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

USDA APPOINTS JOSEPH NEWBILL TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN VIRGINIA

     WASHINGTON, June 22, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Joseph W. Newbill as the Virginia State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Newbill, from Wirtz, Va., is a 30-year veteran of the USDA. Beginning his career as a student trainee, he has devoted the last 25 years of service managing USDA loan and grant programs. During this time, he chaired the committee responsible for reorganizing Rural Development operations in Virginia, and has held numerous management positions. Currently, he oversees operations in 18 counties of Central and Southside Virginia.

     Newbill graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., and served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He is actively involved in his local community’s Boy Scout Troop and a member of the Appalachian Trail Conference.

     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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