Biden picks former Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield to Iowa’s USDA post

President Biden on Thursday announced the appointment of former U.S. Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield (D) as the new rural development director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Iowa. 

In her new role, Greenfield will lead a program offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create employment opportunities and support economic growth and development. 

“Theresa Greenfield grew up on a small family farm outside a town of 500 during the 1980’s Farm Crisis. A committed public servant, Greenfield has focused her career on community development, housing, and real estate. She has worked with elected officials and community leaders at all levels of government to create strong, vibrant neighborhoods and hometowns,” USDA said in its statement Thursday.

“She is focused on bringing her professional and life experiences to the mission of strengthening the economy of rural Iowa,” the statement continued.

Greenfield also served as president of the Iowa Division of Rottlund Homes and Des Moines, Iowa-based real estate firm, according to The Associated Press. 

This comes after Greenfield lost her Senate race to incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) last November, with Ernst winning the election by a 6-point margin, the AP noted. 

Along with Greenfield, Biden has named new executive and state directors for the USDA in the states of Iowa, Colorado, Alabama and Delaware, the statement said.

The USDA provides support for rural housing programs; first responder services; and water, electric and communications infrastructure; per the AP. It also offers technical assistance to agricultural producers and cooperatives who want to improve the effectiveness of their operations.