BIFAD Membership

The Board for Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) is a presidentially appointed, seven-member advisory body that includes at least four representatives from U.S. universities, with additional representation from the private sector and civil society. BIFAD is authorized under Section 298 of Title XII of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, in recognition of the role that U.S. institutions of higher education play in agricultural development and ensuring food security, both domestically and abroad. BIFAD’s activities are supported by USAID in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972.

BIFAD’s responsibilities include participating in the planning, development, and implementation of, initiating recommendations for, and monitoring Title XII activities. Terms of Members are established by the President at the time of appointment. Board members may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the President has appointed their successors.

Current BIFAD Members

• Mark Keenum (Chair), President, Mississippi State University
  • Appointed by President Trump April 20, 2018. Term end: July 28, 2020.
• Richard Lackey, Founder and CEO, World Bank Inc.
  • Appointed by President Trump April 20, 2018. Term end: July 28, 2020.
• Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University
  • Appointed by President Obama October 13, 2015. Term end: December 13, 2019.
• James Ash, Food and Agribusiness Group Leader, Husch Blackwell LLP
  • Appointed by President Obama June 15, 2015. Term end: December 13, 2019
• Pamela Anderson, Director General Emeritus, International Potato Center
  • Appointed by President Obama October 13, 2015. Term end: December 13, 2019
• David Matthews, Chief Agriculture Officer, Bazelet Corporation
  • Appointed by President Trump January 19, 2021.
• Mark McDaniel, Partner, McDaniel and McDaniel Attorneys, LLC
  • Appointed by President Trump January 19, 2021.

Recent Past BIFAD Members

• Brady Deaton, Chancellor Emeritus, University of Missouri (Chair, 2011 – 2017; Member, 2017 – 2020)
• Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University (2013 – 2020)
• Harold Martin Sr., Chancellor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (2013 – 2017)
• Cary Fowler, Senior Advisor, Global Crop Diversity Trust (2015 – 2017)
• Marty McVey, CEO, McVey and Associates (2011 – 2015)
• Catherine Bertini, Professor, Syracuse University (2007 – 2015)
• Jo Luck, President, Heifer International (2011 – 2012)
• Elsa Murano, President Emerita, Texas A&M University (2010 – 2012)
• William Delauder, President Emeritus, Delaware State University (2002 – 2012)