U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments and state directors for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Today’s new USDA presidential appointments will help carry forward the important work of serving the people who feed and fuel our country, delivering real results for rural America, putting our Farmers First. Together, we will continue to strengthen our food supply, protect our family farms, and ensure USDA is working on behalf of the American people. I welcome this latest group of appointees and look forward to working together,” said Secretary Rollins.
Samuel Berry Appointed as Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Samuel Berry serves as the Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He comes from the private sector and has led 0-to-1 software startups for the last decade, focusing on automation and efficiency in slow-moving industries.
Ken Verheyen Appointed as Senior Advisor, U.S. Forest Service
Ken Verheyen serves as Senior Advisor for the U.S. Forest Service. Ken spent over 40 years building a values-driven, industry-leading, world-class technology service company. Leveraging his operational expertise, Ken led the company to build a strong reputation of excellence in customer service and innovation across the life science, aerospace, food and beverage, and multiple government sectors. Ken is an avid outdoorsman and enthusiastically supports responsible stewardship of our amazing national forests.
Layne Bangerter Appointed as Senior Advisor, U.S. Forest Service
Layne Bangerter serves as Senior Advisor for the U.S. Forest Service. Layne created and operates a successful farm and ranch operation in Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. He previously worked on the first Trump campaign and in the Administration, serving at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Deputy Associate Administrator, and later serving at USDA as the Idaho Rural Development State Director. Layne has an extensive federal service résumé and policy experience, having worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA-APHIS, and 14 years with the U.S. Senate. He holds a degree in Wildlife and Range Resource Management from BYU.
Monica Mason Appointed as Senior Advisor, Rural Housing Service of Rural Development
Monica Mason serves as Senior Advisor with the Rural Housing Service of Rural Development. With decades of relational experience in the DC metro area, Monica comes from the private sector with a synergistic background of financial services, real estate, marketing, and media, where she led teams focused on creating customized solutions for individuals and businesses toward long-term growth and gain. Monica earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University School of International Service.
Steve Messeh Appointed as Director, Center of Faith
Steve Messeh serves as the Director of the Center of Faith at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steve previously worked as a government consultant for a variety of agencies and departments for both KPMG and Deloitte. Most recently, Steve was a founder and the Executive Director of a DC-based nonprofit organization where he focused on finding new and innovative solutions to meet some of the greatest challenges in our world today for vulnerable populations in order to bring hope to those most in need.
Ted Hanson Appointed as Chief of Staff, Assistant Secretary for Administration
Ted Handson serves as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. Hanson joins USDA with extensive experience in logistics, security management, and event planning from his time as the North Dakota Governor’s Residence Manager. Hailing from the Badlands of southwestern North Dakota, he brings a deep understanding of rural life and agricultural communities from his family’s fourth-generation commercial cow/calf operation.
Bill Warden Appointed as State Director, Montana Rural Development
Bill Warden serves as State Director of Rural Development in Montana. Bill was raised in Montana, served in the US Army, and graduated from Montana State University. Bill comes from the private sector in Electronics Retail sales and was a State Legislator.
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