Trade and Business Development is one of three program divisions at TDA. The division houses the Office of Rural Affairs, the Office of Rural Health, commodity marketing programs, international trade, and the GO TEXAN program. The division manages loan and grant programs in excess of $200 million annually.Lead a staff of more than 75 people, with 19 direct reports.Provide policy guidance and administrative oversight for all division programs.Engage constituent groups, including: rural community leaders, business leaders, political leaders and international delegations.Serve as a resource for legislative committees and members.Demonstrated measured success with increasing program output with reduced administrative costs.Gave public speeches and presentations for the agency and directly interacted with target audiences.

Ag Workers Mutual provides auto insurance for consumers with personal or professional involvement in agriculture. With more than 20,000 policy holders, the company represents a broad spectrum of Texas Agriculture.Coordinated corporate sponsorships.Developed and implemented direct mail, broadcast and digital advertising campaigns.Created and managed company social media efforts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.Maintained relationships with agricultural organizations as an active member of the Texas Agricultural Council and through key sponsorship agreements.Served as company liaison for Colleges and Universities.Coordinated legislative efforts with senior management and contract lobbyists.Documented measured success with an increased policy count.

USDA’s Rural Development division provides loans, grants and loan guarantees for rural communities in three broad areas: Business Programs, Community Programs, and Housing Programs.Appointee in the George W. Bush Administration.Delivered more than $800 million in programs annually on a $17 million administrative budget.Increased program delivery 72% during tenureManaged more than 200 employees in 31 offices throughout TexasGave public speeches, presentations and media interviews for the agency and directly interacted with target audiences.

The Soil and Water Conservation Board serves as the oversight agency for the state’s local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which provide conservation technical assistance and water quality management plans for agricultural producers.Directed communications with external audiencesCoordinated agency efforts with the Sunset Commission and appropriate legislative offices to successfully complete the agency’s 2001 Sunset Legislation.Managed a staff of 3.

Organized congressional hearings, assisted in drafting core legislation and amendments, and managed bills through the committee process.Conducted regular meetings with Administration officials for oversight of program administration and implementation of laws within committee jurisdiction. Met with interest groups to communicate committee agenda and address their concerns.Supported the work of Members of Congress and their staff to achieve their objectives regarding legislation coming through the committee. Key staff person for major legislation in issue areas of appropriations, specialty crops, Texas agricultural issues and agricultural labor.

Directed efforts for a $1.5 million W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant to integrate best practices in high school agricultural education delivery across 50 states.

Implemented college new student recruiting efforts and increased college enrollment 17% during tenure.Managed student retention program.Served as Faculty Advisor for the Agri-Techsans (student recruiting); Agricultural Ambassadors (speakers’ bureau); and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.Served as publisher and editor of college alumni magazine, Landmarks.Managed on-campus events for both students and alumni.