OLYMPIA—United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on May 2, announced the appointment of former 39th Legislative District Senator Kirk Pearson, by President Donald J Trump, to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Washington. Director Pearson will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority, the USDA said.
“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives,” said Secretary Rollins. “This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again.”
Pearson served as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Washington during President Trump’s first term. Most recently, Pearson was Vice President of External Affairs for Volunteers of America Western Washington after serving in the Washington State Legislature for 17 years, where he was the Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee.
“It’s an honor to serve the people of Washington State and help strengthen the backbone of our rural communities,” said Director Pearson. “I look forward to working closely with local leaders, Native American Tribes, farmers, small businesses, and families to expand opportunity and deliver the resources they need to thrive.”
“Our mission is clear: to support rural America with solutions that are locally driven and nationally backed,” he added.
As State Director, Pearson will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in Washington state and tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural communities.
In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, Director Pearson will be responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of Trump administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership in fostering a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
