Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Michael Sexton is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Iowa. Director Sexton 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.
“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.
“On behalf of USDA Rural Development, I will work hand-in-hand with rural communities, small businesses owners, and agricultural producers,” said Sexton. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA is investing in projects in rural Iowa to expand access to capital, to housing, and to essential infrastructure. I’m here to help make it all happen.”
Michael Sexton serves as State Director for Rural Development in the state of Iowa. Sexton is a fourth-generation Iowa family farmer. Recently, he served in the Iowa Legislature, where he was elected to several leadership positions by his House colleagues, including the Chair of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee. He has served on various boards and committees at the local and state levels.
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.
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