Sen. Katie Britt Introduces Lynda Blanchard at UN Food & Agriculture Agencies Confirmation Hearing
Blanchard has been nominated U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R–AL) formally introduced Lynda Blanchard, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) during Wednesday’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
Montgomery native Blanchard has an impressive résumé: she formerly served as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia during the first Trump administration, co‑founded the 100x Development Foundation, launched real estate firm Benham Management Company, and now acts as Vice President of Business Affairs for Ascent Residential.
Sen. Britt praised Blanchard’s accomplishments, saying, “She’s devoted her life to elevating our state and supporting communities not just in this nation, but across the globe. She has a record of bringing sustainable change through education, health, anti‑hunger initiatives, you name it … It is her goal for the unseen to be seen, to be elevated, and [given] an opportunity for success.”
Drawing on her own experience, Britt added, “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. She is a force of nature.” She went on to say, “We know the challenges we have in front of us across the globe, and there is no one more prepared to meet those than her. Lynda has a proven record of international experience and leadership, and she is ready to translate that longtime service in food, agriculture, and hunger issues to excel in this position. I have absolute confidence in her ability to strengthen international efforts to address food security and advance agriculture development and U.S.–led initiatives.”
Blanchard’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee offered Britt the opportunity to underscore Blanchard’s qualifications. With a background in both diplomacy and nonprofit leadership, Blanchard faces questions about how she plans to tackle global food insecurity and agricultural challenges—issues the Committee views as central to the Ambassadorship.
The Committee will continue evaluating Blanchard’s testimony and background in the coming days. A vote to advance her nomination is expected once all members have had a chance to question her on global agriculture strategies and U.S. diplomatic priorities.
Sen. Britt’s remarks are available on YouTube and below:
