http://www.usda.gov/2009/06/0274.xml
Release No. 0274.09
Contact:
Office of Communications (202) 720-4623
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES NAMING STATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS FOR THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2009 - The Obama Administration today continued naming individuals who will serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.
"These individuals have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
COLORADO
Trudy Kareus: Kareus most recently worked as the Colorado Western Slope Director for then-Senator Ken Salazar where she conducted outreach throughout the region. She has worked with the USDA since 1998, first as a Southwest Area Director for the Farm Service Agency. In that role she worked closely with producers, implemented farm programs and supervised state directors in southwestern states, including Colorado. Her additional roles at USDA include a term as the Director, Native American Programs Office, and as Director, Food Supply Working Group, where she assessed awareness and readiness of the domestic food supply system. Kareus has worked for a variety of elected U.S. officials and provided guidance on issues of agriculture and rural development. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University.
IDAHO
Richard Rush: Rush was the Vice President for Natural Resources for the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry for five years before leaving to work as CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho in 2006. He also served as the Idaho State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency from 1993-2001. Rush served as the Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and as a state director for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. He has experience managing food production sales and promoted wheat in both the domestic and international markets during his tenure as Administrator with the Idaho Wheat Commission. While at the Coeur D'Alene Tribe Development Enterprise, he managed six businesses including a 6,000 acre dryland farm and livestock operation. Rush holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Idaho and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis.
KANSAS
Patricia Clark: Clark is the Director of Operations for the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, Kan. Prior to that, she worked with the Kansas Department of Commerce on the agency's rural programs and also served as the Director of the Public Policy Division at the Kansas Farm Bureau. Clark was honored as an Outstanding Young Alumnus by Kansas State University and is the founding member of the Kansas Ag and Rural Leadership Program. She holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Kansas State University.
USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
#
USDA News
oc.news@xxxxxxxx
202 720-4623
----------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe, send email to mailto:webservices@xxxxxxxx?subject=UNSUBSCRIBE and reference your email address.
