MORGANTOWN, WV, Oct. 25, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Ryan Thorn today announced the addition of Johnny McFadden as a Community Development Specialist who will help communities access funding and resources and improve economic opportunities in rural West Virginia.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Johnny to our team,” Thorn said. “His experience and passion for helping rural West Virginia communities will make him a valuable asset to not just Rural Development, but also the people of West Virginia.”
McFadden will serve as the new Community Development Specialist. McFadden will work to build relationships with local partners, assist in preparing successful funding applications, and work to increase investments in rural communities across West Virginia.
McFadden comes to Rural Development from the West Virginia Department of Commerce where he served as a Marketing Manager. While in that position, McFadden contributed to initiatives in energy resiliency, broadband internet expansion, and economic development, all while sharing untold stories of positivity in the state. An entrepreneur himself, he has a keen understanding of today’s economic landscape and the needs of businesses. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wv.
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