Rudy Soto has been appointed Acting Director of External and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Rudy Soto has served as USDA’s Rural Development State Director in Idaho since January 2021. In this role, Soto has been instrumental in promoting economic development, increasing access to healthcare, and improving infrastructure in Idaho’s rural communities.

Before that, Soto served as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives, covering energy, environment, agriculture, and tribal affairs. Previously, he worked for Western Leaders Network, a nonprofit organization of local and tribal elected officials across the Interior West focused on protecting public lands, water, and air.

Soto was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho, and is a proud member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation and a veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University.

Dale Lish has been assigned Acting State Director for Idaho 

Most recently, Dale Lish served as USDA’s Rural Development (USDA RD) Deputy State Director in Idaho. Lish has worked for USDA RD over 32 years and has dedicated his career to helping improve Idaho's rural communities.

In this new role, Lish is honored to have the opportunity to lead and serve the great state of Idaho in this new capacity. With the goal to continue fostering rural development, supporting agriculture communities, and continue sharing key programs that will enhance the quality of life for residents across the state. 

Lish is a native of Idaho and grew-up on a dry farm/cow-calf operation in the southeast region of Idaho. He graduated from Marsh Valley High School before attending Utah State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture education and business.