Nate Mook

Nate Mook is recognized for his transformative leadership and storytelling acumen. With a rich background in technology, filmmaking, and non-profits, he effectively harnesses narrative to unify people and spearhead significant change globally.

Mook recently concluded a nearly 5-year tenure as CEO of World Central Kitchen, collaborating with the non-profit’s founder, Chef José Andrés. Initially joining World Central Kitchen to coordinate WCK’s food relief operations in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria in September 2017, Mook led the organization’s exponential growth. From managing a small team and a budget under $1 million, he expanded its operations to a formidable $400 million in global impact by 2022. Under his leadership, WCK has emerged as one of the largest privately funded non-profits, notably administering extensive relief efforts in Ukraine, where it has distributed 150 million meals. Currently, he continues his humanitarian work as President of The Ukraine Foundation, focusing on critical efforts in the region, including saving pets and supporting local communities.

Before his impactful work with World Central Kitchen, Mook's film production career included creating the HBO Documentary "Baltimore Rising." This 2017 film explores the intense protests and riots after Freddie Gray's 2015 death, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and reform between communities and law enforcement. Mook's filmography also includes being the executive producer of the 2022 Emmy-nominated "We Feed the People," directed by Ron Howard, and serving as a consulting producer for the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary "The Slow Hustle," released in 2021. His directorial efforts include the documentary "Undiscovered Haiti" with José Andrés, produced in collaboration with National Geographic and PBS.

Mook's foundational career as a tech entrepreneur involved founding and co-founding companies such as BetaNews, ConeXware, and Localist. His extensive experience extends to his tenure with TED Talks, where from 2010 to 2012, he facilitated the growth of the TEDx program and organized the global TEDxSummit in Doha, engaging 750 leaders from 94 countries. His efforts in elevating voices from underserved communities have earned him recognition as a “Change Hero” by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Currently, Mook serves on the board of March For Our Lives, an organization dedicated to preventing gun violence, which was established following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

When not engaged in his humanitarian and professional endeavors, Mook resides in Washington, DC, with his cat Jinx Furdinand. He enjoys adventurous pursuits such as climbing in the Himalayas and expansive road trips from London to Mongolia.