Please view this link: http://www.usda.gov/2006/03/0079.xml Release No. 0079.06 Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623 Stevin Westcott (202) 720-4178 STEVENSON NAMED STATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OHIO WASHINGTON, March 10, 2006 - Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner today announced the appointment of John Stevenson to serve as Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive director for Ohio. "John has served as a visionary leader of agriculture throughout his life," said Conner. "I'm confident that he will be a tremendous asset to farmers and ranchers and the Bush Administration in this role. He brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to once again assist the producers of Ohio." Stevenson succeeds Larry Adams, who was appointed FSA assistant deputy administrator for farm programs earlier this year. Stevenson, who has previously served as Ohio's state executive director, graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in animal science and served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force before returning home to his family farm. He founded the Ohio Corn Growers Association and served as its first president before becoming president of the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis. In 1980 he built and operated Ohio's first commercial ethanol plant. Stevenson previously served as a member of FSA's Ohio State Committee and from 1989 to 1993 worked in Washington as the associate administrator of FSA. Stevenson has also served as a special assistant on agriculture to Ohio Congressman John Boehner and state agricultural liaison for U.S. Senator George Voinovich. He became the first agricultural specialist for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and provided insight to the director's office on livestock and drainage issues. Stevenson remains an active pilot and resides on the home farm with his wife, Linda. FSA ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of numerous farm programs. FSA's farm programs include commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs. # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to webservices@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
