Mark Viso joined Food for the Hungry (FH) as part of a lifelong commitment to help the most vulnerable and marginalized in our world find their voice, overcome poverty, and have hope for a brighter future. His 30-year career in international relief and development began as a short-term volunteer with FH during a devastating famine that ravaged Ethiopia.
Mark’s extensive experience in the global relief and development sector includes key executive leadership roles, including President of the Institute for Development Impact (I4DI); nearly 11 years as President and CEO of Pact (a non-governmental organization working in nearly 40 countries); Senior Vice President for International Development at World Learning; and serving as Vice President of International Programs at World Vision US.
Through these roles, Mark gained significant field experience by living and working overseas for over 15 years. In addition to serving on several boards, he has also been active with various global fora and initiatives, including the World Economic Forum, Clinton Global Initiative, BSR, Society for International Development, the Global Battery Alliance, and others.
He is a proud native of California and received his BA in International Affairs from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed graduate work at George Washington University. Along with his wife, Kristine, and his son Booker, he is an avid biker, rock climber, kayaker, and backpacker.
“Now, in this phase of my career, I am ready to take my grounding in Christian relief and development work and combine it with what I have learned leading large, global and complex secular organizations, and return to my roots in contributing to a biblically faith-based organization.”
“I can think of no greater privilege than to help lead Food for the Hungry at this seminal moment in the organization’s journey, and I look forward to getting to know the amazing staff all around the world.”