Aaron Sundsmo

Aaron Sundsmo is vice president of programs at Winrock, where he oversees the organization’s global and U.S. program portfolio and supports the strategic direction, quality and integration of Winrock’s work across sectors and regions. He leads alignment of Winrock’s programming in agriculture, environment and human rights, strengthening impact while remaining responsive to evolving needs and contexts. Sundsmo brings more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles at both nonprofit and for‑profit development organizations in the U.S. and globally. He has successfully led high-impact development programs financed by the U.S. government, major foundations, corporate, bilateral and multi-lateral agencies around the world. 

At Winrock, he works closely with teams and partners to strengthen program design, delivery and learning, with a focus on evidence-based approaches that build resilience, improve livelihoods and support sustainable management of natural resources. His experience spans agriculture, food and water systems, climate resilience, public health, education, and government systems strengthening, and includes leading multi‑partner initiatives in complex operating environments. Across his career, Sundsmo has emphasized collaboration with farmers, communities, enterprises and institutions to translate evidence into practical solutions and scalable impact. He holds a master’s degree from American University’s School of International Service.