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 Jun. 26, 2025 Source: USDA news release Washington, D.C., - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). "American farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to feed, fuel, and clothe America. The incredible team we are building at USDA will make it easier--not harder--for farmers to fulfill their calling. I welcome the latest group of appointees and look forward to continuing our work to put Farmers First at USDA," said Secretary Rollins. Rural Development J.R. Claeys Appointed as Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service J.R. Claeys serves as Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) in Rural Development. Claeys most recently served in the Kansas Legislature, where he worked extensively on rural economic development policy and state budget issues. His experience includes creating rural lending and grant programs targeting major agriculture and aerospace manufacturers. Karl Elmshaeuser Appointed as Administrator, Rural Utilities Service Karl Elmshaeuser serves as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in Rural Development. Elmshaeuser most recently served as the Executive Director for the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Prior positions included Legislative Liaison for the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and State Director for USDA Rural Development in Nebraska under the previous Trump administration. Joe Gilson Appointed as Chief of Staff, Rural Development Joe Gilson serves as Chief of Staff at Rural Development. Joe previously worked at American Farm Bureau Federation as Director of Government Affairs. Prior to joining AFBF, Joe worked for Senator Chuck Grassley as the legislative assistant for agriculture, trade, energy, and environmental issues. George Kelly Appointed as Administrator, Rural Housing Service George Kelly serves as Administrator of the Rural Housing Service (RHS) in Rural Development. George spent the majority of his career as a commercial real estate developer with Hines Interests Limited Partnership. He has had roles in banking, affordable and workforce housing, strategy consulting, and government. He was a scholar in residence at the Urban Land Institute. Farm Service Agency Trina L. Brake Appointed as Deputy Administrator for Field Operations for the Farm Service Agency Trina L. Brake serves as the Deputy Administrator for Field Operations at the Farm Service Agency, where she brings nearly 35 years of leadership and institutional knowledge. Since joining the Agency in 1991, Trina has held several key roles, including Acting Deputy Administrator and Acting Assistant Deputy Administrator for Field Operations, exemplifying her steadfast commitment to agricultural service and rural communities. Mary Catherine Cromley Appointed as Chief of Staff for the Farm Service Agency Mary Catherine Cromley serves as Chief of Staff for the Farm Service Agency. She previously served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Soybean Board, South Carolina Corn Board, and the South Carolina Corn and Soybean Association. Mary Catherine spent over six years in the United States Senate, working as an aide for late Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator John Boozman, and she served on the staff of Senate Committee for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Marissa Findlay Appointed as Confidential Advisor to the Deputy Administrator for Field Operations for the Farm Service Agency Marissa Findlay serves as the Confidential Advisor to the Deputy Administrator for Field Operations (DAFO) of the Farm Service Agency. Most recently, Marissa served as the Director of Operations in the office of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey and led the transition of then-Governor-elect Morrisey. Marissa has worked with numerous Presidential and statewide officeholders for nearly two decades, including Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Attorneys General, and other dignitaries. Payton (Englert) Manning Appointed as Senior Policy Advisor for the Farm Service Agency Payton Manning serves as the Senior Policy Advisor for the Farm Service Agency. Most recently, she served as the Director of Government Affairs at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). Prior to ASTA, Payton worked on agriculture policy for Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). Tweet |
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