USDA Announces New Presidential Appointments

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the latest slate of presidential appointments to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). Appointees have been selected to implement President Donald Trump’s America First agenda at the USDA, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers remain a top priority, said the agency.

“Agriculture is the backbone of America, and strong leadership at the people’s department is key to America’s continued success,” said Rollins. “I’m proud to welcome this team of experienced, dedicated professionals to USDA. Together, we’ll work to promote rural prosperity and ensure those who feed and fuel the world can do so without regulatory burdens standing in the way.”

Trey Forsyth was appointed as chief of staff for food safety. He previously served as a professional staff member for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for Chairman John Boozman. Forsyth served in the Trump administration as policy advisor to Gregg Doud, the chief agriculture negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Forsyth graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business.

Dr. Jaye L. Hamby will serve as director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Prior to joining USDA, Hamby led and directed proprietary research efforts. He graduated from the University of Tennessee’s College of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and earned master's and doctoral degrees in agricultural education with a specialization in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.

Courtney Knupp will serve as senior advisor to the deputy secretary and senior policy advisor to the secretary for trade and food safety. Most recently, Knupp served as vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board. Previously, she served as chief of staff to the assistant secretary of administration and held leadership roles across the department in the first Trump administration. A native of a diversified family farm in Iowa, Knupp holds a degree in agricultural business and international agriculture from Iowa State University.

James Miller was appointed administrator for Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). As administrator, Miller will leverage his senior leadership experience in financial and operational management across the healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors. Miller has an MBA in healthcare management and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Read the full list of appointments here.