James T. Morris became the tenth Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme at the beginning of April 2002.

As head of WFP, Mr Morris oversees the world's largest food aid organization, which last year fed 104 million people in 81 countries with new contributions totalling US$2.6 billion. WFP reaches out to hungry people who cannot help themselves -- victims of war and natural disasters, families affected by HIV/AIDS and orphans who have lost their parents to the pandemic, and school children in poor communities.

In July 2002, Mr Morris was appointed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa, a region which continues to be gripped by a major food emergency. In 2003, he successfully guided the World Food Programme in carrying out the largest humanitarian operation in history, feeding 27 million Iraqis. WFP's funding and operations have grown to unprecedented levels as a result of the Iraq crisis as well as chronic food shortages in sub-Saharan Africa and North Korea.

For over 35 years, Mr Morris has combined a distinguished career of business, philanthropic and humanitarian leadership with a personal life of public service.

Both his career and his voluntary activities have reflected a commitment to improving the lives of others with a special interest in young people at risk and giving something back to his city, his country and the international community.

After serving six years in city government in Indianapolis, Indiana, primarily as chief of staff for mayor Richard Lugar, Mr Morris moved to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. in 1973. He began as director of community development for the Endowment, one of the world's largest charitable foundations.

Mr Morris moved to vice president, executive vice president and then president, and served in that role for six years, until 1989.

Mr Morris then became chairman and chief executive officer of IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company. Under his leadership, IWC grew to a multi-million dollar holding company with 2,500 employees. At the same time, he enhanced employee development through recognition programs, diversification, human relations and educational opportunities.

While serving in these leadership roles and on several corporate boards, Mr Morris has carved time out of this already busy schedule for volunteer activities. He was affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee as treasurer and as chairman of the audit and ethics committee, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, and was> chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indiana University. He has contributed time and guidance to many civic and community organizations.

Morris earned his BA in Political Science from Indiana University and an MBA from Butler University.

Morris is married to Jacqueline Harrell Morris. They have three children and four grandchildren.