President Obama, Vilsack Announce Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at USDA
President Barack Obama today announced the nomination of Krysta Harden as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations at the Department of Agriculture. Harden will serve with Secretary Vilsack and will be responsible for coordinating legislative affairs and intergovernmental relations.
"Krysta Harden brings a wealth of experience to this position," said Vilsack. "Her extensive knowledge will serve USDA well as we work with
Congress to address the important issues facing agriculture and our farmers."
Krysta Harden joined the National Association of Conservation Districts as Chief Executive Officer in March 2004. Operating from NACD
headquarters in Washington, D.C., she was responsible for the association's policy development and member services programs and
coordinated strategic planning, budget formulation and related business operations.
Harden previously served as the senior vice president of Gordley Associates, a Washington, D.C. consulting firm. In that capacity, she
worked with a variety of commodity organizations, most notably the American Soybean Association. Her major areas of responsibility included
conservation, environmental and energy issues.
Prior to working for Gordley, Harden served in various positions on Capitol Hill for 12 years. While on the Hill, Harden served as a professional staff member for the House Agriculture Committee and as chief of staff for former House member Charles Hatcher of Georgia.
Harden holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia. USDA Rural Development works to bring improved utilities and community infrastructure to rural communities. In 2008, the agency invested over $20.7 billion in rural America through its programs.
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