(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) including the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD).
“President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture. Our latest additions to the USDA family are personally invested in ensuring farmers and rural America prosper. I look forward to seeing the work they will do supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country by implementing President Trump’s America First policies,” said Secretary Rollins.
FNS is focused on expanding access to healthy foods grown and raised by American farmers. FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute USDA’s policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.
Patrick Penn Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for the Food and Nutrition Service
Patrick A. Penn will serve as Deputy Undersecretary for FNS. Patrick grew up in foster care and served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2021 to 2025, where he successfully championed reforming the foster care system, social welfare programs, and the burdensome regulatory landscape in Kansas. Penn is a decorated former Army Signal Officer with combat experience.
South Dakota
Lorraine Polak Appointed as State Director, South Dakota Rural Development
Lorraine Polak will serve as State Director for Rural Development in South Dakota. Growing up on a dairy farm in Nebraska, Lorraine has worked in public service for more than 30 years in the areas of housing and economic development serving most recently as the Housing Policy Specialist for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds.
Roger Chase Appointed as State Executive Director, South Dakota Farm Service Agency
Roger Chase will serve as State Director for the Farm Service Agency in South Dakota. He has an extensive background in both business and agriculture. He is an owner and partner in Chase Grain and Cattle with his oldest son. The farm raises diversified crops and cattle. He served as a State Representative in South Dakota from 2017-2024, conducting several leadership assignments on summer studies, and Chaired the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee.
Wisconsin
Andrew C. Iverson Appointed as State Director, Wisconsin Rural Development
Andrew C. Iverson will serve as State Director for Rural Development in Wisconsin. Iverson most recently served as Executive Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin and previously held positions with the Republican National Committee, Senator Ron Johnson, Representative Bryan Steil and others.
SOURCE: USDA News Release
