#United States #Vitamin Angels #Nutrition #Goleta #Ana Céspedes

Ana Céspedes Appointed as CEO of Vitamin Angels

In a significant move for global public health, Vitamin Angels has announced the appointment of Ana Céspedes as its new Chief Executive Officer. Her extensive experience in the health sector positions her to lead the organization towards a future with enhanced impact and outreach.

Ana Céspedes is a well-regarded figure in the global health community, recognized for her dedication to increasing access to health innovations and equitable care. Having dedicated nearly 30 years to this field, she has worked with various stakeholders, from governments to multilateral organizations, leveraging her expertise to address complex health challenges effectively.

Commitment to Nutrition

Vitamin Angels, founded over three decades ago, works diligently to improve the nutrition and health of the most vulnerable populations, namely pregnant women, infants, and young children. Under Céspedes' leadership, the organization aims to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. "I have immense admiration for the incredible work Howard and the Vitamin Angels team have achieved together with our local and global partners and funders," she stated, expressing her enthusiasm for continuing the organization's legacy.

Currently, an alarming number of approximately 3 billion individuals globally lack access to nutritious food, making them susceptible to malnutrition. Céspedes emphasizes the urgency of changing this narrative, stating, "Together, we have the opportunity to be the generation that ends malnutrition in pregnant women, infants, and children under five."

With evidence supporting the efficacy of nutritional intervention, Céspedes plans to advocate for cost-effective health strategies. A report from the Copenhagen Consensus highlights that investing in micronutrient supplementation can yield $37 in health benefits for every dollar spent, demonstrating the potential return on investment in health initiatives.

Leadership Experience

Before joining Vitamin Angels, Ana Céspedes served as Chief Operating Officer at IAVI, a leading organization specializing in infectious disease management. Her role there was pivotal in steering the focus towards broader health issues such as tuberculosis. Her prior experiences span across prestigious firms in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, where she made significant contributions towards market access and strategic planning.

As a board member of argenx, a notable biotechnology firm, Céspedes brings a wealth of knowledge regarding corporate governance and strategic health initiatives, enhancing her capacity to guide Vitamin Angels effectively.

Looking Forward

Howard Schiffer, the founder of Vitamin Angels, expressed confidence in Céspedes’ ability to navigate the organization through its next growth phase. His trust in her vision highlights the alignment between her goals and the mission of Vitamin Angels. The new CEO will take on her role officially at the end of March 2025, leading the organization to further its impact on global nutrition.

Jim Hamilton, Chair of the Vitamin Angels Board, echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of Céspedes’ strategic vision in achieving long-term goals. With her proven track record and deep understanding of global health, Ana Céspedes stands ready to spearhead innovative solutions that can potentially eradicate malnutrition across the world.

To learn more about Ana Céspedes and her new role, visit Vitamin Angels. In summary, the appointment signals a new era for Vitamin Angels, as they strive to continue their mission of delivering essential nutrition to those most in need.