COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2022 – 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.
“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.”
In Ohio, Jonathan McCracken has been appointed RD State Director for Ohio. McCracken is a native of Wilmington, Ohio. For the past 15 years, he has held various legislative positions related to agriculture, rural development, food, nutrition, energy, and environmental policy. Most recently, he served as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Prior to working for Senator Brown, McCracken began his career working for Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and earned a J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.
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.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/oh.