News Release

Contact:Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

USDA APPOINTS JOANNE C. DEVUYST TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN MICHIGAN

     WASHINGTON, July 6, 2001 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Joanne C. DeVuyst as the Michigan State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     DeVuyst, from Alma Mich., has been the director of guidance and testing for the Ovid-Elsie area schools. In that capacity, DeVuyst was responsible for supervising counselors at five schools and assisted in determining K-12 guidance curriculum and delivery strategies. For the years 1961-1992, Devuyst was a working partner in DeVuyst Farms, DeVuyst Livestock Equipment, and a catering business. She also taught and counseled a total of 28 years in several rural high schools throughout central Michigan.

      DeVuyst has been very active in community affairs and received numerous awards and recognition for her service. In 2000 she was selected as Michigan Outstanding Outdoor Woman. She was selected Chairperson for Clare-Gladwin Career Advisory Council and Career practitioner of the year for Clare-Gladwin ISD. She also has been named outstanding 4-H member for the State of Michigan and Isabella County.

     DeVuyst earned a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational home economics and science at Central Michigan University.

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs can be obtained by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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