VENEMAN NAMES GILBERT G. GONZALEZ, JR. AS DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON, December 21, 2001- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of Gilbert G. Gonzalez, Jr. as Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. Gonzalez's responsibilities include performance and results analysis, strategic planning, special initiative development, outreach, and application of contemporary business and banking practices to the mission area.

"Gilbert Gonzalez brings to USDA extensive knowledge in banking and community development and he will contribute greatly to our efforts to revitalize rural America," said Veneman.

Gonzalez is the founding president of the San Antonio Business Development Fund, Inc, a multi-bank community development corporation. He has been active in banking, housing and economic development efforts in the state of Texas since 1984. Gonzalez serves on numerous boards and commissions including, the City of San Antonio Enterprise Community Commission, Texas Mezzanine Fund, Inc., the Fannie Mae Advisory Council and Texas Community Development Financial Institution Coalition.

Gonzalez brings a dynamic banking background to the Rural Development mission. Prior to founding the San Antonio Business Development Fund, Inc, he was a commercial loan officer for the Money Store Investment Corporation, a business development specialist for the University of Texas Small Business Development Center, and an Assistant Vice President of Budgeting and Finance for First Gibraltar Bank.

Gonzalez received a bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.