State FSA director appointed

President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint five U.S. Department of Agriculture regional positions, including three Farm Service Agency State Executive Directors and two Rural Development State Directors.

Maureen Wicks has spent over 30 years working for and representing Montana farmers. From 1985-1995, Maureen was involved in WIFE (Women Involved in Farm Economics) and served as its Hi-Line Chapter president. In 1998, Wicks became the first woman elected to the Liberty County Farm Services Administration, where she served for 16 years. In 2014, Maureen was elected to serve as a Liberty County Commissioner and was recently re-elected in 2021. In addition to her work, Wicks is also a dryland wheat farmer and member of the Montana Grain Growers and Montana Farmer's Union. Maureen holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Montana State University. Maureen is also a former teacher, teaching both Government and Social Studies for over 15 years in school districts across Montana.

“Here at USDA, we continue to add experienced and talented individuals to our state offices,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I have full confidence that each of these individuals will add knowledge and leadership to the dedicated team at the Department.”

FSA State Executive Directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each State Executive Director works with the State Committee to administer FSA programs and County office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.

RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.