Henrietta H. Fore

Henrietta H. Fore is an American businesswoman and public servant who served as the seventh Executive Director of UNICEF. Appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, she led the United Nations Children's Fund from 2018 to 2022, overseeing its global humanitarian and development programs for children. Her distinguished career includes high-level roles in the United States Department of State and the United States Mint, alongside leadership positions in corporate and nonprofit boards. Fore is recognized for her expertise in management, economic development, and international diplomacy.

Early life and education

Henrietta Holsman Fore was born on December 9, 1948, in New York City. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Wellesley College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in history. Following her graduation, Fore continued her education at the University of Northern Colorado, obtaining a Master of Arts in public administration. Her academic foundation in history and public administration provided a strong basis for her future career in government and international service.

Career in public service

Fore's public service career began with her appointment by President George W. Bush as the Director of the United States Mint in 2001, a role she held until 2005. In this position, she oversaw the production of the nation's coinage and managed facilities like the West Point Mint and the Fort Knox United States Bullion Depository. In 2005, she was confirmed as the Under Secretary of State for Management, serving under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In this senior role at the United States Department of State, she was responsible for the department's multi-billion dollar budget, global security infrastructure, and human resources, playing a key part in modernizing the Foreign Service during a period of significant global challenges.

Leadership at UNICEF

Fore assumed the role of Executive Director of UNICEF on January 1, 2018, becoming the first American woman to hold the position permanently. Her tenure was marked by responding to large-scale crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Yemen and Syria, and climate-related disasters. She championed initiatives like the Generation Unlimited partnership and focused on issues such as vaccine equity, mental health, and digital learning. Under her leadership, UNICEF, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, played a central role in the COVAX facility to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally. She concluded her term in July 2022, succeeded by Catherine M. Russell.

Other professional roles and affiliations

Beyond her government and UN roles, Fore has held significant positions in the private and nonprofit sectors. She served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Holsum International and later as Chairman of the Board for RARE, an international conservation organization. She has been a longstanding member of the Council on Foreign Relations and served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Asia Society, the Center for Global Development, and the Committee for Economic Development. Her corporate board service includes roles at The Coca-Cola Company, ExxonMobil, and HSBC.

Awards and honors

Throughout her career, Fore has received numerous accolades for her public service and leadership. She has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the United States Department of State and the Director's Medal by the United States Mint. In 2019, she was named one of Forbes' "World's 100 Most Powerful Women." Her contributions to international development and child welfare have been recognized by institutions such as Wellesley College, which honored her with the Alumnae Achievement Award.

Category:American businesspeople Category:United Nations officials Category:Wellesley College alumni