Cindy McCain stepping down from World Food Programme to focus on health after stroke

PHOENIX — After two years, Cindy McCain is stepping down from her role as executive director of the World Food Programme.

McCain, who has been the organization’s executive director since 2023, said she will step down in three months to focus on her health.

“Serving this incredible organization has been the honor of a lifetime,” McCain said in a Thursday announcement. “This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.”

What health issues caused Cindy McCain to step down from WFP?

McCain suffered from a mild stroke last October, but returned in January to resume her duties at the WFP’s headquarters in Rome.

“I’ve seen firsthand WFP’s ability to save lives in the most dangerous, destitute, and remote locations of the world, where people need us the most,” McCain said. “I had truly hoped I could finish out my term, but my health has not recovered to a level that allows me to fully serve the enormous demands of this job.”

However, she said she isn’t stepping back from public life entirely.

“I will remain WFP’s biggest champion and continue to be an unwavering voice for those struggling with hunger everywhere,” McCain said.

Before leading the WFP, the world’s biggest humanitarian organization, McCain served as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. agencies for food and agriculture under then-President Joe Biden.

She is also the widow of Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain, who ran for president in 2008.

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