USDA Names New Leadership in Major Round of Presidential Appointments

A new wave of leadership has been appointed across the U.S. Department of Agriculture as Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a comprehensive list of presidential appointees on April 14. The appointments aim to support the implementation of President Trump’s America First agenda within the department, with a strong emphasis on reducing regulatory barriers and promoting rural and agricultural prosperity.

Among the key appointments is Bill Beam, now Administrator for the Farm Service Agency, returning after serving in a senior role under the previous Trump Administration. Aubrey Bettencourt takes the helm at the Natural Resource Conservation Service, bringing experience from both the private sector and prior federal service. Meanwhile, Kelsey Barnes has been named Senior Advisor to the Secretary, with a focus on Rural Development and Research, Education, and Economics.

In the realm of food safety and agricultural oversight, Trey Forsyth has been selected as Chief of Staff for Food Safety, while Courtney Knupp will advise the Deputy Secretary on trade and food safety matters. James Miller will now oversee federal nutrition programs as Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service, and Pat Swanson assumes leadership at the Risk Management Agency. USDA also named Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, responsible for advancing research and innovation.

The communications team has also seen changes, with Seth W. Christensen appointed as Director of Communications and Alec Varsamis as his Deputy. Natalie Ihrman joins as Press Secretary, and Audra Weeks will serve as Director of External and Intergovernmental Affairs. These appointments are expected to guide USDA messaging and stakeholder engagement efforts as the department shifts under new leadership.

Several policy and administrative advisory roles have also been filled. Bailey Archey, with a background in veterinary medicine and legislative policy, will advise on Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Ricki Schroder, Tucker Stewart, Maggie Linden, and Alison Slagell have also been appointed to key advisory and chief of staff roles across USDA departments. Additionally, T.W. Shannon has been named Senior Advisor for Rural Prosperity, bringing state-level legislative experience and a background in economic development.

The new team reflects a blend of former federal staffers, agricultural industry leaders, veterans, and legal professionals, many with ties to previous Trump Administration roles. Their collective mandate is to strengthen support for farmers, ranchers, and producers, streamline operations, and reinforce USDA’s commitment to rural America.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a U.S. Department of Agriculture press release.

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