Nicole Barreca Prenger
Vice President
Nicole Barreca Prenger rejoined the World Food Prize Foundation in August 2023 and was promoted to Vice President in January 2026. In this senior leadership role, she oversees all global programming and strategic communications for the Foundation. She works closely with Foundation CEO Thomas J. Vilsack and President Mashal Husain to elevate the organization’s global profile, expand strategic partnerships and deepen engagement with key stakeholders worldwide. Nicole drives cross-organizational strategy, ensuring alignment across divisions and advancing the Foundation’s mission on the global stage.
Previously, Nicole served as Senior Director II, Global Programs and Strategic Communications, and before that as Senior Director, Strategic Communications, where she led the development and execution of the Foundation’s communications strategy, increasing visibility and strengthening engagement with global audiences.
Nicole also worked for the Foundation from 2012 to 2022, holding several roles, most recently Director, Communications and Events. During that time, she played a central role in managing the Foundation’s global brand and communications strategy and oversaw the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates, which welcomes more than 20,000 visitors annually. She was instrumental in planning and executing the Laureate Award Ceremony, the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue and the Global Youth Institute for nearly a decade.
Beyond the Foundation, Nicole has worked in the agricultural startup sector, collaborating with CEOs to develop strategic communications strategies that drive growth and strengthen brand reputation. Her experience spans agricultural technologies, biologicals, crop protection, data management, pollination technology and artificial intelligence.
Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Journalism and Print Journalism with a minor in Mass Communications from Grand View University (2012) and a master’s degree in Communication Leadership from Drake University (2015).
She can be reached at nprenger@worldfoodprize.org.