State Director

Bill Menner was appointed USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa in July 2009 by the Obama Administration. As State Director he oversees an organization that provides housing, community facility, energy and business support across rural Iowa. In 2010, USDA Rural Development invested more than $800 million in loans and grants in rural communities and businesses in Iowa.

Prior to his appointment, Menner served as executive director of Poweshiek Iowa Development, a county-wide economic development organization based in Grinnell. In addition to acting as the county economic development director, he led downtown development and tourism efforts in the City of Grinnell.

Menner also spent 14 years as a public radio reporter, including five years as the Iowa Statehouse reporter for Cedar Falls-based KUNI.

He is the author of two books about Grinnell, one of which tells the story of the Merchants National Bank building, a national historic landmark designed by the legendary architect Louis Sullivan.