Undersecretary of Rural Development Dallas Tonsager announced that after spending 12 years in leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he's leaving. He said leading the "group of 5,000 talented men and women has been an honor." He noted in recent years Rural Development has carried out more work to help rural communities than at any other time in the agency's history.
"As someone who has spent a lifetime working to strengthen rural America, I am excited about the future of farm country," Tonsager said. "I look forward to collaborating with them and all of my friends as we continue to serve rural America."
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Dallas' service to the USDA under the Obama administration was the latest part of a distinguished career of service to agriculture and rural America. "I'm proud of the work we have achieved together and I wish Dallas the best in his future endeavors," he said.