Feed the Children Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Feed the Children has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, legal, technology, and international programming.

Driven by a mission to defeat childhood hunger, Feed the Children ensures children and families receive essential food and resources, impacting millions globally through sustainable programs and strategic partnerships.

Leadership Roles at Feed the Children

  • Chief Executive Officer - Paulonne Maignan
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Emily Callahan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Roger Nayar
  • President, International Programming & Operations - Bre Jefferson
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Panas
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP & Operations Executive - Deborah Kirinovic
  • Chief Legal Officer - Nil Loy
  • Paulonne Maignan - Chief Executive Officer

    Paulonne Maignan, the Chief Executive Officer at Feed the Children, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Maignan guides the core mission of combating childhood hunger, ensuring resources reach children and families in the U.S. and eight other countries. This leadership role involves fostering key partnerships and driving initiatives that maximize the impact of donations, with a focus on achieving 91% of contributions supporting sustainable programs. Paulonne Maignan's strategic vision ensures the organization's continued growth and effectiveness in addressing global food insecurity. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include setting long-term goals and overseeing all departments to maintain operational excellence and financial integrity, thereby advancing Feed the Children's vital work.

    Emily Callahan - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Emily Callahan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Feed the Children, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and global outreach. Callahan champions the mission to eliminate childhood hunger, overseeing the provision of critical food and resources to vulnerable populations across the U.S. and internationally. This executive position involves cultivating donor relationships and ensuring efficient program delivery, with a strong emphasis on maximizing the percentage of donations allocated to impactful initiatives. Emily Callahan's leadership drives the organization's commitment to sustainable solutions and its goal of reaching millions of children annually. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering innovation in program development and ensuring alignment with the organization's core values and financial objectives.
    Emily Callahan

    Roger Nayar - Chief Financial Officer

    Roger Nayar, the Chief Financial Officer at Feed the Children, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Nayar ensures the organization's financial health and accountability, managing budgets, financial reporting, and investment strategies to support the mission of ending childhood hunger. This executive role is critical in maintaining the commitment that 91% of donations support sustainable programs, requiring meticulous oversight of financial resources. Roger Nayar's expertise is vital for optimizing financial performance and ensuring transparency with donors and stakeholders. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include developing financial forecasts, managing cash flow, and implementing controls that safeguard assets and maximize the impact of every dollar contributed to Feed the Children's global efforts.

    Bre Jefferson - President, International Programming & Operations

    Bre Jefferson, the President, International Programming & Operations at Feed the Children, leads the organization's global outreach and program execution. Jefferson directs the strategic development and implementation of initiatives aimed at combating childhood hunger in communities worldwide, ensuring effective delivery of food and resources. This critical role involves managing international teams, fostering local partnerships, and optimizing operational logistics across diverse geographic regions. Bre Jefferson's leadership ensures that Feed the Children's mission resonates and achieves significant impact beyond U.S. borders. The President, International Programming & Operations' responsibilities include driving program innovation, ensuring compliance with international standards, and maximizing the reach and effectiveness of global efforts to support vulnerable children and families.

    Michael Panas - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Panas, the Chief Information Officer at Feed the Children, architects and manages the organization's technology infrastructure. Panas ensures robust and secure IT systems support the critical mission of combating childhood hunger, facilitating efficient resource distribution and data management across domestic and international operations. This role involves implementing innovative technological solutions to enhance program effectiveness and donor engagement, including managing systems for tracking donations and program impact. Michael Panas's oversight of information technology is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting the organization's growth. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding sensitive data, optimizing digital platforms, and driving technological advancements that empower Feed the Children to serve more children and families effectively.

    Deborah Kirinovic - Chief of Staff & Senior VP & Operations Executive

    Deborah Kirinovic, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP & Operations Executive at Feed the Children, orchestrates strategic initiatives and oversees critical operational functions. Kirinovic ensures seamless execution of the organization's mission to combat childhood hunger, managing cross-departmental projects and driving operational efficiencies across domestic and international programs. This senior leadership position involves supporting the executive team, streamlining processes, and enhancing the effectiveness of resource distribution to children and families. Deborah Kirinovic's role is pivotal in translating strategic goals into actionable plans and ensuring the organization operates at peak performance. The Chief of Staff & Senior VP & Operations Executive's responsibilities include fostering collaboration, managing key operational metrics, and driving continuous improvement to maximize the impact of Feed the Children's work.
    Nil Loy, the Chief Legal Officer at Feed the Children, provides expert legal counsel and ensures compliance across all organizational activities. Loy safeguards the organization's interests, managing legal affairs related to its mission of combating childhood hunger and providing essential resources to families globally. This executive role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes, advising on contracts, and mitigating legal risks associated with domestic and international operations. Nil Loy's guidance is crucial for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of Feed the Children's programs. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include overseeing all legal matters, ensuring adherence to laws and policies, and supporting strategic decisions with sound legal judgment to protect the organization and advance its humanitarian goals.
    Nil Loy

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Feed the Children Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Feed the Children?
    Feed the Children is led by Paulonne Maignan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Emily Callahan (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Roger Nayar (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Feed the Children’s executive team?
    The executive team of Feed the Children includes leaders such as Paulonne Maignan (Chief Executive Officer), Emily Callahan (President & Chief Executive Officer), Roger Nayar (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Feed the Children have?
    Feed the Children has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Feed the Children’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Feed the Children includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, International Programming & Operations, Chief Information Officer.