Arlene Mitchell is a widely respected expert in school meal programs and food systems, known for her technical knowledge, strategic leadership, and decades of experience advancing global food security. She brings a unique blend of field-based expertise, policy acumen, and cross-sector collaboration to her work, with a career spanning multilateral institutions, government, and philanthropy.
As Executive Director of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), Arlene guides the organization’s strategy, partnerships, and mission to provide governments and partners with the tools and knowledge they need to implement and strengthen quality school meal programs.
Arlene has held senior roles in the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), where she led the global school feeding effort; at the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she managed international technical assistance and training activities; and at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she served as Deputy Director for Access and Markets. Earlier in her career, she was both a volunteer and staff member with the U.S. Peace Corps.
Outside of her global work, Arlene’s career has also included running a restaurant, owning a snack machine business, and providing in-home care.
