Release No. 0426.09
Contact:
USDA Office of Communication 202-720-4623
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES NAMING STATE DIRECTORS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, September 4, 2009 - The Obama Administration today continued naming individuals who will serve as State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.
"These individuals will be important advocates on behalf of rural communities in states throughout the country and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
CALIFORNIA
Dr. Glenda Humiston - Humiston recently finished a Ph. D. in the Division of Society and Environment, College of Natural Resources at the University of California at Berkeley, completing a dissertation entitled "Sustainable Agriculture as U.S. Farm Policy: Opportunities and Threats to Reform." Previously, she served as Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA from 1998 to 2001 where she managed all aspects of USDA conservation mission and environmental programs, a $1.4 Billion budget and over 11,000 employees. Dr. Humiston is continuing her over 20 years of work facilitating local community's efforts for sustainable development.
DELAWARE/MARYLAND
Jack Tarburton - Tarburton is currently the Owner of Tarburton Consulting, which is a liaison between Perdue Farms and State government officials in Delaware. Tarburton served as the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Agriculture from 1993 - 2001. Also, he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency from 1965 - 1966, before operating a potato and grain farm for 23 years. He has served with various organizations throughout Delaware including a period as President of the Delaware Farm Bureau and as President of the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts.
LOUISIANA
Clarence Hawkins - Clarence Hawkins served as Mayor of Bastrop, Louisiana from 1989 to 2009. Previously, he spent 20 years in the Morehouse Public School System serving in a variety of roles including Assistant Principal, Curriculum Supervisor, and Co-Director of Personnel. Hawkins has served on numerous Boards including the Louisiana Housing and Community Development Advisory Task Force, the Louisiana Municipal Association, and the National Conference of Black Mayors. Mr. Hawkins holds a Bachelor's Degree from Grambling State University and a Master's Degree in Education from Northeast Louisiana University.
Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
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.
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