http://www.usda.gov/2009/04/0107.xml
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK NAMES MICHAEL T. SCUSE AS DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR FARM AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of Michael T. Scuse as USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS). Scuse's primary responsibility will be for the domestic programs within the FFAS mission area.
FFAS includes the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). FAS works to expand existing and build new markets for U.S. products, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. FSA and RMA programs help producers manage their business risks and improve the stability and strength of the domestic agricultural economy.
"Michael Scuse brings two very important experiences to his role as deputy under secretary for FFAS," said Vilsack. "He has proven executive management skills from his work as former Delaware Governor Minner's chief of staff and agriculture secretary, and he knows farming, because for 35 years he and his brother have run a successful grain and livestock operation in his home state. Michael will be a great support to Under Secretary Miller in rounding out the FFAS team."
After serving Delaware as secretary of agriculture since May 2001, Governor Ruth Ann Minner chose Scuse to be her chief of staff in 2008 for her final months in office. She noted his strong professional relationship with members of her cabinet and prior experiences as chair of the Kent County Regional Planning Commission which led to his selection. Scuse spent two years as chairman of the planning commission. He also served as Kent County Recorder of Deeds from 1987 to 1994, and served as chairman of the Farm Service Agency State Committee in Delaware from 1996 to 2001.
While serving on Minner's cabinet, Scuse was elected vice president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and president of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Among his achievements in office was the successful eradication of avian influenza from broiler flocks with the assistance of the University of Delaware and the state's poultry industry.
Scuse is an active member of Ducks Unlimited and the Quality Deer Management Association. He shows registered paint horses, grows corn, soybeans and wheat with his brother, Dale, and resides in Smyrna, Delaware, with his wife, Patrice, and one of their two daughters.
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