Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young

Former USDA Under Secretary & Chief Scientist

Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young

Former USDA Under Secretary & Chief Scientist

Add to List Availability & Fees

Biography

Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and Chief Scientist, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a 95-to-4 vote. In that role, she led a $4 billion enterprise spanning five national science agencies and more than 8,000 employees, shaping national and global strategies for food security, climate resilience, agricultural innovation, and nutrition security.

Her path to national leadership began in Augusta, Georgia. At North Carolina State University, she competed as a Division I track and field athlete, earned three degrees in paper science, and became the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in the field. She later served as a professor at the University of Washington before joining USDA, where she rose to become the longest-tenured Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service and then Director of the Office of the Chief Scientist.

Her record of public service includes advising leaders at the highest levels of government, representing the United States in international scientific forums, and forging research partnerships that address food security, public health, and climate resilience on a global scale. That record has been recognized with two Presidential Rank Awards, among the highest honors given to career federal executives, and election as a Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Public Administration.

Today, Dr. Jacobs-Young brings that experience to stages and boardrooms worldwide. Her mission is simple: equip leaders around the world to navigate change, build resilience, advance STEM, and lead through uncertainty with confidence and integrity. She draws on decades at the intersection of science, policy, and public service to deliver the kind of practical, candid insight that helps leaders see what's next and move toward it.

Speaker Videos

2019 Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium - Getting to Zero Hunger

Keynote: “Science to Shape the Future of Our Places"

Science in Your Shopping Cart with Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young

Speech Topics

The Future of Food and Global Systems

A strategic look at food security, climate resilience, and innovation across public and private sectors. Ideal for global summits, policy forums, and conferences focused on agriculture, sustainability, and supply chains, this keynote helps leaders understand the systems-level choices that shape long-term resilience.

Leadership, Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Leadership is not only about guiding institutions today—it’s about preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Dr. Jacobs-Young discusses how evidence-based leadership, transparent communication, and cross-sector collaboration help strengthen institutions and develop the next generation of leaders ready to tackle complex challenges

Innovation at Scale: From Lab to Global Impact

A behind-the-scenes view of leading large scientific organizations, turning research into real-world solutions, and driving measurable global impact. Ideal for R&D leaders, innovation teams, and mission-driven organizations, this keynote positions Dr. Jacobs-Young as an innovation speaker who understands both the lab and the boardroom.

Leading Through Complexity and Change

Lessons from decades of public service and scientific leadership on navigating uncertainty, managing large teams, and making decisions under pressure. Perfect for leadership conferences, management summits, and change-focused events, this keynote showcases Dr. Jacobs-Young as a leadership keynote speaker who has led at the highest levels of government and science.

Testimonials

"Dr. Chavonda Jacobs Young is a premier national speaker that captivates and motivates her audience toward excellence. Her presence is powerful and she makes you think hard about the strategic and difficult issues surrounding leadership. In my 35-plus year career, she is one of the most impressive leaders of our time."

- President of Kansas State University

“An engaging and enlightened speaker Dr. Jacobs-Young has real life experience working her way up to one of the most significant agricultural research positions in the US. From her beginnings as a "wood scientist" to the chief science officer for the USDA she has championed the use of sound science for effective policy making. Coupled with an easy and engaging speaking style, CJY is a sought-after speaker for those wanting to better understand how we grow and process our food and the science that informs the industry.”

- University of Florida

"Your keynote remarks on the critical role of agricultural innovation and partnerships in addressing global challenges, from climate change to food and nutrition security, were both insightful and inspiring. The feedback from our attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, and your engagement with our New Frontiers Scholars made a lasting impression."

- Corteva Agriscience, 2024 New Frontiers Conference on Climate Resilient Agriculture

"Dr. Jacobs-Young delivered a truly powerful and engaging keynote address at South Carolina State University. Our students and faculty were deeply inspired by the message, and the energy brought to the room was nothing short of transformative. It was an absolute honor to host such a compelling voice on our campus."

- South Carolina State University

“Dr. Jacobs-Young dedicated her public service to the advancement of science and innovation. In multiple capacities at USDA, she displayed exceptional leadership. With her public appearances on behalf of the department, she always set the right tone and delivered a powerful message of the importance of science and innovation in meeting the needs and demands of the American food and agriculture industry. She intuitively understood what each crisis required which is why she was among the highest respected leaders at USDA.”

- CEO of the World Food Prize and 3-term Secretary of Agriculture