Ann M. Veneman

Ann M. Veneman has a distinguished career in public service, serving as the executive director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) from 2005 to 2010 and as the United States Secretary of Agriculture from 2001 to 2005. Ms. Veneman’s leadership and vision has been recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2009 she was named to the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list, ranking 46th and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. At UNICEF Veneman directed a staff of over 11,000 in more than 150 countries around the world. She worked to support child health and nutrition, quality basic education for all, access to clean water and sanitation and the protection of children and women from violence, exploitation and HIV/AIDS. She traveled to more than seventy countries to review the plight of children, to witness the devastation caused by natural disaster, conflict, disease and exploitation, and to advance programs aimed at improving and saving lives. Ms. Veneman currently serves on the board of directors for Nestlé S.A. and Full Harvest, as well as a number of nonprofit and advisory boards.