LITTLE ROCK, AR — November 2, 2026 — Heifer International announced today that Amsale Mengistu has joined the international nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors, bringing to Heifer her 25-plus years of experience in advancing global development and better food systems in Africa and beyond.
Amsale, an Ethiopian national, is a Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, where she has worked in various capacities since 2000. In her current position, Amsale focuses on food system transformation in Africa by supporting country strategies, coordinated investment and execution, and strengthened national implementation capacity. Amsale will retire from the Foundation in February 2027.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amsale to the Heifer Board. Her deep knowledge, lived experience and commitment to advancing inclusive agricultural development strategies make her an outstanding addition to the Heifer Board. We look forward to benefiting from her valuable insights and guidance,” said Surita Sandosham, Heifer President and CEO.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to contribute to Heifer’s work to ensure that smallholder farmers, especially women, can lead thriving, resilient lives and participate on an equal footing in markets and society at large,” said Amsale. “Heifer’s mission is closely aligned with my own professional focus and I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Board members and the entire Heifer team.”
Amsale holds an MBA from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and an undergraduate degree in Literature from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Born and raised in a small town in Ethiopia, Amsale has drawn on firsthand experience of the challenges posed by social and economic inequities to shape her commitment to expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
Amsale’s entry on the Heifer Board coincides with the departure of Susan Grant after a 15-year Board tenure, during which she served in various capacities, including as Chair from 2016 to 2018. Heifer is deeply indebted to Susan for her many contributions to guiding the organization toward becoming a more impactful, locally led partner to smallholder farmers as they seek to end hunger and poverty in their communities.
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About Heifer International
Since 1944, Heifer International has worked with more than 62 million smallholder farmers around the world to help them sustainably end hunger and poverty. Working in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies, protect the environment and build secure livelihoods. For information, visit https://www.heifer.org.
About the Heifer International Board of Directors
Heifer International Board members come from a wide range of backgrounds, including global development, agriculture, academia and the private sector. At least one director resides in each of the international program areas where Heifer carries out its work. All directors are independent voting members, as defined in IRS Form 990.
Media Contact
Peter Goldstein, Vice President of Communications
Peter.Goldstein@heifer.org
+1 202-341-0042