Secretary Rollins Announces New Slate of Presidential Appointments at USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) including the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD).

“President Trump is putting Farmers First, and so is the incredible team we are building at the Department of Agriculture. Our latest additions to the USDA family are personally invested in ensuring farmers and rural America prosper. I look forward to seeing the work they will do supporting farmers, ranchers, and producers across the country by implementing President Trump’s America First policies,” said Secretary Rollins.

FNS is focused on expanding access to healthy foods grown and raised by American farmers. FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute USDA's policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.

Patrick Penn Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

Patrick A. Penn will serve as Deputy Undersecretary for FNCS. Patrick grew up in foster care and served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2021 to 2025, where he successfully championed reforming the foster care system, social welfare programs, and the burdensome regulatory landscape in Kansas. Penn is a decorated former Army Signal Officer with combat experience.

Alabama

Twinkle Cavanaugh Appointed as State Director, Alabama Rural Development

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh will serve as State Director for Rural Development in Alabama. She previously served as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission where she was first elected statewide in 2010. In 2020, she received the most votes in Alabama history for a non-presidential candidate.

Alaska

Arthur Keyes Appointed as State Executive Director, Alaska Farm Service Agency

Arthur Keyes will serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Alaska. With over two decades of agricultural experience, Arthur has led efforts to advance Alaska’s agricultural policy and industry. From 2016 to 2019, as Director of the Alaska Division of Agriculture, he developed an internationally recognized, award-winning marketing program for Alaska Grown products. Arthur founded Alaska’s highest-grossing farmers market in 2006.

Idaho

Kevin Andrus Appointed as State Executive Director, Idaho Farm Service Agency

Kevin Andrus will serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Idaho. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives, where he chaired the House Agriculture Committee. Kevin has hands-on experience in agricultural production, including raising cattle and horses, and has also worked as a loan officer for Ireland Bank.