USDA Announces Rural Leadership Appointments

These proven leaders will strengthen rural policy and ensure continuity

(WASHINGTON, D.C., June 23, 2026) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced a series of leadership appointments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including new roles within the Rural Development mission area. These appointments reflect the Department's continued commitment to implementing President Trump's America First agenda and putting Farmers First across rural America.

Neal Robbins Appointed as Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement

Neal Robbins will serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary. Robbins previously served as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, where he led a portfolio of more than 80 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs supporting rural housing, utilities, broadband, community facilities, and business development.

"I am excited to continue to work with Secretary Rollins to implement President Trump's vision for rural America," said Robbins. "Rural Development has a strong team and a clear mission. The agency is ready to bring its resources directly to the communities that need us most."

Prior to joining the Trump Administration, Robbins has worked as an engineer, publisher, attorney, consultant, and entrepreneur. He served in a senior policy role in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Neal is a graduate of N.C. State University, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering as a Park Scholar, and holds a law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University.

Joe Gilson Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development

Joe Gilson will serve as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Gilson joined the Trump Administration in March 2025 as Chief of Staff at USDA Rural Development, where he provided management and analytical support to the Under Secretary. Prior to joining the Administration, Joe worked at the American Farm Bureau Federation as Director of Government Affairs, overseeing commodities, conservation, environment, biofuels, and transportation policy. He previously served Senator Chuck Grassley as legislative assistant for agriculture, trade, energy, and environmental issues, and worked as a Policy Advisor at USDA Rural Development. Gilson is a native of Iowa and graduated from Simpson College with a bachelor's degree in political science and English.

Monica Mason Appointed as Regional Operations Manager for Rural Development

Monica Mason has been appointed Regional Operations Manager for Rural Development. Mason was previously Senior Advisor for Rural Development's Rural Housing Service. She is a former business-owner with leadership roles in marketing, media, financial services, and real estate. She attended The College of William and Mary and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University School of International Service.

Gimmie Jo Jansonius Appointed as Chief of Staff for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) for Rural Development

Gimmie Jo will serve as Chief of Staff for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) for Rural Development. Previously, sheserved as USDA Kansas Director of Rural Development. As a sixth-generation Kansas rancher, Jansonius is actively involved in production agriculture working alongside the seventh generation of her family's business consisting of a cow calf herd, small row crop farm, and direct to consumer beef sales. Gimmie Jo holds an MS in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership from Emporia State University and a BS in Education from Newman University. Beginning her professional career as a teacher and coach, she went on to serve as faculty for community vitality with Kansas State University's Research and Extension Services. Gimmie Jo is also a competitive horsewoman who conducts a Cowboy Church ministry and treasures time being with her family on the ranch, playing the piano, serving in her church, and tending to her horses.

Robert Hosford Appointed as Director of State Operations for Rural Development

Robert Hosford will serve as Director of State Operations for Rural Development. Hosford most recently served as USDA Rural Development State Director for North Carolina, a position he also held during President Trump's first term. He previously served as Chief of Staff for the USDA Farm Service Agency from 2003 through 2009 and worked for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Hosford earned a B.S. from Mississippi State University in 1996.