Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna Named One of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Leaders

Mercy Corps is proud to share that Chief Executive Officer Tjada D’Oyen McKenna has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of its 2025 Best Leaders. The recognition honors 25 leaders whose contributions are driving meaningful progress across public service, business, education, and health. Tjada was selected for her decades-long commitment to helping people overcome crisis and build more secure, resilient futures. 

As CEO of Mercy Corps, Tjada leads a global team of more than 4,300 humanitarians working in over 35 countries to deliver lifesaving assistance and support lasting, transformational change. She brings a unique blend of operational expertise, global development leadership, and a deep belief in human potential—shaped by senior roles at CARE, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Under her leadership, Mercy Corps has expanded locally led programming and advanced innovative solutions that help communities adapt to conflict, climate shocks, and economic pressures. 

Tjada said: “I’m honored to be selected as one of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Leaders alongside many inspirational leaders. This acknowledgment reflects the extraordinary courage and dedication of our teams around the world. Any recognition of my leadership is a recognition of theirs. I’m grateful every day for the privilege of working alongside Mercy Corps colleagues whose grit, expertise, and principled leadership guide us through complex, high-stakes moments and make our mission to deliver lifesaving aid possible. We share this honor together.” 

Read Tjada’s 2025 Best Leaders profile here.