University of Maryland School of Public Policy alum Luke J. Lindberg MPP ’13 has been appointed executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which provides food assistance in 83 countries as conflict, extreme weather and other crises continue to drive global hunger. Lindberg assumed the role Oct. 26, calling on governments, businesses and international partners to strengthen their support for WFP's efforts to deliver food assistance to vulnerable populations in a statement published by the organization.
“Conflict is driving people into hunger, and extreme weather and maritime chokepoints exacerbate this reality,” said Lindberg. “Yet, in the middle of the chaos, humanitarians in vests marked ‘WFP’ find a way. We cannot do it alone. Governments, institutions, businesses and individuals need to stand with us, fund the work and help get food to people before it’s too late. No more famines.”
As many as 266 million people experienced acute hunger worldwide in 2025, with armed conflict contributing to the most severe crises.
Lindberg brings experience in international trade, agricultural policy and government leadership to this new role. Most recently, he served as undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he represented American agricultural interests internationally and oversaw initiatives involving food assistance, trade development and international financing.
Earlier in his career, Lindberg founded South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership focused on expanding international opportunities for the state's exporters, serving as its president and CEO. He also held senior leadership positions at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including chief of staff and chief strategy officer.
Lindberg succeeds Cindy McCain, who led WFP from April 2023 to May 2026, and Carl Skau, who served as acting executive director beginning in June.
A Triple Terp, Lindberg also earned an MBA in 2013 from the Robert H. Smith School of Business and a bachelor's degree in government and politics in 2011.
