USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT APPOINTS SUSAN K. STACEY
 DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF

"The Lincoln Series works - I would not be where I am today without my training and networking during the program." -- Susan Stacey - Class of 2003 

            WASHINGTON, January 22, 2008 – Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today announced the appointment of Susan K. Stacey as Deputy Chief of Staff for Rural Development.

            “Susan’s national and state government leadership experience has been a tremendous asset in helping Rural Development carry out its mission to bring economic opportunity and an enhanced quality of life to rural communities and residents,” Dorr said. “I am confident that she will continue to serve USDA and rural America well in her new role.”

Stacey joined USDA in October 2005 as Confidential Assistant to the Under Secretary for Rural Development.   Before joining USDA, Stacey held various positions at the U.S. Department of Labor. She served as Special Assistant to the Secretary and Outreach Coordinator for the Women’s Bureau. Stacey also held several positions with the state of Illinois, including Senior Advisor to the lieutenant governor, Director of Human Resources for the State Comptroller’s Office, and Chief Personnel Officer for the Office of the Secretary of State.   

Stacey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (with an emphasis in organizational development) from DePaul University. She is a resident of Alexandria, Va. 

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  Rural Development has invested more than $91 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.  More than 1.7 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments.  Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.