Summer Season Brings Array of Administrative Changes to FSA

FSA is undergoing several administrative changes that will take effect in July.

Bruce Nelson

As of July 8, FSA Administrator Bruce Nelson will resume his position as state executive director in his home state of Montana after more than a year in the agency’s highest post. “Bruce provided invaluable leadership to FSA during a time when FSA —  like many USDA agencies — was asked to do more work, with a smaller budget and fewer employees,” said Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services Under Secretary Michael Scuse. “Through this challenging period, Bruce has maintained a steady vision for protecting FSA’s core safety-net functions while enhancing its reach among all American farmers and ranchers.”

Juan Garcia

Taking the reins of acting administrator will be Juan Garcia, who currently serves as deputy administrator for Farm Programs. Juan has 34 years of experience working for USDA as a state executive director in Texas, an agricultural program manager, district director and county executive director.

Another major change will take place on June 29 when Deputy Administrator for Field Operations Mike Wooden retires after 30 years of service to USDA. Wooden’s career has allowed him to serve the state of

Mike Wooden

Virginia as a county executive director, district director, state outreach coordinator and state executive director. His successor will be John Berge, who joined USDA as Secretary Vilsack’s first White House Liaison. He later went on to serve as deputy assistant secretary for Congressional Relations, and most recently as executive director of USDA’s National Food and Agriculture Council. Prior to joining USDA, John worked on the staff of Senator Ben Nelson and former Nebraska Senators Jim Exon and Bob Kerrey.

The last significant change in FSA leadership names Karis Gutter as deputy under secretary of the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services mission area, after serving in an acting capacity since February 2011. Gutter served as a senior advisor to Secretary Vilsack and the FSA deputy administrator for Field Operations. Prior to USDA, Gutter worked as deputy chief of staff to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi and also served as senior policy advisor to the House Committee on Homeland Security.