EAST LANSING — The Trump Administration announced Monday the appointment of former state Sen. Jason Allen as the new state director for USDA Rural Development in Michigan.

“It is an honor to be selected by the President to fill the extremely important role of state director of rural development in Michigan,” Allen said.  “I look forward to working with the President, Secretary of Agriculture, and the Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development to increase rural prosperity and enhance customer service through innovation and partnerships in our state.”

Prior to his appointment, Allen was a development specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  A resident of Traverse City, he has served in the Michigan Army National Guard and was elected to two terms each in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate.

He has also served as a senior policy advisor for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency where he assisted veterans to manage relationships with the Michigan Legislature, local governments and social agencies.  A rural small business owner, Allen attended Northwestern Michigan College and then transferred to Miami University of Ohio, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance.

As state director, Allen will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Michigan.

Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that the country’s food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of natural resources.

Understanding that that U.S. is part of a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

For more information, visit rd.usda.gov.