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Executive Director McCain, who suffered a mild stroke in October 2025, returned in early January to the organization¡¯s headquarters in Rome, Italy to resume her duties. She wasted no time assuming the many responsibilities of leading the world¡¯s frontline agency tackling a multitude of hunger crises across the globe, but found the demands of the job were outpacing her recovery.

¡°With a heavy heart, I am announcing my intention to step down as the Executive Director of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ,¡± said McCain. ¡°Serving this incredible organization has been the honor of a lifetime.

¡°I¡¯ve seen firsthand Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s ability to save lives in the most dangerous, destitute, and remote locations of the world, where people need us the most. Time and time again, I have seen the Â鶹ÊÓƵ team show up where no one else can, no matter the odds. I had truly hoped I could finish out my term, but my health has not recovered to a level that allows me to fully serve the enormous demands of this job. This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. 

¡°Over the past three years, we have delivered life-saving and life-changing assistance for millions of the world¡¯s most vulnerable people ¨C and this unwavering commitment will be more important than ever in the years to come. To our donors, partners and our global Â鶹ÊÓƵ team: thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I will remain Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s biggest champion and continue to be an unwavering voice for those struggling with hunger everywhere.¡±

Executive Director McCain assumed the role of Â鶹ÊÓƵ Executive Director on April 5, 2023. During her tenure she has driven several unprecedented changes to reform and scale the organization¡¯s abilities including overhauling its global structure, streamlining its operations and processes, scaling innovative digital technologies, and diversifying its public and private partnership efforts.  

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The United Nations Â鶹ÊÓƵ is the world¡¯s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.