Bio
Rev. Eugene Cho is President/CEO of Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. Bread’s mission is to educate and equip people to advocate for policies and programs that can help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
Eugene preaches and speaks about Bread’s mission to end hunger, justice, and leadership at the intersection of faith and public life. By weaving together scripture, personal stories, and accessible hunger data, he encourages pastors, leaders, missionaries, and justice workers from churches and nonprofits throughout the world in the pursuit of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Eugene is Co-Chair of the U.S. Nutrition CEO Council, the body of leaders from international NGOs encouraging the U.S. government, civil society, corporations, and other stakeholders to make global nutrition expertise into law and policy. He also serves on the board of Interaction, the largest U.S.-based alliance of INGOs and partners, and on the Coordinating Committee for the Circle of Protection, the coalition of church bodies and related ministries who have united across theological, sociological, and political differences to advocate for U.S. government policies that better address the needs of people experiencing poverty and vulnerability.
Eugene has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as an Outstanding American by Choice, which was established to recognize “the significant contributions and achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens.” His father was born in what is now North Korea, in a village outside of Pyongyang. Eugene was born in Seoul, South Korea. When he was a child, his parents made a difficult decision to leave their homeland to come to the United States.
Prior to becoming President/CEO of Bread for the World, Eugene pastored a local church for nearly thirty years. He is also founder and visionary of One Day’s Wages, which works to promote awareness of extreme global poverty, invite simple giving (one day’s wages), and support sustainable relief through partnerships, especially with small organizations in developing regions.
Eugene has been married to Minhee J. Cho for over 25 years, and they have three adult children. Eugene enjoys fishing, basketball, and table tennis.
Awards & Honors
- 50 Everyday American Heroes
- Frederick Douglass 200 Honoree
- Princeton Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award
