The World Food Prize Foundation Announces Appointment of Global Programs and Strategic Engagements Manager

The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to announce that Kathleen McCracken joined the organization earlier this year as Manager I, Global Programs and Strategic Engagements.

"Kathleen's experience in international relations, event management and global diplomacy greatly enhances the Foundation's ability to convene leaders and partners from around the world," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "Her skillset will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our global programs and create meaningful platforms for dialogue and action on food security."

In her role as Manager I, Global Programs and Strategic Engagements, Ms. McCracken supports the planning and implementation of the World Food Prize Foundation's international dialogues, including the Iowa Hunger Summit, DialogueNEXT conference series and the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.

She plays a key role in organizing breakout sessions and side events, coordinating logistics and ensuring a high-quality experience for global stakeholders. She also leads the implementation of award programming directly connected to these events, including the Iowa SHARES Award, Top Agri-food Pioneers and the Innovate for Impact Challenge.

"I am grateful to be back in Des Moines and with the World Food Prize Foundation," said Ms. McCracken. "I am dedicated to addressing and preventing conflict, a context often intertwined with food insecurity. Being part of a mission-driven organization convening international stakeholders to address food insecurity and its causes is deeply meaningful to me."

In 2018, Ms. McCracken served as a George Washington Carver Intern for the Foundation, allowing her to gain a deeper understanding of global food security issues and interact with Laureates, partners and experts. She then served as Event Staff at the Hall of Laureates, overseeing corporate and private events taking place at the historical venue.

Prior to rejoining the Foundation, Ms. McCracken was an international relations specialist for the City of San Antonio, Texas, where she helped manage 15 official relationships as part of San Antonio's award-winning sister cities program. She was the lead liaison with Gwangju, South Korea, and was involved in the planning and execution of inbound and outbound trade and cultural missions. Kathleen brings logistics management and international protocol and diplomacy experience to the Foundation.

Ms. McCracken graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in May 2021, double majoring in international relations and religion and minoring in French and Arabic. She graduated from the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies in 2025 with a Master of Arts in International Studies with a graduate certificate in religion and international affairs.