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(Washington, D.C., August 9, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced President Trump’s nominations of key USDA leadership at the Iowa State Fair. This rounds out the senior leadership of USDA.
“America’s farmers and ranchers have a fighter and a friend in the White House and we have announced a top-notch team at USDA who have hit the ground running and are executing President Trump’s America first vision. Glen, Mindy, and Yvette are proven leaders who will serve America well at USDA, ensuring the American people have restored trust in our services and they will drive policy that increases rural prosperity. When our farmers and ranchers succeed, all of America succeeds,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “At USDA we are ensuring American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient by safeguarding our food supply, strengthening critical infrastructure, and defending U.S. agricultural innovation from foreign adversaries. We need all of our Senate confirmed nominees in the building as soon as possible, we have no time to waste to save our family farms.”
Glen Smith Nominated for Under Secretary of Rural Development
The Hon. Glen R. Smith of Atlantic, Iowa has been nominated by President Trump to be the next Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA. He has spent most of his life in rural America, engaged in farming and agri-business. In recent years, Glen has served on the Board of Directors of the Farm Credit Administration in Washington D.C. He is a graduate of Iowa State University. Glen and his wife Fauzan have four grown children and six grandchildren.
Dr. Mindy Brashears Nominated for Under Secretary for Food Safety
Dr. Mindy Brashears has been nominated by President Trump to serve as Under Secretary for Food Safety, overseeing the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). She previously served as both Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety under the first Trump administration from 2019-2021. Dr. Brashears has served as a longtime professor of food microbiology and food safety in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University and has over 25 years of experience in food safety research. She was raised on a farm in west Texas, where her family has been involved in farming and ranching for three generations.
Yvette Herrell Nominated for Assistant Secretary of the Office of Congressional Relations
Born and raised in New Mexico, Yvette Herrell is a proven job creator and public servant, starting several small businesses before being elected to the New Mexico Legislature, serving from 2011-2018. In her time representing the 51st District in Santa Fe, Yvette led the fight for less government overreach and pro-growth policies. In 2020, Yvette was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for New Mexico's Second Congressional District. Yvette served on the Natural Resources Committee, with appointments as the Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and a member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. She also served on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Neal Robbins Appointed Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development
Neal Robbins will serve as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Neal is a native of Asheboro, North Carolina with degrees in chemical engineering, business and law. Robbins has extensive public and private sector experience in manufacturing, rural economic development and financial transactions. Robbins previously served in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. He is a graduate of NC State University and Wake Forest University.
Anthony Priest Appointed Chief of Staff for the Rural Housing Service
Anthony J. Priest will serve as Chief of Staff for the Rural Housing Service Administrator within the Department of Agriculture. Anthony's career has encompassed various roles and industries, including, Chief Operating Officer, Project Manager, and Manufacturing Engineer, spanning real estate development, product development and education. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech, the Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia.
Michael Pape Appointed Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service
Michael J. Pape is serving as Chief of Staff for the USDA Rural Utilities Service. Michael has devoted more than three decades to public and private service, passionately advancing policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the United States. With a deep commitment to principled leadership and community values, Michael brings over 30 years of experience to the U.S. Department of Agriculture grounded in a lifetime of public service and a belief in American exceptionalism. Michael worked over 21 years as the District Director for Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01)where he championed common sense policies for agriculture, energy, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare and many other issues impacting rural communities in Kentucky. He has also been a staunch advocate for value added agriculture including biofuels and for strong safeguards to protect America’s food security from foreign threats.
Anna Pilato Appointed Chief of Staff for the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
Anna Pilato is serving as the Chief of Staff in the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. In her previous role, Ms. Pilato consulted with Healthcare Sharing Ministries and was Director of Federal Public Policy for the Christian Medical and Dental Associations. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Senior Advisor, External Affairs at the Administration for Children and Families, during the first Trump Administration. Prior to that, she was in Kansas Governor Sam Brownback’s Administration as Deputy Secretary for the Kansas Department for Children and Families. She was an appointee during the George W. Bush Administration, managing critical administration and communications functions at the White House, and later as the Director of the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives at HHS.
Jason Allen Appointed Senior Advisor for the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
A native of Northern Michigan, Allen grew up working in his family’s men’s clothing store. His career in public service began at the local level, serving on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. From 1999 to 2003, Allen represented his community in the Michigan House of Representatives, followed by two terms in the Michigan Senate from 2003 to 2011. During his time in the legislature, he was a strong advocate for rural economic development and veterans' issues. In 2011, Allen led the establishment of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, serving as a key organizer and proponent for its creation. From 2016 to 2021, he served as the State Director for USDA Rural Development in Michigan, where he worked to strengthen infrastructure and economic opportunity in rural communities across the state. Currently, Allen owns a consulting company, advising on business development and economic initiatives. He is also an Eagle Scout and a proud U.S. Army veteran.
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