RURAL PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR NAMED
HURON, OH, September 9, 1998--Deputy Agriculture Secretary Richard Rominger today announced the selection of David Sears as the director of the National Partnership Office (NPO). The NPO is part of USDA's Rural Development mission and works in partnership with the National Rural Development Council and Network Management Team to coordinate thirty-seven State Rural Development Councils. The councils facilitate development within states by encouraging collaborative relationships among federal, state, local, and tribal governments, private profit and nonprofit organizations, and community-based groups.
"David Sears brings a number of strengths to the directorship of the National Partnership Office," said Rominger in a speech before the National Rural Development Council's 1998 Conference. "His work with USDA's Economic Research Service studying rural areas, plus his hands-on experience with the Washington State Rural Development Council and his active membership in the National Rural Development Council, uniquely position him to chart progressive new directions for the NPO."
The National Partnership Office supports partnerships by reinforcing collaborative action between agencies, governments at all levels, and the private sector. With the state Rural Development Councils and the National Rural Development Partnership, NPO develops responsive, flexible and solution-oriented government approaches to rural development.
"I think I speak for all the members of the state Rural Development Councils and the National Rural Development Partnership when I say we are looking forward to working with David," said Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson. "The National Rural Development Partnership will be holding its annual leadership conference from September 9-11 in Huron, Ohio, so now is an excellent time for David to join the National Partnership Office."
"I am committed to working with government, nonprofit and community partners to maximize resources to truly make a difference in the lives of rural people," said Sears. "I welcome the opportunity to build an even stronger national network of state Rural Development Councils and to continue the work that has been started by the National Partnership Office and the National Rural Development Partnership."
Media Contact: Roger Salazar, (202) 720-4623
roger.salazar@usda.gov
Public Contact: Jean Carter, (202) 690-0513
jcarter@rdasun2.rurdev.usda.gov
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