PHOENIX, May 7, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Lori Urban is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Arizona. Director Urban will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.
“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.
“I am honored to be appointed as the USDA Rural Development State Director for Arizona,” said State Director Urban. “Rural prosperity helps Arizona thrive, and I am excited to serve in the Trump Administration again to support this mission.”
Most recently, Lori Urban served as Small Business Program Manager for Arizona Commerce Authority, assisting businesses across Arizona. Originally from South Dakota, Urban has made Arizona home for over 30 years.
State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.