“I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Bertram, an agriculture expert with nearly 30 years of experience at USAID, has been named Chief Scientist in the agency’s Bureau for Food Security. In this new position, Rob will serve as a key adviser on a range of technical and program issues to advance global food security and nutrition.  He will lead our evidence-based efforts to advance research, technology, and implementation in support of Feed the Future, President Obama’s global hunger and food security initiative.

“Feed the Future is delivering results that are changing the face of poverty and hunger for some of the world’s poorest families. Working alongside thousands of partners from the private sector, civil society, and local leaders, Feed the Future has helped to pioneer a new model of development—one grounded in country leadership, policy reforms, cutting-edge measurement and evidence, and a relentless focus on delivering real results.

“Rob brings a wealth of experience and external relationships to the Chief Scientist position. He most recently served as Director of the Bureau’s Office of Agricultural Research and Policy. Prior to that, he guided USAID investments in agriculture and natural resources research for many years.  Before coming to USAID, he served with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's international programs as well as overseas with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system. I welcome Rob in this new role, and look forward to working closely with him to continue to build on the success of Feed the Future.

“I would also like to thank Dr. Julie Howard for her previous service as Chief Scientist. Dr. Howard recently left USAID to continue her food security efforts and leadership outside of government service, and I wish her well in all of her future endeavors.”