Rick Leach, President and CEO of World Food Program USA Stepping Down

Washington, DC (June 13, 2019) – World Food Program USA announced today that its founding president and CEO, Richard (Rick) Leach, will be stepping down from leadership of the organization at the end of July.  Leach founded WFP USA in 1997 to foster U.S. support for United Nations World Food Programme operations. Under his direction, World Food Program USA has been a leader in shaping public policy within the U.S. Government and building private sector partnerships to alleviate global hunger.

“An idea that began at my kitchen table has grown into a strong organization that has helped build a deep base of support in Congress, led legislative efforts to expand U. S. Government food security programming and increased the U.S. commitment to addressing global hunger,” said Leach.

After a ten-year tenure as president and CEO, Leach is departing WFP USA to launch a new effort to address issues of public concern.

“Rick has been a tireless advocate for the tens of millions around the world who face hunger and malnutrition. His passion and commitment to addressing global hunger has helped make World Food Program USA a true leader in this effort. On behalf of the WFP USA Board, I want to sincerely thank Rick for his decades of service to those without a voice,” said Board Chair Randy Russell.

“The selfless heroism exhibited daily by the men and women of WFP inspires and humbles me.  It has been a deep honor to support the World Food Programme in its efforts to save lives and bring hope to so many throughout the world,” said Leach. “And, I will certainly miss working with the talented and dedicated staff, Board, supporters, friends and partners associated with World Food Program USA.”