Mackenzie Carlson
Program Manager,
Development and Finance
Mackenzie Carlson joined the World Food Prize Foundation in May 2022 as the Program Manager of Development and Finance.
As Program Manager, Mackenzie supports and implements the World Food Prize Foundation’s fundraising strategy and improves processes for finance management. Her responsibilities include grant writing, donor relations, budgeting, spreadsheet management, and financial reporting.
Before joining the World Food Prize Foundation, Mackenzie was the Executive Director of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce in Iowa. Through her work, she fostered new business relationships and sourced funding for Chamber of Commerce projects. Mackenzie also served as the Internship Coordinator for Vote Smart, where she managed the organization’s accounts, budget and intern program. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Greater Des Moines Street Collective, working to improve safety and active transportation for all. Mackenzie is also an active delegate of the Annual Iowa Methodist Conference.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Mackenzie interned for the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, where she wrote briefings and learned about new legislation and proposals. She also completed a thesis on campaign strategies for women competing in U.S. elections.
Mackenzie received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from DePaul University in 2018.
You can reach Mackenzie by email at mcarlson@worldfoodprize.org.