Cindy McCain
Cindy McCain | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cindy Lou Hensley May 20, 1954 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Diplomat, entrepreneur, humanitarian leader |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Executive director of the World Food Programme; U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture (2021–2023) |
Cindy Lou McCain (; born May 20, 1954) is an American diplomat, entrepreneur, and humanitarian leader currently holding the position of executive director at the World Food Programme. Between 2021 and 2023, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. McCain was married to the late U.S. Senator John McCain from Arizona, who was the Republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, McCain is the daughter of beer distributor Jim Hensley. She obtained both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Southern California before embarking on a career as a special education instructor. In 1980, she wed John McCain; they relocated to Arizona a year later where he won election to Congress in 1982 and secured reelection multiple times thereafter. The couple raised three biological children and adopted one child. Between 1988 and 1995, she founded and directed the American Voluntary Medical Team, which coordinated medical aid missions in disaster-stricken and conflict-affected regions.
Following her father’s passing in 2000, McCain assumed majority ownership and became chairperson of Hensley & Co., a leading Anheuser-Busch beer distributor in the United States. She played an active role in her husband’s presidential campaigns, garnering public attention for both her financial standing and public persona during the 2008 race. A dedicated philanthropist, she has held board memberships with organizations such as Operation Smile, Eastern Congo Initiative, CARE, and HALO Trust, frequently traveling abroad to support their missions. Throughout the 2010s, she emerged as a prominent advocate against human trafficking. From 2017 until Senator McCain’s death in 2018, she stood by him during his fight with glioblastoma.
Maintaining a strong public presence, McCain broke with party loyalty to endorse Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race. In June 2021, President Biden appointed her as ambassador to UN food agencies; she received Senate confirmation in October. Her ambassadorship centered on tackling the 2022–2023 food crises caused by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine alongside climate-related agricultural difficulties. In March 2023, she was named executive director of the World Food Programme, focusing on alleviating humanitarian consequences stemming from crises including the Israeli blockade of Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Early life and education
Born Cindy Lou Hensley in Phoenix, Arizona, she is the daughter of James Hensley, founder of Hensley & Co., and Marguerite "Smitty" Hensley. Raised amid prosperity along Phoenix's North Central Avenue corridor, her upbringing reflected a blend of Southern and Western cultural influences. She had two half-sisters: Dixie Lea Burd and Kathleen Hensley Portalski. In 1968, Cindy earned the title of Junior Rodeo Queen of Arizona and completed her studies at Central High School in 1972.
Hensley pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, where she joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and took on leadership positions within it. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education in 1976 and went on to receive a Master of Arts in special education by 1978. During her academic tenure, she contributed to early development of movement therapy techniques for children with severe disabilities, authoring Movement Therapy: A Possible Approach that same year. Opting not to enter the family business immediately, she worked as a special education teacher at Agua Fria High School located in Avondale, Arizona.
Marriage and family
Cindy Hensley encountered John McCain in April 1979 during a military event held in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time, McCain served as the U.S. Navy liaison officer to the United States Senate and was accompanying senators on a trip to China. Hensley, vacationing with her parents, was introduced to McCain by Jill Biden, spouse of Senator Joe Biden. Although there was an age gap of nearly 18 years between them, both initially downplayed their true ages.
Before meeting Hensley, McCain had been married to Carol McCain for 14 years and had three children, including two adopted from Carol's previous marriage. Soon after their introduction, McCain and Hensley began a relationship that involved frequent travel between Arizona and Washington. McCain pursued a divorce, separating from Carol in January 1980 and finalizing the divorce by April of that year.
The couple wed on May 17, 1980, at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel located in Phoenix. They agreed to a prenuptial agreement that kept most of Hensley's family wealth distinct from their shared assets and filed separate income tax returns.
Hensley’s family business ties and political influence played a significant role in supporting McCain’s political ambitions in Arizona. She actively participated in his 1982 campaign for U.S. Congress, providing substantial financial backing through loans from an expired family trust that helped alleviate early campaign debts.
Following his election, the McCains relocated to Alexandria, Virginia. During this period, Hensley dedicated extensive time to writing thousands of personalized constituent letters but faced social challenges partly because of Carol McCain’s established local reputation. Feeling homesick for Arizona and after experiencing multiple miscarriages, she returned to her home state in early 1984.
That same year, she gave birth to their daughter Meghan. They later welcomed sons John Sidney IV ("Jack") in 1986 and James ("Jimmy") in 1988. Their fourth child, Bridget, was adopted in 1991. With McCain often stationed in Washington, his parents lived nearby to assist with childcare while Hensley coordinated fundraising events and managed home expansions during his frequent absences.
In April 1986, Hensley and her father invested $359,100 alongside Phoenix banker Charles Keating in a shopping center venture. Her bookkeeping responsibilities and association with Keating’s private jet later became points of scrutiny for McCain during the Keating Five controversy regarding regulatory oversight of Keating’s bank.
Founding and mission
Motivated by witnessing inadequate healthcare facilities during a visit to Truk Lagoon in 1988, Cindy McCain established the American Voluntary Medical Team (AVMT). This non-profit organization arranged medical missions to developing countries affected by disasters or conflict, including locations such as Micronesia, Vietnam, Kuwait, Zaire, Iraq, Nicaragua, India, Bangladesh, and El Salvador. Over a span of seven years, she directed 55 missions—each lasting no less than two weeks—providing emergency medical care reminiscent of MASH units to impoverished children around the globe. In recognition of its work, AVMT was honored with an award from Food for the Hungry in 1993.
Adoption
In 1991, AVMT extended assistance in Dhaka, Bangladesh in the aftermath of the 1991 Bangladesh cyclone. During a visit to Mother Teresa's orphanage in Dhaka, McCain encountered two infant girls in need of medical attention. With her husband's encouragement, she adopted one of the children, Bridget; the adoption was completed in 1993. Additionally, McCain played a role in facilitating the adoption of the other girl by family friend Wes Gullett.
Prescription drug addiction
McCain became dependent on Percocet and Vicodin in 1989, initially using these opioid medications to alleviate pain following two spinal operations for herniated discs. She also resorted to these drugs to manage stress related to the Keating Five scandal. Her dependence intensified, reaching up to twenty pills per day. This led her to have an AVMT doctor write unauthorized prescriptions under employees’ names without their consent. After an intervention by her parents in 1992, she admitted her addiction to her husband and commenced outpatient treatment. A surgical procedure in 1993 ultimately resolved her back pain.
In January 1993, Tom Gosinski, an AVMT staff member who discovered her illicit drug use, was dismissed due to budget cuts. Subsequently, he reported her conduct to the Drug Enforcement Administration, triggering a federal inquiry. McCain’s legal team negotiated an agreement with prosecutors that prevented formal charges; this arrangement included financial repayment, participation in a diversion program, and community service. Early in 1994, Gosinski filed a wrongful termination lawsuit claiming McCain had instructed him to cover up misconduct and sought $250,000 in damages. McCain’s attorney dismissed these claims as extortion and initiated an investigation into Gosinski for blackmail. The lawsuit and investigation were eventually withdrawn after testimony from other employees revealed that Gosinski had threatened blackmail if terminated.
Prior to public disclosure by authorities, McCain voluntarily informed reporters about her addiction, stating: "Although my conduct did not result in compromising any missions of AVMT, my actions were wrong, and I regret them ... if what I say can help just one person to face the problem, it's worthwhile."
Aftermath
Following the prescription drug scandal involving McCain, AVMT ceased operations in 1995. That same year, McCain established the Hensley Family Foundation, which provides support for children’s initiatives both nationally and within Arizona. Throughout the late 1990s, she primarily focused on being a stay-at-home mother while also holding executive positions such as vice president, director, and vice chair at Hensley & Co. During this period, she began suffering from severe migraine episodes that frequently necessitated emergency room visits and various treatments.
Involvement in 2000 Presidential Campaign
Although she harbored some skepticism toward the media and political arena, McCain played an active role in supporting her husband's 2000 bid for the presidency. Her warm public presence and frequent mentions of family values and charitable endeavors resonated well with Republican constituents.
The negative campaigning during the South Carolina primary deeply impacted her, particularly the unfounded accusations concerning her adopted daughter Bridget and insinuations about her personal drug use. Despite the emotional toll, she ultimately forgave those behind these attacks. Additionally, she chaired the Arizona delegation at the 2000 Republican National Convention.
Interim Period Between Campaigns
Following the passing of her father in 2000, Cindy McCain assumed leadership as chair of Hensley & Co., a major Anheuser-Busch beer distributor generating approximately $300 million annually. Alongside her children and one of John McCain's children from his previous marriage, she holds a 68 percent ownership stake. While she advises the CEO on significant matters such as product launches, facility expansions, and employee welfare, she does not engage in day-to-day management; Anheuser-Busch regards her as a non-active owner. By 2007, her yearly earnings from Hensley surpassed $400,000, with her net worth estimated at $100 million. She also possessed over $2.7 million worth of Anheuser-Busch shares. Moreover, she and her children maintain a minority interest in the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball franchise.
In 2001, McCain became actively engaged with Operation Smile, participating in medical missions across Morocco, Vietnam, and India. The organization honored her in 2005, and she currently serves on its board of directors. That same year, she joined the boards of CARE and the HALO Trust, visiting sites where landmine clearance operations were underway in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, and Angola. Through her family trust, she provides financial backing to these groups and oversees their field activities to ensure accountability. She has openly condemned foreign governments on human rights issues, including Myanmar’s military regime.
In April 2004, McCain experienced a life-threatening stroke linked to hypertension but recovered substantially through physical rehabilitation despite some residual short-term memory challenges and difficulties with writing. She owns a residence in Coronado, California, close to the Hotel del Coronado, a favored family retreat used for rest and gatherings. Her family’s real estate portfolio spans residential and commercial properties throughout California, Arizona, and Virginia; personally, she owns ten homes and holds shares in three office buildings. An enthusiast of aviation and motorsports, she pursued training in drifting and precision driving following her stroke.
Participation in 2008 Presidential Campaign
During John McCain's 2008 presidential run, Cindy McCain was actively involved despite initial hesitation stemming from their previous campaign experience and concerns over their son Jimmy’s deployment to Iraq. She carved out distinct responsibilities for herself, frequently returning to Arizona for family commitments or charitable missions abroad. Preferring to accompany her husband rather than operate independently as a surrogate speaker, her public appearances were characterized by a sharp hairstyle and a sometimes serious expression. In August 2008, intense handshaking exacerbated her carpal tunnel syndrome, while campaign pressures heightened migraine episodes that occasionally necessitated wearing dark glasses.
She believed that voters favored a traditional role for the First Lady and chose not to attend Cabinet meetings but maintained active involvement with international humanitarian causes. She aspired to embody a humanitarian figure similar to Diana, Princess of Wales. In April 2008, she joined the board of Grateful Nation Montana, supporting scholarships for children of fallen military personnel.
McCain openly criticized the George W. Bush administration for inadequate troop levels in Iraq. After reviewing campaign finances early in 2007, she advocated for reductions in staff and budget expenditures. In February 2008, she publicly challenged Democratic contender Barack Obama’s wife Michelle Obama regarding comments about American pride and stood firmly beside her husband amid controversies involving lobbyists.
Her personal wealth and spending habits attracted media attention. Initially declining to release separate tax records due to privacy concerns, she later revealed her 2006 earnings totaled $6 million with federal taxes exceeding $1.7 million. The campaign postponed decisions about her involvement with Hensley & Co. should she become First Lady. She was positioned to benefit financially from Belgian firm InBev’s acquisition of Anheuser-Busch but faced political pressure to oppose the takeover to preserve domestic ownership.
Polls conducted mid-2008 presented mixed public opinions; Rasmussen reported 49% favorable views while ABC News indicated lower approval ratings. Her fashion choices drew media focus with comparisons made to former First Lady Nancy Reagan. Early campaign recipes attributed to her were discovered to be copied from other sources; this was attributed by the campaign to an intern’s mistake.
McCain delivered speeches during both the opening and closing sessions of the September 2008 Republican National Convention. On opening night—shortened due to Hurricane Gustav—she appeared alongside First Lady Laura Bush encouraging relief efforts for hurricane victims; during the final night’s program, she introduced their seven children while commending her husband’s patriotism.
In October 2008, McCain escalated criticism against Obama’s campaign tactics as unprecedentedly negative and condemned his vote against a war funding bill while their son served overseas. The stress of campaigning led to significant weight loss below . On November 4th, as the campaign concluded with defeat by Obama, she appeared visibly emotional.
Subsequent activities
Following the election, McCain was invited to participate in Dancing with the Stars but declined, citing concerns related to her surgically replaced knee.
She maintained her commitment to humanitarian causes by traveling in January 2009 to Dubai, India, and Cambodia. During this period, she expressed relief that the campaign had concluded and acknowledged the negative effects of the global economic downturn on aid organizations. McCain expressed hope that President Obama would effectively tackle these issues.
Advocating for LGBT rights, she appeared alongside her daughter Meghan at a 2009 Log Cabin Republicans event and took part in the NOH8 Campaign, which opposed California's prohibition on same-sex marriage. In 2010, McCain featured in a NOH8 public service announcement addressing bullying and appeared to support repealing the "Don't ask, don't tell" military policy, although she later reaffirmed her husband's position on the matter.
In September 2009, McCain openly shared her experiences with migraines and delivered remarks at the International Headache Congress to raise public awareness. During her husband's 2010 Senate re-election bid, she kept a low public profile.
In March 2011, McCain provided testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee alongside Ben Affleck, advocating for sustained U.S. assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo amid proposed budget reductions. She emphasized the difficulties in generating awareness about sensitive topics such as sexual violence in Congo.
Towards the end of 2013 and into early 2014, McCain utilized Super Bowl XLVIII as a platform to highlight domestic sex trafficking, working collaboratively with The McCain Institute. She actively promoted legislation addressing trafficking at both federal and state levels and served as co-chair of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's Task Force on Human Trafficking.
At the April 2015 Sedona Forum, McCain joined actress Demi Moore in discussing approaches to combat sex trafficking. Later that year, she partnered with Senator Heidi Heitkamp to tackle trafficking issues on a national scale. Celebrating the enactment of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, she co-founded the No Such Thing Campaign aimed at eliminating the phrase "child prostitute," underscoring victims' rights.
During the 2016 United States presidential election, neither McCain nor her husband endorsed the Republican nominee following the Access Hollywood scandal. In May 2017, reports indicated she was considered for a senior position at the U.S. Department of State focused on human trafficking. By June, after recruitment efforts including those from Ivanka Trump, she reportedly agreed to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large for human trafficking, refugees, and humanitarian aid; however, no formal appointment was confirmed.
Husband's illness and death
In July 2017, her husband received a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. She publicly remarked, "He is the toughest person I know. He is my hero and I love him with all my heart." Following treatment, Senator McCain remained in Arizona from December 2017 onward, ceasing travel to Washington, D.C.
His health condition raised concerns about his ability to complete his term, sparking speculation that Arizona’s Governor might appoint a successor until a special election could be held. The practice known as "widow's succession" led to media discussions during the 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race about Cindy McCain potentially being appointed if the Senate seat became vacant. Challenger Ken Bennett opposed this possibility, while Governor Doug Ducey chose not to comment publicly.
By 2018, McCain’s net worth was estimated at over $200 million, primarily derived from her ownership stake in Hensley & Co. The couple possessed multiple residences across Phoenix, Sedona, San Diego, and Virginia; some properties were sold during 2017.
Her criticism of President Trump intensified in early 2018 following his attacks on her husband's opposition to the "Skinny repeal" of Obamacare. McCain stressed the importance of "compassion" and "empathy" rather than "bullying." In July 2018, marking one year since her husband's diagnosis, she expressed appreciation for caregivers and supporters.
John McCain passed away on August 25, 2018. She took part in and valued the extensive memorial services held at venues including the Arizona State Capitol, North Phoenix Baptist Church, U.S. Capitol rotunda, Washington National Cathedral, and his interment at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery.
Although considered for appointment to fill her late husband's Senate seat, McCain declined involvement in electoral politics, reflecting their family's strong military orientation. Nevertheless, she influenced the selection process; on September 4, Governor Ducey appointed former senator Jon Kyl, a decision broadly supported within Arizona's Republican community. McCain praised Kyl as "a dear friend" and an appropriate tribute to John McCain’s legacy.
Subsequent activities
Following the passing of her husband, McCain moved back to the neighborhood where she grew up and assumed the role of chairperson for the McCain Institute's board of trustees. Additionally, she became actively involved in her family's #ActsofCivility initiative, which aims to foster respectful conversations.
In February 2019, McCain encountered backlash after alleging she had witnessed human trafficking at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; however, law enforcement found no supporting evidence. She later issued an apology and praised the police for their efforts.
She continued to speak out on matters related to U.S. politics. In September 2019, McCain criticized the Republican Party for "excluding people for the wrong reasons," asserting that it no longer represented "the party that my husband and I belonged to." During the 2020 presidential race, she expressed admiration for Joe and Jill Biden as close acquaintances and chose not to support Donald Trump's bid for re-election. At the Democratic National Convention in August 2020, she delivered remarks about her late husband's friendship with Biden and formally endorsed Biden’s campaign in September 2020. Her endorsement was considered influential in Biden’s narrow victory in Arizona, a state traditionally dominated by Republicans.
In September 2020, McCain joined the advisory board of the Biden-Harris Transition Team, providing guidance on issues affecting women and children while maintaining her registration as a Republican with hopes for rejuvenating the party.
In January 2021, both the Maricopa County and Arizona Republican Parties officially censured McCain due to her support for Biden and what they termed "leftist causes." She responded by embracing this censure as a "badge of honor," drawing parallels to similar criticisms faced by her late husband.
In April 2021, McCain released her book Stronger: Courage, Hope, and Humor in My Life with John McCain through Crown Forum, sharing reflections on her life alongside her husband and personal struggles.
United States Ambassador
The Biden administration identified McCain as a prominent candidate for an ambassadorial appointment. In November 2020, speculation linked her to the role of United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She expressed readiness to accept any position assigned by the administration.
President Biden announced his intention in May 2021 to nominate McCain as Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Although she possessed a strong humanitarian background, this nomination marked her initial direct involvement with food policy matters. The White House officially publicized her nomination on June 23, 2021. Her nomination was formally submitted to the Senate on August 9, 2021. After a confirmation hearing held on September 28, 2021—during which she faced predominantly favorable inquiries—the Senate approved her appointment by voice vote on October 26, 2021.
She took the oath of office on November 5, 2021, subsequently presenting her credentials to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on January 18, 2022; followed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development on January 25; and finally to the UN World Food Programme on January 28.
During her term, she concentrated extensively on tackling the 2022–2023 food crises, largely triggered by disruptions caused by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which affected nearly half of the grain supplies destined for the UN World Food Programme. McCain collaborated with administration officials including Secretary of State Tony Blinken in orchestrating efforts aimed at preventing further destabilization across famine-affected regions. In March 2022, she visited locations along the Poland–Ukraine border as well as a food storage facility in Rzeszów to gain firsthand insights into refugee conditions and aid distribution.
By January 2023, McCain characterized the ongoing crisis as "the worst food crisis, the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II," underscoring its particularly severe impact in Africa. While attributing much of the crisis to Russia's actions, she also pointed out continuing consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, speculative activities in food markets, and climate change effects on agricultural production.
Executive Director of the World Food Programme
On March 2, 2023, Cindy McCain was named Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme by UN Secretary-General António Guterres alongside FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. She took over from David Beasley, who completed a six-year tenure ending April 4, 2023.
In October 2023, McCain cautioned that the Israeli blockade on Gaza posed a severe risk of triggering a humanitarian disaster. As food shortages intensified in Gaza, certain World Food Programme personnel criticized her for not more vigorously championing the plight of Palestinian civilians. Following the fatal attack on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in May 2024, McCain conveyed her feelings of being "shocked" and "heartbroken," underscoring the critical importance of unhindered humanitarian access and condemning violence against aid workers. During a May 2024 appearance on Meet the Press, she characterized segments of Gaza as enduring a "full-blown famine."
McCain also drew attention to urgent food insecurity concerns in Sudan, various African regions, and Haiti as continued focal points.
After the Gaza war ceasefire collapsed in March 2025, Israel enforced a complete blockade that halted all humanitarian assistance. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) rating for Gaza escalated to level 5—the most severe classification. In May, McCain called for immediate global intervention to reinstate aid deliveries, warning that waiting until famine was officially declared would be dangerously late. While visiting Rome that month, she updated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on contingency plans for aid distribution should restrictions ease. International diplomatic efforts eventually compelled Israel to allow limited aid shipments; however, McCain emphasized that these represented merely one-sixth of pre-ceasefire assistance levels—a negligible fraction compared to actual needs.
Awards and honors
In 2019, McCain was inducted into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame. The following year, she received the Heritage Award from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Additionally, in May 2019, she was honored with two honorary degrees—one from her undergraduate institution, USC, and another from George Washington University.