President Barack Obama appointed Richard A. Machek in April 2010 to serve as State Director of USDA Rural Development for Florida/U.S. Virgin Islands. Richard is a native Floridian, born in Volusia County and spent his early years in Delray Beach. He has more than 50 years of experience in working in agricultural/rural communities as well as serving eight years in the Florida House of Representatives. He served on the Environmental Natural Resources Council, Agricultural Committee, State Lands Committee, Healthy Seniors Committee, and on the Joint Legislative Everglades Oversight Committee. His family was active in Florida farming beginning in the 1930s. Richard graduated from Seacrest High School in Delray Beach and attended Palm Beach Junior College. He is an Eagle Scout. Richard is married, and has two daughters, six granddaughters and one great granddaughter.