USDA's Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices.

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2009 – The Obama Administration today began naming individuals who will serve as State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.

"These individuals will be important advocates on behalf of rural communities in states throughout the country and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

INDIANA

Philip Lehmkuhler: Lehmkuhler has worked as the Manager of Economic Development and Member Service for the Indiana Municipal Power Agency since 2005, where he coordinates economic development opportunities throughout 52 rural cities and towns in Indiana. As an adjunct professor at Indiana University, he teaches courses in government finance and public affairs. Lehmkuhler worked with the Indiana Department of Commerce and also served as a legislative liaison for Indiana Tobacco Prevention. He has many years of experience working with elected officials in Indiana on state issues, including economic development. Lehmkuhler worked for Congressman Lee Hamilton from 1987-1999 and then for Senator Evan Bayh from 1999- 2001. Lehmkuhler has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Louisville, and a bachelor's degree in public affairs from Indiana University.

ILLINOIS

Colleen Callahan: Callahan is currently the President of Chicago Farmers and runs Colleen Callahan Communications, where she provides communications services to a variety of organizations, including the USDA. In 2008, Callahan was a candidate for the 18th congressional district of Illinois. She has extensive experience in broadcast radio producing segments on agricultural and agribusiness issues. Callahan was the first woman elected as President to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting in 2002, and has received many awards for her broadcast work and contributions to agricultural associations. Her family raises purebred Angus cattle on a family farm near Kickapoo, Illinois. Callahan has a bachelor's degree in agricultural communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

MICHIGAN

James Turner: Since 2004 Turner has worked as State Advisor on Renewable and Alternative Energy for U.S. Senator Carl Levin, where he monitors renewable energy and alternative energy development in Michigan. He also serves as the Systems Administrator and oversees all IT systems in the Senator's state operations. Through his work as a Regional Representative for the mid-Michigan region, Turner has worked with local officials and community managers on policy and development issues. He has over 30 years of experience working on constituent issues in Michigan. Turner holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Ferris State University.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture