Stepping down as agriculture secretary, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is stepping up as the first CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation

The former USDA secretary and former governor will be CEO of the Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation,which strives to alleviate world hunger and honors the work of international leaders for their efforts and achievements in global food security with an annual prize.

The World Food Prize Foundation announced Tuesday that former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer, beginning March 1.

Here's what to know about Tom Vilsack, who will become the new president of the Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation.

Two former Iowa governors are meeting for lunch today to discuss the past and the future of the Des Moines-based World Food Prize. Democrat Tom Vilsack, who served two terms as Iowa’s governor, will become the organization’s CEO on March 1.