President Joe Biden has nominated Dr. Basil Gooden as under secretary for USDA’s Rural Development agency.
Rural Development helps expand economic opportunities, create jobs and offer loan and grant programs, according to USDA. Gooden has served as director of state operations for Rural Development since July 2021.
If confirmed, he would fill the position left vacant by Xochitl Torres Small, who is now serving as deputy secretary of Agriculture.
“His public service career is informed by a lifelong commitment to agriculture and rural development, stemming from his upbringing on the cattle farm his family still operates in Buckingham County, Virginia and a strong passion for continued learning,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “Dr. Gooden’s firsthand knowledge of USDA programs and the needs of people who depend on them, his track record for advancing and improving polices that benefit agriculture and rural America, and his tenacity for teaching, advocating and learning make him an outstanding nominee for this position and a true asset for our department.”
