The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially announced the appointment of several individuals to senior staff positions in Washington, D.C., bolstering its leadership team with experienced professionals.
Malcom A. Shorter has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Administration at USDA. Shorter brings over a decade of experience in administrative and financial roles within the USDA, having served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration. His background includes leadership roles in the U.S. Forest Service and positions in various government departments. A retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army, Shorter holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.
Richard Rush will take on the role of Idaho State Director for Rural Development. Rush's extensive experience includes serving as Idaho’s State Executive Director for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency during the Obama and Clinton administrations. His career spans various managerial and administrative roles in organizations such as the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho and the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. Rush is a University of Idaho graduate with a Master's degree from the University of California, Davis.
Arnold Hernandez has been named Idaho State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency. Hernandez's background in diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College of Idaho and his experience with the Idaho Migrant Council and Boise State University equip him well for this role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Boise State University.
Leroy M. Garcia has been appointed as Chief of Staff for the Rural Business Cooperative Service. Garcia's diverse experience includes serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, representing Colorado’s 3rd State Senate District, and working at the Department of Defense. A first-generation college graduate, he holds degrees from Ashford University, the University of Phoenix, and Pueblo Community College.
Shawn Campbell will serve as Policy Advisor for the Farm Service Agency. His previous roles include Lead Legislative Analyst for USDA’s Office of Congressional Relations and Special Assistant in the Office of Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. Campbell is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies.
These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening USDA's leadership team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of agricultural policy and administration.
