President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint four U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive directors and five Rural Development (RD) state directors.
"As USDA continues to work toward improving the lives of all Americans, we welcome these talented individuals who will each play a key role in advancing that shared mission," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Each of them will add to the experienced, dedicated and growing team at the Department."
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.
Kate Bolz was named state director for Nebraska's Rural Development.
A sixth generation Nebraskan, Bolz grew up on a family farm in Otoe County. Kate brings extensive economic and community development experience to Rural Development and USDA, having served as the Mayoral Aide for Economic Development for the City of Lincoln where she focused on workforce training and small business development programs.
Bolz also spent time in the state legislature as a State Senator. She led efforts to invest in higher education and economic development as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and chair of the Economic Development Task Force.
In addition to her legislative work, Bolz served as the executive director of the Nebraska Association of Service Providers and as an adjunct professor at Union College. Kate received her bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
NeFU President John Hansen said, "We had a very positive working relationship with Kate Bolz during her eight years of service in the Nebraska Legislature. We know her well. Kate was born and raised on a farm and understands agriculture and rural communities and how important USDA Rural Development programs are to agriculture and rural communities. Senator Bolz did an outstanding job as a member of the Nebraska Legislature Appropriations. She asks good questions and does her homework. We believe she has a passion for rural development. Kate Bolz has the background and skills to head up Nebraska's USDA Rural Development."
Hansen said the two federal agricultural and rural appointments made by the Biden Administration so far, Roy Stoltenberg of Cairo, Neb., on the Nebraska State FSA Committee and Bolz of Lincoln to head USDA Rural Development were quality appointments. "We are hopeful that the rest of the Biden federal ag appointments will be made soon."
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle