USDA bolsters leadership - Focus on rural development, operations, and strategic communication

May 30, 2024

By Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced key leadership changes, highlighting focus areas for the department.

Crestina Martinez, with her experience in rural development and community issues, will lead Colorado's rural development efforts. She assumes the role of Colorado State Director for Rural Development, bringing a diverse background to her new position.
Yeshimebet Abebe, with a legal background and expertise in organizational management, will take charge of the department's administrative operations. Having served in various capacities, including as Assistant County Attorney and District Representative, Abebe brings valuable expertise to her new role.

Nina Anand, with experience in agricultural communications, strengthens the Office of Communications as a Speechwriter. With a track record of fostering strategic partnerships and promoting business-friendly policies, Anand is poised to enhance USDA's communication efforts.

These appointments demonstrate the USDA's commitment to supporting rural communities, streamlining internal operations, and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

As these individuals assume their roles, they are poised to contribute significantly to USDA's mission of supporting farmers and rural communities across the nation.

Video: How women saved agricultural economics and other ideas for why diversity matters | Jill J. McCluskey

Dr. Jill J. McCluskey, Regents Professor at Washington State University and Director of the School of Economic Science

Dr. McCluskey documents that women entered agricultural economics in significant numbers starting in the 1980s, and their ranks have increased over time. She argues that women have increased the relevance in the field of agricultural economics through their diverse interests, perspectives, and experiences. In their research, women have expanded the field's treatment of non-traditional topics such as food safety and nutrition and environmental and natural resource economics. In this sense, women saved the Agricultural Economics profession from a future as a specialty narrowly focused on agricultural production and markets. McCluskey will go on to discuss some of her own story and how it has shaped some of her thinking and research. She will present her research on dual-career couples in academia, promotional achievement of women in both Economics and Agricultural Economics, and work-life support programs.

The Daryl F. Kraft Lecture is arranged by the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, with the support of the Solomon Sinclair Farm Management Institute, and in cooperation with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.