USDA announced several senior staff appointments on Tuesday, highlighting key ag policy experts and veterans from Capitol Hill and the Trump administration. These roles, announced ahead of USDA Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins’ Senate Ag Committee confirmation hearing on Thursday, do not require Senate confirmation. They included:
- Kailee Tkacz Buller: Chief of Staff to Rollins, formerly CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association and a USDA alum from Trump’s first term.
- Preston Parry: Deputy Chief of Staff, previously Rollins’ assistant at the America First Policy Institute and Domestic Policy Council.
- Jennifer Tiller: Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary nominee Stephen Vaden and Senior Adviser for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, was Deputy Staff Director for the House Ag Committee.
- Ralph Linden: Principal Deputy General Counsel, a USDA veteran who served in various capacities in the Office of the General Counsel from 1982 until 2021, including serving as an Acting Deputy General Counsel during the first Trump administration.
- Audra Weeks: Deputy Director of Communications, previously a USDA Deputy Press Secretary and consultant for food and agriculture clients.
- Dominic Restuccia: White House Liaison, a former legislative director and recent Michigan state House candidate.
- More policy updates from Pro Farmer.
