WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Gary Groves as Pennsylvania State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Throughout a highly successful 40-year business career, Gary Groves has consistently excelled in providing exceptional leadership, energy and commitment to both the customers and staff he has served," said Johanns. "I am very pleased that he will join USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania where he will be a great addition to President Bush's leadership team."

Groves, a resident of Tunkahannock, Pennsylvania, has for over 20 years run his own business, which provides sales and management training, executive recruitment and other consulting services to client businesses and individuals throughout the country. Prior to starting his own firm, Groves served successfully in senior sales management positions with several agriculture-related companies in Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. He is a 1965 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Agriculture and Animal Sciences.

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 $54 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 1 million 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.