Obama names State Exec. Directors for FSA and Rural Development

Communications Department staff at the USDA was busy Monday, June 29 sending out news releases naming State Executive Directors for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and State Directors for USDA Rural Development (RD).

In Indiana, Julia Wickard will serve as the State Executive Director for FSA, a position she tells Brownfield she’s looking forward to.

“Looking forward to serving all of Indiana agriculture and work through this new Administration and implementing the Farm Bill for our customers, the farmers in the state of Indiana,” said Wickard.

“Julia Wickard has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The new FSA State Exec says she’s looking forward to getting started, meeting staff and traveling the state to learn firsthand the issues and programs FSA is responsible for implementing.

In addition to Wickard, the Obama Administration also named Philip Lehmkuhler as State Director for USDA Rural Development. Lehmkuhler has worked as Manager of Economic Development and Member Services for the Indiana Municipal Power Agency.

“Philip Lehmkuhler will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

AUDIO: Julia Wickard, FSA State Exec. Director (3:15 MP3)