(Washington, D.C., January 6, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a new slate of presidential appointments to key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is building a powerhouse team of Presidential Appointees deeply committed to uplifting rural America and putting Farmers First. With strong experience in agriculture, public service, and national security, this team will protect family farms, expand opportunities, and proudly implement America First policies,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I look forward to working together to deliver real results for the American people, particularly the farmers, ranchers, and producers who feed and fuel our nation.”
The Honorable Doug Hoelscher Appointed as Minister-Counselor at the International Food and Agriculture Organizations in Rome, Italy
Doug Hoelscher serves as Minister-Counselor to the US Mission to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations in Rome, Italy. Doug previously held roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the America First Transition Project at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). During President Trump’s first term, he served as Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Earlier in his career, Doug was Director of the Iowa Office of State-Federal Relations and held positions in the Bush Administration at both the White House and the Department of Homeland Security. Raised on a corn, soybean, and pig farm near Williams, Iowa, he was active in 4-H and FFA and worked summers in a family agribusiness. He holds a BA from the University of Iowa and began his public policy career in the office of Senator Charles Grassley.
Tate Bennett Appointed as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff
Tate Bennett serves as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff. During President Trump’s first term, Tate held various policy and engagement roles where she worked tirelessly to advance the President’s agenda. Specifically, Tate served as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade, and Food Assistance at the White House National Economic Council, as well as both the Agriculture Advisor to the Administrator and the Associate Administrator for the Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most recently, Tate served as the Director of Rural Policy at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). She has earlier private sector and federal experience, including having worked in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Tate grew up on her parents’ horse farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky, an upbringing that has heavily shaped her commitment to rural America.
Hailey Ghee Appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations
Hailey Ghee serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. Hailey previously served at USDA during President Trump’s first term, where she played a key role in advancing agency operations and administration priorities. Her federal experience also includes serving at the Small Business Administration (SBA), supporting programs essential to local economies, as well as several years working in the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Hailey brings deep operational expertise and a strong commitment to USDA’s mission.
Mireya Brogan Appointed as Chief of Staff for Risk Management Agency
Reya Brogan serves as Chief of Staff for Risk Management Agency (RMA). Raised in Texas, Reya spent the past seven years managing research and development supply chain risk at a federally funded research and development center supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Earlier in her career, she worked to expand agricultural markets in South Asia and West Africa. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.
Troy Romero Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Louisiana
Troy Romero serves as State Director for Rural Development (RD) in Louisiana. Troy is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher with extensive agricultural and rural development knowledge. He served six years in the Louisiana Legislature and was Chairman of the House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development committee. Troy’s experience will be instrumental in helping Louisiana utilize the many programs offered by USDA. He looks forward to working with the team at USDA to bring about positive economic development to the entire state.
Chris Lyons Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island
Chris Lyons serves as State Director for Rural Development (RD) in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Born in Boston and raised in Plymouth County, Chris grew up among the region’s cranberry bogs. He has extensive experience in politics and public policy across federal, state, and local levels. He previously served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 2 during President Trump’s first term.
Dominic Restuccia Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in Michigan
Dom Restuccia serves as State Director for Rural Development (RD) in Michigan. A lifelong Michigander and graduate of Hillsdale College, Dom and his wife, Emma, raise their three children in their hometown in Livingston County. Prior to this appointment, Dom was the White House Liaison at USDA. He also previously worked on federal and state public policy for Congressman Mike Bishop of Michigan, Senator Mike Lee of Utah, and State Senator Lana Theis, and was Senior Advisor for Election Integrity in Michigan for the Trump-Vance campaign.
Travis Day Appointed as State Director for Rural Development in New Mexico
Travis Day serves as State Director for Rural Development (RD) in New Mexico. A native of New Mexico, Travis brings experience from the private, nonprofit, and government sectors, with a focus on creating opportunities for businesses and local governments. His leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of rural New Mexico. He previously served as chairman of the Sierra County Commission, where he championed community-driven growth initiatives.
Robert Sullivan Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Connecticut
Rob Sullivan serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Connecticut and Rhode Island. A dedicated public servant with a passion for floriculture, Rob’s career as a landscape contractor fostered his love for nature. He recently served on the Board of Directors for the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and founded the Southern Rhode Island Young Professionals.
Cory Atkins Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Delaware
Cory Atkins serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Delaware. Cory is a first-generation farmer from Delaware, specifically Sussex County. He has experience leading both wholesale and retail operations. Cory brings over ten years of state and national advocacy to the table, on behalf of Delaware’s farming community.
Starlyn Perdue Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Iowa
Starlyn Perdue serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. A lifelong resident of southwest Iowa, Starlyn and her husband raise their sons on their family’s Century Farm. With a background in economic development, agricultural advocacy, and program administration, Starlyn is committed to strengthening Iowa’s rural economy through workforce training and business development. She remains deeply rooted in Iowa’s agricultural community and is a strong advocate for policies that support farmers and strengthen America’s rural economy.
Philip Cowee Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Nevada
Philip Cowee serves as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nevada. Philip is a sixth-generation Nevadan and businessman with over 25 years of experience developing properties and operating businesses in Lyon County. He previously served as Nevada State Director for Rural Development (RD) during President Trump’s first term, where he championed rural communities and economic growth. Along with his wife, Casandra, Philip comes from a long line of ranching and farming families. He is passionate about preserving Nevada’s agricultural heritage and advocating for the farmers, ranchers, and rural families who make the Silver State strong.
Wilmer Stoneman III Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Virginia
Wilmer Stoneman serves as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Virginia. With over 30 years of experience in rural business development and agricultural policy, Wilmer previously served as Vice President of Agriculture, Development and Innovation, and Executive Director of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability. He also held key roles at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation as Associate Director of Governmental Relations.
Patrick Bell Appointed as State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency in Washington
Patrick Bell serves as State Executive Director Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Washington. Raised in a multi-generation farming and ranching family, Patrick brings deep agricultural roots and a lifelong connection to rural communities. He has served in public service in Washington, D.C., and Eastern Washington, helping shape and implement policy affecting agriculture, natural resources, and rural economies statewide.
Kennon White Appointed to Assistant Chief South Region for Natural Resources Conservation Service
Ken White serves as Assistant Chief South Region for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Ken joins NRCS with an outstanding record of conservation and stewardship. For many years he has led Resource Institute, one of the largest environmental management organizations in the country. During his tenure, hundreds of miles of streams have been restored to benefit American farmers and producers and improve water quality in the south. His family remains in cow-calf operations. Ken has a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s in higher education, and an MBA from Appalachian State University where he taught leadership and ethics after retirement from the private sector.
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