On a recent Friday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled its latest cadre of leaders for both the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development divisions. Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the significance of these appointments in fostering prosperity across America's heartland. The new appointees are tasked with implementing strategies that align with national priorities while empowering agricultural communities.

Empowering Rural Communities Through Strategic Appointments

The selections announced by the USDA represent a pivotal moment for rural development and agricultural support systems nationwide. These individuals bring diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to their roles, promising transformative change for farming and rural sectors.

Pioneering Agricultural Leadership Across States

Each state within the union now boasts dedicated FSA directors poised to drive growth and innovation in agriculture. For instance, Alabama welcomes Monica Carroll, whose family operates a multifaceted farm encompassing poultry, cattle, and row crops. Her tenure as chairperson of the FSA State Committee underscores her commitment to enhancing local farming practices. Similarly, Arizona’s Sine Kerr brings legislative expertise honed during her time as chairwoman of the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. Her focus on agricultural legislation positions her to champion rural interests effectively.Arkansas’ Ty Davis exemplifies another leader bridging political and agricultural spheres, having served as the state agriculture liaison for Senator John Boozman. His academic background from the University of Central Arkansas complements his practical insights into policymaking. Meanwhile, California’s Connie Conway reprises her role after previous service under President Trump’s administration, leveraging her experience as chairman of the World Ag Expo to bolster statewide initiatives.Colorado’s Jerry Sonnenberg transitions from legislative leadership to direct engagement with rural communities, drawing upon decades of farming tradition on his family’s Centennial Farm. Delaware’s Richard Wilkins contributes not only through active farming but also via prominent roles such as president of the American Soybean Association. Florida benefits from Marcinda Kester’s extensive involvement in disaster management and program administration at various levels of government.Georgia’s Duncan Johnson merges consulting expertise with public service, while Illinois’ William Graff embodies longevity in leadership, serving multiple terms as FSA executive director. Kansas embraces David Schemm, who previously advised Senator Dr. Roger Marshall, bringing invaluable agricultural acumen to bear. Kentucky’s David A. Wayne continues a legacy of service rooted deeply in local agricultural traditions.Louisiana relies on Craig McCain’s unparalleled institutional knowledge accumulated over nearly four decades within the FSA framework. Massachusetts selects Edward Davidian, whose dual roles as farmer and former Farm Bureau Federation president highlight comprehensive engagement with rural issues. Michigan’s Joel Johnson leverages connections developed during his tenure representing constituents under Congressman John Moolenaar.Minnesota’s Kurt Blomgren represents generational continuity coupled with community mentorship programs aimed at nurturing future agricultural leaders. Mississippi’s Chris McDonald channels expertise gained managing federal environmental affairs into actionable strategies benefiting farmers statewide. Montana’s Mike Foster reflects stability amidst change, maintaining consistent contributions since President Trump’s inaugural term.Nebraska taps Hilary Maricle, blending deputy director responsibilities at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture with operational oversight of her family’s agricultural enterprise. New York reinstates Clark Putman, whose combined experience spans three decades of county-level direction alongside dairy production expertise. North Carolina’s Ron Garrett anchors decades-long commitment to agricultural advancement through prolonged county executive directorship.North Dakota entrusts Brad Thykeson, embodying multigenerational farming heritage alongside contemporary agricultural pursuits involving corn, soybeans, wheat, and edible beans. South Carolina places confidence in W.R. “Cody” Simpson III, integrating fifth-generation farming lineage with broader regional advisory network participation. Tennessee’s Mike Mayfield resumes leadership following initial appointment under President Trump, supported by lifelong association with Angus cattle farming.Vermont appoints Wendy Wilton, transitioning smoothly between municipal financial consulting and advocacy for rural stakeholders. Washington designates Jon Wyss, incorporating analyst capabilities developed within Gebbers Farms alongside nuanced understanding of governmental affairs. Wisconsin welcomes Sandy Chalmers, reflecting robust professional trajectory marked by influential roles advocating for rural populations.

Redefining Rural Progress Through Diverse Perspectives

Complementing agricultural advancements, newly appointed Rural Development directors herald innovative approaches toward sustainable growth across underserved regions. Alaska’s Eric A. Koan illustrates adaptability migrating successfully from Michigan origins to Alaskan terrain, equipped with agribusiness management credentials. Arizona delegates Lori Urban, whose career traverses small business empowerment pathways established through Arizona Commerce Authority affiliations.Arkansas assigns David Branscum, oscillating seamlessly between educational governance and agricultural stewardship responsibilities. California empowers Bryan Anguiano, channeling strategic investments orchestrated during Republican National Committee engagements into targeted rural enhancements. Colorado situates Sallie Clark, synthesizing municipal advisement acumen cultivated within Colorado Springs administrative structures.Florida consolidates MaryAnn Pistilli’s campaign management dexterity spanning consecutive electoral cycles into cohesive rural revitalization frameworks. Illinois introduces Jesus Ortega, infusing political science and international studies perspectives into localized developmental agendas. Kansas elevates Gimmie Jo Jansonius, balancing sixth-generation ranching traditions against evolving market demands inclusive of direct beef sales ventures.Kentucky summons Travis Burton, applying healthcare navigation skills acquired through Kentucky Hospital Association collaborations towards holistic rural well-being. Mississippi propels Dane Maxwell, merging military discipline with entrepreneurial vigor culminating in successful enterprises and elected official tenures. Missouri endorses Ben Baker, emphasizing legislative efficiency principles translatable into effective rural outreach mechanisms.Nebraska engages Neil Moseman, harmonizing senatorial policy formulation expertise with naval service ethos. Nevada commissions Alida Ceballos, capitalizing on intricate campaign organizational architectures constructed previously within Nevada Republican Party contexts. New Hampshire and Vermont consolidate Patrick Suprunowicz’s private sector housing optimization techniques into unified regional strategies.North Carolina reinstates Robert Hosford, consolidating chief-of-staff experience accrued throughout USDA FSA tenure into enduring rural transformation blueprints. North Dakota recruits Tom Campbell, amalgamating entrepreneurial ventures spanning agriculture, real estate, and banking sectors into structured rural investment paradigms. Oregon enlists Jim Carmack, transferring Wall Street capital markets sophistication into strategic rural planning initiatives.Pennsylvania appoints Michael Cabell, integrating infrastructure enhancement efforts conducted during Pennsylvania House of Representatives service into expansive rural growth trajectories. South Carolina positions Jacob French, extrapolating trade relations insights garnered at U.S. Customs and Border Protection into dynamic rural economic expansion tactics. Tennessee delegates Patrick Jaynes, extrapolating governmental relations competencies forged within Jigsaw Consulting and prior Senate Alexander affiliations into actionable rural progress measures.Utah instates Stan Summers, leveraging multi-term county commissioner achievements including presidencies held within Utah Association of Counties and Bear River Association of Governments into sustainable rural governance models. Washington recalls Kirk Pearson, weaving legislative chairmanship and nonprofit executive experiences into robust rural continuity plans. West Virginia incorporates John Reisenweber, translating civil-military innovation expertise alongside congressional representative liaisons into resilient rural frameworks. Wyoming charges Thomas (Tyler) Harrison, blending intelligence officer proficiencies developed within Coast Guard ranks into incisive rural development directives.