History of Ward Brehm in Timeline
Ward Brehm is a businessman from Minnesota who has held leadership positions within the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), serving as chairman under four presidential administrations and currently as USADF president. His contributions have been recognized with the Presidential Citizens Medal.
2004: Appointed to USADF board as chairman
In 2004, Ward Brehm was first appointed to the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) board as chairman by President George W. Bush.
2008: Keynote Address at National Prayer Breakfast
In 2008, Brehm delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast before an audience that included the U.S. President, First Lady, foreign heads of state, members of Congress, and the Washington diplomatic community; he was the first person from the business community asked to address the annual gathering.
2008: Awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal
In 2008, Brehm was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for his work in Africa, receiving the country's second-highest civilian honor at an Oval Office ceremony with President and Mrs. Bush.
2018: Appointed to USAID Advisory Board
In 2018, Ward Brehm was appointed to the Advisory Board of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Washington DC, serving during both the Trump and Biden Administrations.
March 3, 2025: Named USADF President
On March 3, 2025, during an emergency board meeting, Brehm was named USADF president after President Trump ordered the elimination of non-statutory functions within USADF, leading to a temporary halt in fund disbursement.
March 5, 2025: Trump official turned away from USADF offices
On March 5, 2025, Pete Marocco and USDSTO staffers were denied entry to USADF offices. Brehm, not present at the time, communicated that meetings required his authorization and expressed willingness to work with Marocco if confirmed to the USADF board.
