully led collaborations addressing complex challenges, such as tackling food safety in sub-Saharan Africa and addressing the impact of climate change in agricultural productivity.
Her work emphasizes policies and programs that support smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, by bringing institutional support and access to new tools, technologies and data to improve the quantity, quality and availability of food.
