WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced Lynda Blanchard, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agencies, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing held Thursday.
Blanchard, a Montgomery native, previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and brings with her a varied background in international service and private enterprise. She co-founded the 100x Development Foundation, which focuses on global philanthropic initiatives, and established the real estate firm Benham Management Company. She currently serves as Vice President of Business Affairs at Ascent Residential.
In her introductory remarks, Senator Britt spoke to Blanchard’s extensive experience in public service and business, emphasizing her longstanding commitment to global development and humanitarian causes.
“When I was president of the Business Council of Alabama, I had the opportunity to travel to Slovenia and see her service as Ambassador firsthand,” Britt said. “She is a force of nature.”
Senator Britt also pointed to Blanchard’s work in areas including education, health, and hunger relief, noting her involvement in sustainable development efforts both domestically and internationally.
The role of U.S. Ambassador to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies is a key diplomatic position that involves working with international partners on global food security, agricultural development, and emergency food relief. If confirmed, Blanchard would represent U.S. interests within agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The nomination now awaits further consideration by the committee before advancing to a full Senate vote.
