DES MOINES, Iowa – November 17, 2017 – The Trump Administration recently appointed Annette Sweeney as the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in Iowa. Sweeney began her new role earlier this week. Sweeney’s experiences as a teacher, parent, family farmer, business owner and church volunteer led her to the Iowa House of Representatives from 2009 to 2013 where she sponsored numerous pieces of legislation that passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Her work improved opportunities for rural businesses and enhanced the quality of life for rural Iowans.

Since serving as a state lawmaker, Sweeney participated in trade missions to Brazil, China and South Korea promoting the quality of Iowa agricultural products. She also served on the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders board of directors working with legislators across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Sweeney was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Agriculture Education and has volunteered with such organizations as Southfork Watershed Alliance, Iowa Corn and America Agri-Women, the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women.

As State Director, Sweeney will use her leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Iowa.