Monday, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint four U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including two Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and two Rural Development (RD) State Directors.
"As USDA continues to improve the lives of Americans each day in positive ways, we welcome these talented individuals to advancing our shared mission," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Each of them will add to the experienced, dedicated and growing team throughout the Department."
FSA State Executive Directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each State Executive Director works with the State Committee to administer FSA programs and County office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.
RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of rural development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.
Among the four positions announced Monday, Kyle Wilkens has been appointed Rural Development State Director for Missouri
A native of rural west-central Missouri, Wilkens has served as Rural Policy Directory for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri since 2012. Prior to his time in Rep. Cleaver's office, Wilkens spent nine years working as congressional staff to Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton. Kyle brings an in-depth knowledge of USDA and its programs and has extensive experience working with elected officials, community leaders, and agencies at all levels of government on local economic development and rural development programs. Wilkens holds a Master of Art degree from Missouri State University.
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy