The George Washington University and chef, author and humanitarian José Andrés, HON ’14, have launched a search for the inaugural Carbonell Family Executive Director of the Global Food Institute, a role that will develop and bring to life the Institute’s vision to change the world through the power of food.
“The Global Food Institute has made significant strides since its launch earlier this year, and we are eager to find an executive director who can lead the Institute into its next stage of growth,” said Provost Christopher Alan Bracey. “This individual should possess deep expertise in food and must be able to provide the vision and leadership to translate our broader goals into the execution of impactful projects and partnerships. While a challenging task lies ahead, the selected individual will work closely with GW’s administrators, faculty and students who are impassioned about solving these critical issues.”
The ideal candidate for this transformative position will have a robust background in food issues, with a proven ability to think innovatively and forge impactful partnerships across both the public and private sectors on a bipartisan basis. The role will require an individual capable of serving as a prominent ambassador for the institute, fostering connections with key high-profile stakeholders and nurturing coalitions of support needed to transition the ideas incubated in the Institute into action.
Andrés, founder of the Global Food Institute, expressed excitement about collaborating and developing solutions with the future executive director.
“The Global Food Institute will reshape how we think about our food system and inspire and empower the next generation to develop solutions to the most challenging issues of our time,” said Andrés. “We need a passionate and knowledgeable executive director at the helm who will be energized by this incredible opportunity—and I look forward to working together to write the new recipes that will transform our global food system for the better.”
The Carbonell Family Executive Directorship is made possible through a $5 million gift generously endowed by the Nelson A. and Michele M. Carbonell Family Foundation.
“Through this endowment, Michele and I aspire to provide the financial foundation necessary for GW to recruit an inspiring and accomplished leader to guide the Global Food Institute,” said GW Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus Nelson Carbonell Jr., B.S. ’85, HON ’21. “Our intention is that this contribution will not only expedite the Institute’s impactful work but also empower its future leader to spearhead innovative solutions for the pressing challenges facing our food system.”
Global organizational consulting leader and executive search specialist Korn Ferry has been retained to lead the Carbonell Family Executive Director search. The position specification is available on the Global Food Institute website.
The Carbonell Family Executive Director search announcement closely follows the announcement of William H. Dietz and Tara A. Scully, GW faculty members, taking leadership roles in the Global Food Institute.