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The World Food Prize Foundation announced today that Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Acting Under Secretary for the Research, Education and Economics mission area and Acting Chief Scientist of the United States Department of Agriculture, has joined the Council of Advisors. Her permanent position is Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, USDA’s principal in-house research agency.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young to the Council of Advisors for the World Food Prize Foundation,” said Paul E. Schickler, Chairman of the Council and member of the Board for the Foundation. “The Council will value Dr. Jacobs-Young’s expertise as the Administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, but equally so for her passion to advance agriculture and food technology while inspiring the next generation of professionals.”
On the Council, Dr. Jacobs-Young will review, advise and guide the World Food Prize leadership on their policies and the design and implementation of Foundation programs. Other responsibilities of Dr. Jacobs-Young will include participating in appointing members of the World Food Prize Laureate Selection Committee and endorsing the Selection Committee’s choice of a new Laureate each year.
“I am honored to join the Council of Advisors. I look forward to bringing my passion for science and innovation to global efforts to address food security and train the next generation of agricultural professionals,” said Dr. Jacobs-Young.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Jacobs-Young fulfilled several other leadership roles within the USDA, including founding Director of USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist and the Acting Director for USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
“Dr. Jacobs-Young is an exceptional addition to the Foundation’s Council of Advisors,” said Barbara Stinson, President, World Food Prize Foundation. “Her science background and extensive experience inspiring young professionals in agriculture will be essential to expanding the Foundation’s youth programs across the globe.”
Dr. Jacobs-Young received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Paper Science from North Carolina State University. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, an If/Then Ambassador for AAAS and a Presidential Rank Award winner.