New Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Begin Service to Commonwealth’s Producers

New Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Begin Service to Commonwealth's Producers
Priorities include maximizing trade opportunities, expanding market access, investing in rural economic development, and conservation of farmland and working forests

Richmond, Va. - Following the inauguration of Governor Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's sixth Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, and the Commonwealth's 19th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Green, have begun their service to the state's residents, farmers, forest landowners, and agribusinesses. Governor Spanberger announced Secretary Frazier's appointment in December 2025 and the appointment of Commissioner Green on Jan. 5.

As part of the Governor's cabinet, Secretary Frazier oversees the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Department of Forestry, and Virginia Racing Commission. The Secretariat works to lead administration efforts to promote rural and economic development, support farmers and forest landowners, expand global markets for Virginia products, conserve and protect working lands, protect the state's natural resources and Chesapeake Bay, and strengthen food security across the Commonwealth.

As secretary, she will implement Governor Spanberger's priorities of expanding market access for Virginia farmers-domestically and internationally and promoting investments and growth in the Commonwealth's diverse agricultural economy.

"I am honored to be part of Governor Spanberger's leadership team in service to Virginia's agricultural and forestry producers. I am excited to get to work fulfilling the Governor's priorities for all Virginians," said Secretary Frazier. "Advancing economic growth, prosperity, and opportunity for Virginia farmers, foresters, and agribusinesses is paramount as we work to increase the vibrancy of agriculture and forestry, the state's largest and third largest private industries."

Since 2018, Secretary Frazier has served as the Chief Brand Officer for Farm Credit of the Virginias, where she led marketing, education, legislative and advocacy efforts, stakeholder and community relations, and charitable contributions programing. Prior to that, she served as the Virginia Agribusiness Council executive director. In addition, Secretary Frazier has extensive experience in state and federal advocacy on issues such as soil and water conservation, market and economic development, agricultural research, workforce development, and the preservation of working farms and forests.

Other leadership roles within the office of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry include Deputy Secretary Ben Rowe and Assistant Secretary Caroline Buscaglia. Deputy Secretary Rowe previously worked at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation as the director of member engagement and national affairs coordinator. Assistant Secretary Buscaglia has worked at Virginia Tech since 2017, most recently as the assistant director for state government relations.

Commissioner Green began working at VDACS in 2005 and has served as Deputy Commissioner since 2014. As Commissioner, he will provide executive leadership for the agency as it implements the Governor's initiatives for economic development, agriculture, consumer services, and international and domestic marketing. He also works to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency in agency programs and activities, to include marketing, animal health, food safety, environmental stewardship, and consumer protection.

"I am deeply honored to be selected by Governor Spanberger to serve as Commissioner, and I am excited to continue leading the dedicated team at VDACS," said Commissioner Green. "We are ready to support and advance the Governor's and Secretary Frazier's visions for a thriving, innovative, and resilient agricultural economy."

Commissioner Green brings a strong record of operational leadership, industry collaboration, and a commitment to supporting the economic growth of Virginia's leading private industry. As the Deputy Commissioner responsible for day-to-day operations, he focused on balancing economic opportunity with the agency's vital role of responsible regulatory oversight. He helped achieve this by working collaboratively with industry trade organizations, commodity associations, and individual producers. He previously served as the Director of the Division of Marketing and Development at VDACS, where he successfully drove initiatives to assist Virginia agribusinesses in accessing both domestic and international markets.

Before joining VDACS in 2005, his career included serving as the head of the International Marketing Office at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and working in the private sector as the Corporate Logistics Manager for Coastal Lumber Company.