Alisa Harrison is the director of communications at USDA.

From March 2003 until her appointment to this position Harrison served as acting director of communications and press secretary at the Department. She was deputy director of communications and press secretary since November 2001. The Jan.-March 2002 issue of the USDA News carried her complete biographical sketch, following her appointment to those positions.

From 1986-2001 Harrison served as the executive director of public relations for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, where she managed all media and public relations activities designed to support consumer marketing and public policy goals. She worked as an editorial assistant for the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service in Knoxville from 1983-86.

Kevin Herglotz, the previous director of communications at USDA who also served as deputy chief of staff to Secretary Ann M. Veneman, is now vice president for government relations and legislative affairs at Safeway. Inc., based in Pleasanton, Calif. •