Brooke Rollins unveils presidential picks to strengthen farm and rural programs
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced new presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) leadership roles across the country. The appointees will implement federal farm programs, prioritize small family farms, and drive rural economic development at the state level.
In Maryland, Paul D. Ellington becomes State Director for Rural Development in Maryland and Delaware, while George Turner, a 41-year FSA veteran, is named State Executive Director for FSA. Minnesota’s RD is led by Mick Ditlevson, a fifth-generation Steele County farmer and former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.
New Hampshire’s FSA will be headed by Jeffrey Holmes, a fifth-generation farmer and former NH FSA executive director. In New Jersey, Robert Andrzejczak, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and former state legislator, becomes FSA State Executive Director.
New Mexico appoints Zach Riley as FSA State Executive Director, bringing multi-bill policy experience and ranching roots. Oklahoma names Eddie Fields to lead FSA and Zac Swartz to lead RD, combining agriculture, ethics, policy, and economic development expertise.
In Oregon, fourth-generation farmer Tootie Smith serves as FSA State Director. Texas names Dan Hunter as FSA State Executive Director, with commodity leadership experience, and James Redfield as RD State Director, drawing on government and housing policy roles.
Utah selects Susan Larson, a sixth-generation rancher, to lead FSA. Virginia appoints Beth Walker Green as RD State Director, returning with prior RD leadership and state policy experience. West Virginia names longtime FSA leader Keith Richmond as State Executive Director, and Wyoming appoints Laurie Boner, a rancher and former state agriculture official, to lead FSA.
These leaders will guide program delivery, expand access to services, and help producers and rural communities succeed.
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