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USDA Announces Iowa Farm Service Agency, Rural Development Directors
Iowa Ag Connection - 11/22/2021

President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint six U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive directors and two Rural Development (RD) state directors.

"These talented individuals joining USDA will play an integral role in advancing and promoting USDA's mission by ensuring that we touch the lives of individuals throughout the country," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Each of them is a valued addition to our growing team."

FSA state executive directors oversee 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.

Matthew Russell has been appointed FSA state executive director for Iowa

Russell is a fifth-generation farmer operating a family farm and ranch near Lacona, Iowa. In 2018, he began as the executive director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, a statewide faith-based climate action organization. Russell has previously worked at Drake University's Agricultural Law Center, the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference and Bishop Gorman High School in Law Vegas, Nevada. He has a master's degree in Rural Sociology from Iowa State University and a bachelor's degree from Loras College.

Theresa Greenfield has been appointed RD state director for Iowa

Greenfield is a committed public servant with a career focused on community development, housing, and real estate. She grew up on a small family farm outside the small town of Bricelyn, Minn., and graduated with a degree in design and human development from Minnesota State University Mankato. After graduation, Greenfield worked as an urban planner and real estate developer. She became president of the Iowa division of Rottlund Homes in 2007 and most recently served as president of Colby Interests, a real estate firm based in Des Moines, Iowa.

"Matt Russell and Theresa Greenfield will be strong advocates for family farming and sustainable agriculture here in Iowa," said Aaron Lehman, Iowa Farmers Union president. "The challenges faced by our farmers and by our rural communities are enormous but I am encouraged that President Biden has chosen two dedicated, experienced, and knowledgeable public servants to be Iowa leaders at the United States Department of Agriculture."

"We know that we all must work together in order to truly pursue our rural values. We are excited to work with Matt and Theresa to help build vibrant and resilient farms and robust rural communities."


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