SALT LAKE CITY, APRIL 14, 2022 -- 

Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint Michele Weaver as the Rural Development (RD) State Director in Utah, and eight U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions. This announcement also includes the appointment of additional Farm Service Agency (FSA) positions around the country.

“Here at USDA, we continue to add experience and talented individuals to our state offices,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I have full confidence in the work these new State Directors and State Executive Directors will accomplish to advance USDA’s mission in their local communities.”

RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

Michele Weaver has been appointed RD State Director in Utah

Michele Weaver brings a broad background of experience with her as RD’s newest and first female Utah State Director. Weaver has experience working as a small business owner and has spent time in the banking industry and non-profit sector. In 2018, she was appointed to the Utah Commission for Housing Affordability by Governor Gary Herbert where she effectively highlighted challenges in rural communities and lead efforts to increase funding and positively impact statewide policy. With more than 25 years of experience in affordable housing development, Weaver has been an instrumental advocate for rural Utah residents and their issues. She has provided economic development technical assistance and training, assisted nonprofit organizations and tribal housing developments, and administered small business lending programs. Weaver is a finance graduate from the University of Utah and enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying Utah’s unique geography.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page