Dr. Charles Owubah to Build on Nonprofit’s Proven Strategies, Expanding Reach, Innovation and Advocacy
NEW YORK, N.Y. – April 17, 2019 – Action Against Hunger USA, the world’s hunger specialist, today announced that it has appointed a new CEO, Dr. Charles Owubah, who joins the NGO after nearly 20 years at World Vision. This planned leadership transition is the next step in Action Against Hunger’s strategic plan to create better ways to address life-threatening hunger worldwide.
“We committed to recruiting a new CEO who would accelerate Action Against Hunger’s impact through ever-more efficient, effective and innovative programs that empower nearly 20 million people each year,” said Ray Debbane, Board Chair, Action Against Hunger USA. “We are fortunate to have found the ideal leader in Dr. Charles Owubah, who brings outstanding experience, analytical rigor, and passion for Action Against Hunger’s world-changing mission. We are delighted to welcome him as CEO.”
“I’m honored to join Action Against Hunger, which is challenging traditional approaches to development by promoting innovative, locally-driven solutions,” Owubah said. “I look forward to working with this talented and increasingly locally-led team to scale evidence-based programs that advance our goal of ending hunger for good, within our lifetimes.”
Dr. Owubah earned his Ph.D. in Natural Resource Management and Policy from Purdue University in the U.S. He was an academic and consultant on food aid management before spending nearly 20 years at World Vision in roles of increasing responsibility. He brings deep technical expertise in collaborating with local communities on sustainable water and food security programs, delivering emergency relief, and promoting child survival across a global footprint.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to go hungry, yet after years of progress, global malnutrition is rising as a result of conflict and climate change,” Owubah said. “I know what it is to feel hunger. As the son of farmers in Ghana, I grew up on the land. I love to plant seeds and nurture their growth—and that includes seeds of hope and resilience among local people and staff in local communities. I have seen that hope is cultivated through evidence-based programs that deliver measurable impact.”
Dr. Owubah will officially take the helm on May 1, 2019 as part of a long-anticipated transition with the current CEO, Andrea Tamburini.
“We want to express our profound appreciation to Andrea Tamburini, who is leaving Action Against Hunger on very solid footing,” Debbane said. “During his tenure, Action Against Hunger opened a regional headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, piloted new programmatic approaches, and received its 13th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.”
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger is the world’s hunger specialist and leader in a global movement that aims to end life-threatening hunger for good within our lifetimes. For 40 years, the humanitarian and development organization has been on the front lines, treating and preventing hunger across nearly 50 countries. It served more than 20 million people in 2017 alone. Follow Action Against Hunger on Twitter at @ACFUSA.
