Alexis Taylor
She previously oversaw the USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services and is a veteran of the U.S. Army, completing one tour in Iraq with the 389th Combat Engineer Battalion.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack supports the nomination.
“I am confident Alexis is the right person to lead as we continue to address global food security, promote American exports across the globe and strengthen trade relationships with our global partners,” he said in a May 13 statement.
Ag groups support Taylor’s nomination as well.
Given her farm upbringing in Iowa, she makes a good candidate to promote U.S. corn and biofuels on the world’s stage, said Lance Lillibridge, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
“We are thrilled to see an Iowa native nominated who understands the importance of trade policy and promoting agriculture, corn, and biofuels in a global market,” he said in a statement. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Alexis in her new role.”
President Biden also submitted a name to be the under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services within the USDA.
For this position, which is responsible for administering the USDA’s food security programs and promoting dietary guidelines, President Biden has tapped Stacy Dean.
Stacy Dean
She’s currently the deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
“Stacy has an incredible depth of knowledge and experience in the field of food and nutrition, and I am thrilled at the prospect of her continuing to shape the nation's food and nutrition policy…,” Vilsack said in a statement.
Both nominees require Senate confirmation.