Welcome from USDA Rural Development State Director

Ellen M. Davis accepted the appointment as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Virginia in March of 2006 and was reappointed as State Director under the Obama Administration in July of 2009.

Prior to that, Ms. Davis owned a management and consulting firm. The firm managed the Virginia Corn Growers Association and the Virginia Small Grains Association and consulted with several other agricultural groups from across the State of Virginia.

Ms. Davis worked with many different companies and non-profit organizations in Virginia in the development of strategic plans, long range corporate development and board training. She frequently spoke to groups about the importance of strategic planning.

Ms. Davis grew up in North Carolina in the heart of tobacco country and attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She started her career at Virginia Farm Bureau. She and her husband Ray are partners in a 2500 grain farm operation in New Kent, King William and King and Queen Counties.