USDA Appoints Leaders to Boost Rural and Farm Support

By Jamie Martin

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has unveiled a new round of presidential appointments to major leadership roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

These appointments span key areas including the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Development (RD), aiming to bolster support for rural communities and farmers nationwide.

“President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture. Our latest additions to the USDA family are personally invested in ensuring farmers and rural America prosper. I look forward to seeing the work they will do supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country by implementing President Trump’s America First policies,” stated Secretary Rollins.

The Food and Nutrition Service remains dedicated to increasing access to nutritious foods sourced from American farms.

FSA State Directors are tasked with advancing the President’s America First policies at the state level, coordinating USDA programs to meet local needs. Meanwhile, RD State Directors focus on fostering economic growth and opportunity in rural communities.

Among the appointments is Patrick A. Penn, who will serve as Deputy Undersecretary for the Food and Nutrition Service. Raised in the foster care system, Penn later served in the Kansas Legislature from 2021 to 2025, where he led successful efforts to reform foster care, social welfare, and regulatory policies.

A U.S. Army veteran, Penn served as a Signal Officer with combat experience and brings a deep understanding of public service and leadership.

In Alabama, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh has been named State Director for Rural Development. She formerly served as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission and holds the record for the most votes ever received by a non-presidential candidate in Alabama, achieved in the 2020 election.

Arthur Keyes has been appointed State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Alaska. With over 20 years in agriculture, Keyes previously served as Director of the Alaska Division of Agriculture and was instrumental in creating a globally recognized marketing campaign for Alaska Grown products. He also launched the state’s top-earning farmers market in 2006.

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Photo Credit: usda