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Margaret Henry

Sr. Director, Sustainable Agriculture Strategy at PepsiCo

Professional Background

Margaret Henry is a well-respected systems leader dedicated to transforming mainstream food systems toward sustainable practices. With an extensive career spanning over 15 years, she has a wealth of experience across government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), making her a notable figure in the realm of agricultural sustainability. As the Senior Director of Sustainable Agriculture Strategy and External Engagement at PepsiCo, Margaret plays a pivotal role in advancing the company's ambitious Positive Agriculture initiative, which focuses on minimizing the ecological footprint of food production while maximizing social and economic benefits to farming communities. Her passion for farming is deeply rooted, stemming from her upbringing on a dairy farm in Kentucky, where she developed a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture, one that balances productivity with environmental stewardship.

In her current role at PepsiCo, Margaret is responsible for the development of sustainability strategies and fostering partnerships that enhance agricultural practices globally. She collaborates with a myriad of stakeholders to encourage innovative solutions that align with PepsiCo's sustainability goals. With a rich professional journey that includes positions such as Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Global Sustainable Agriculture Lead, Margaret's contributions have been essential in shaping PepsiCo's sustainability directives and implementing best practices across its supply chains.

Education and Achievements

Margaret's educational background is robust and diverse, equipping her with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of sustainable agriculture. She holds a Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A) with a focus on International Development, as well as a Certificate in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from Princeton University's prestigious Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. This foundation has been complemented by her studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she earned her Master of Science in System Dynamics. Additionally, her undergraduate education at Brown University, where she pursued a double major in Development Studies and Biology, has provided her with a holistic understanding of the interplay between agriculture, science, and social issues.

Margaret's achievements resonate within the industry, highlighted by her recognition as a Next Generation Leader by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). In 2021, she was honored with the Environmental Leader of the Year Award by the Illinois Corn Growers Association, a testament to her significant contributions in promoting sustainable practices within the agricultural community. Her work exemplifies the potential for corporate leadership to catalyze positive change in sustainability frameworks, making her a sought-after voice on agricultural sustainability.

Notable Contributions

Throughout her career, Margaret has held several influential positions at distinguished organizations, where she has significantly impacted sustainable agriculture practices. Her tenure at PepsiCo has seen her lead sustainable agriculture initiatives from various angles, encompassing sustainable sourcing, greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts, and water management. As the North American Sustainable Agriculture Lead, she was crucial in designing programs that bolstered sustainable farming practices and encouraged resilience among farming families.

Prior to her work at PepsiCo, Margaret served as Program Director at the Sustainable Food Lab, where she guided teams through complex challenges in creating sustainable food systems. She also contributed her expertise as Director of Sustainability and CSR Performance at Sodexo, focusing on environmental strategies that align with corporate social responsibility. Margaret's experience working with reputable organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Wildlife Fund emphasizes her commitment to fostering sustainable practices in public-private partnerships.

Margaret's journey began early as she honed her skills as a researcher and consultant, contributing her insights to various initiatives aimed at integrating sustainability into conventional practices. Her roles have included supporting projects at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and serving as a project assistant at the National Democratic Institute, influencing public policy and governance structures that support sustainable agriculture.

Specialties and Skills

Margaret Henry's expertise encompasses a wide range of significant areas pertinent to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. Her specialties include:

  • Sustainable Agriculture: Deep knowledge in promoting sustainable farming practices that are economically viable and environmentall

Highlights

Jul 10 · linkedin

Are you interested in being at the helm of one of the leading private organizations in supporting farmers and their adoption of great practices to improve their farm resilience? We are looking for a lead for our U.S. work to manage our existing partnerships and help us push the envelope on innovation. Apply here! https://lnkd.in/gEpMPiH8

Apr 30 · linkedin

The scary and potential future is no longer potential and farmers need our support more than ever to increase their resilience, and in turn the resilience of our food system.

Related Questions

How did Margaret Henry develop her expertise in sustainable agriculture?
What strategies has Margaret Henry implemented at PepsiCo to enhance agricultural sustainability?
In what ways has Margaret Henry leveraged her experience in government and NGOs to impact corporate sustainability?
What role does Margaret Henry see for multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainability goals in the agricultural sector?
How has Margaret Henry's upbringing on a dairy farm influenced her professional journey in sustainable agriculture?
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Location

Greater Seattle Area