WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2021 – Following a press release from President Joe Biden announcing the appointment of several regional appointments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointments of seven Rural Development (RD) State Directors and five Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors.
“These twelve individuals are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”
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.
Included in the announcement is Patricia Dominguez a native of rural northern New Mexico and a committed public servant. Since 2013, she has served on the congressional staff for Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, and from 2008 to 2012, she served on the staff of Senator Jeff Bingaman, also of New Mexico.
Dominguez grew up in the rural community of Peñasco in northern New Mexico. After graduating from high school she then went to the University of New Mexico where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating from UNM she worked in state and county government before working for Senators Bingaman and Heinrich.
Dominguez said, her congressional service in Senator Heinrich’s office was especially meaningful because she covered the geographic region in rural northern New Mexico where she was raised. Her firsthand experience living in a rural community helps her understand the challenges facing rural America and the resources that will be needed to build capacity in these areas. Patricia has experience building networks and implementing successful strategies that help rural communities develop scale appropriate ventures that will thrive and have the best chance at success. Patricia has a deep appreciation for New Mexico and will continue to be an advocate for rural communities and strive to improve quality of life and opportunities in underserved areas.
Dominguez will be in charge of the various funding programs administered by USDA Rural Development including; business, community facilities, housing and water and wastewater programs.
For more information on these programs visit the New Mexico Rural Development website at: www.rd.usda.gov/nm.
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