Ohio Ag Connection - McCracken to Head Ohio USDA Rural Development

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McCracken to Head Ohio USDA Rural Development
Ohio Ag Connection - 01/21/2022

Thursday, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint seven U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including five Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive directors and two Rural Development (RD) state directors, including Ohio.

"A year into this administration, we continue to build an experienced team in our state offices," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I have full confidence these individuals will work tirelessly to advance USDA's mission in their local communities."

FSA state executive directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each state executive director works with the State Committee to administer FSA programs and County office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.

RD state directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, state directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

Jonathan McCracken has been appointed RD state director in Ohio.

Most recently, McCracken served as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). For the past 15 years, he has held various legislative positions related to agriculture, rural development, food, nutrition, energy, and environmental policy. Prior to working for Senator Brown, McCracken began his career working for Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

A native of Wilmington, Ohio, he is a graduate of Wake Forest University and earned a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

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