WASHINGTON, April 4, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Paul Gutierrez as the New Mexico State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Paul Gutierrez has repeatedly demonstrated his stellar ability and commitment to public service," said Johanns. "He will be an effective representative of the Bush Administration in New Mexico and a strong advocate for enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities available in the rural areas of his native state."

Gutierrez, from Magdalena, New Mexico, has served since March of 2004 as the deputy assistant secretary for civil rights at USDA, serving as the principal advisor on civil rights and related laws affecting the administration of USDA programs. Gutierrez has also served as the assistant deputy administrator for USDA's farm programs and as the state executive director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in the state of New Mexico.

Prior to joining USDA, Gutierrez served six years as the director of governmental affairs for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. In the 1990s, he served as a consultant to Farm Credit Services of New Mexico and was assistant vice-president of credit for the Production Credit Association of New Mexico.

Gutierrez was raised on a cow-calf ranch and was actively involved in Socorro County agricultural activities. He also served on the Magdalena Board of Education. Mr. Gutierrez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from New Mexico State University and was awarded the Anderson School of Business Management Up and Comers Award. In 2001 he was listed as one of New Mexico's top 100 Power Brokers in the Under 40 Power Brokers List.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $50 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. As a result, over 800,000 jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.