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

USDA APPOINTS JACKIE J. GLEASON TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN WASHINGTON

     WASHINGTON, April 20, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today appointed Jackie J. Gleason as the Washington State Director for USDA Rural Development.

     Gleason, from Roy, Wash., has been employed by the USDA since 1976 where he provided leadership in the coordination and delivery of loan and grant assistance to rural residents in the states of Washington and Nevada. During his 25 years of service, he has received many career awards, and last year, was given the Agency Excellence Award from the Governor's Office of Economic Revitalization for his work in developing a streamlined environmental review process. This new review process is being used by 6 state and federal partners, allowing for one process to be used to meet all requirements, regardless of the mix of federal or state involvement in the funding.

     Gleason received a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Science from the University of California in 1976. He is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1972.

     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 www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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