Former U.S. ambassador and Alabama businesswoman, Lynda “Lindy” Blanchard, has been nominated by former President Donald Trump to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, headquartered in Rome, Italy. The announcement marks a return to diplomatic service for Blanchard, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Slovenia from 2019 to 2021.
Blanchard, a Montgomery native, co-founded B&M Management Company, a real estate investment firm, and the 100X Development Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing poverty and improving the lives of children worldwide. She holds a degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science from Auburn University.
During her tenure as ambassador to Slovenia, Blanchard worked to strengthen U.S.-Slovenia relations, particularly in economic and defense cooperation. Following her diplomatic service, she entered Alabama politics, launching a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2021, before pivoting to the 2022 gubernatorial race, where she finished second in the Republican primary against incumbent Governor Kay Ivey.
Trump praised Blanchard’s previous service, stating, “During my first term, Lynda did a great job as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia. I know she will work incredibly hard for our nation.”
If confirmed by the Senate, Blanchard will represent the United States in coordinating international efforts on food security, agricultural development, and global hunger relief through agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Food Programme.
Blanchard is married to John Blanchard, a businessman in real estate, and together they have seven children, four of whom were adopted internationally. Known for her philanthropic efforts, she has remained active in charity work focused on supporting children and families.
Her nomination now heads to the Senate for confirmation.
