Washington D.C. May 27, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Nelson Albino is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the territory of Puerto Rico Director Albino 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.
Nelson Albino will serve as the State Director for Rural Development in Puerto Rico. He comes from the private sector working in the healthcare industry on different executive roles. He also serves our Country as a volunteer in the Civil Air Patrol and is a devout Catholic.
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.