Published: June 01, 2009 11:27 am      

Judith Canales named administrator for rural development in USDA

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of Judith Canales as Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative programs in USDA’s Rural Development agency.

“Judy Canales brings extensive leadership experience to USDA and a deep understanding of the unique issues facing rural America,” Vilsack said. “I am honored to welcome Judy back to USDA and look forward to working with her as the department focuses on President Obama’s goals for revitalizing and rebuilding the nation’s rural communities.”

Most recently, Canales served as the executive director of the Maverick County Development Corporation in Eagle Pass, Texas, and for the past seven years as an adjunct faculty member for Southwest Texas Junior College.

In 1996, Former President Bill Clinton appointed Canales as Deputy State Director for Texas Rural Development. She worked as the Acting Associate Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Service in Washington, D.C. She served as the Legislative Representative for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She also served as the Executive Director of the International Hispanic Network, a national membership organization of Hispanic city managers, which promotes professional excellence among Hispanic executives and public managers in local government.