Humanity & Inclusion Welcomes New Executive Director
December 4, 2024
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND – Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is pleased to welcome Hannah Guedenet as its new U.S. Executive Director. Guedenet will lead the U.S.-based team in increasing HI’s brand awareness, raising critical American funds, and supporting HI’s inclusive programs around the globe. She joined HI on Nov. 4. 
Guedenet comes to the HI Network with over 15 years of experience, specializing in strategic communications and program management in nutrition, food security, and global health. She will be based in HI’s Silver Spring, Maryland, office.
Guedenet is a seasoned strategic communications and program management professional with expertise in enhancing visibility, shaping narratives, and driving engagement across diverse audiences. She has led communications teams, served in leadership roles on USAID initiatives like the USAID ELEVATE Nutrition activity and Feed the Future, and developed programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Her experience includes new business development and client management with the Gates Foundation, where she leveraged her skills to build stakeholder relationships, align objectives, and achieve sustainable outcomes.
“Throughout her career, Ms. Guedenet has led collaborative communications initiatives to advance critical work in the areas of food security and global health,” says Nancy Kelly, HI’s U.S. Board President. “Her wealth of experience aligns seamlessly with HI’s efforts to grow our brand awareness, partnership opportunities, and donor networks. We are confident that her vision, expertise, and dedication will propel HI U.S. to new heights as we continue to advance our mission and serve communities worldwide.”
“I am deeply honored to join the HI Network as the new U.S. Executive Director,” says Hannah Guedenet. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about leveraging strategic communications to drive impact in the global community and navigate conflicts. I look forward to bringing that experience to HI US, working alongside a dedicated team to enhance our visibility, deepen stakeholder relationships, and deliver lasting solutions for the communities we serve. Together, we will continue to build on HI’s remarkable legacy and expand our reach to make a meaningful difference.”
In her first month on the job, Guedenet has taken the time to get to know her U.S.-based team, met with HI’s global leadership teams in Lyon, France, and joined partner coalitions in condemning the Biden administration’s plans to send landmines to Ukraine.
Guedenet received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies from Hope College and her Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She currently resides near Washington, DC, with her husband, two daughters, a dog, and a cat.
