Bobby Goode today announced he will retire from his position as USDA Rural Development State Director effective January 6, 2017.
“It is my belief that a strong and independent America starts with a healthy, rural economy,” Goode said. “I am proud to work for an agency that employs folks who live and work in the communities we serve. We are your friends, neighbors and family and we strive to use our programs to strengthen the rural economy for the benefit of every Tennessean from Memphis to Mountain City and from Copper Hill to Tiptonville.”
An employee with the agency for nearly 38 years, Goode was honored in 2009 when he was appointed to the position of Tennessee State Director for Rural Development by President Barack Obama. Under Goode’s leadership the agency has assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses in 233 communities in all 95 counties of Tennessee, investing more than $7.6 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees, and grants.
In the time before President-Elect Donald Trump appoints a successor, Harriet Cannon will serve as Acting State Director.
USDA Rural Development is moving investments to rural America with housing, business and infrastructure loans and grants to create jobs and strengthen rural economies with an emphasis to assist areas of persistent poverty.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs available in Tennessee contact the Nashville State Office at 615.783.1300. Visit us online at www.rd.usda.gov/TN.