CHICAGO, May 8, 2006- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Ryan Gleason as state director for USDA Rural Development in New Mexico.

"Ryan Gleason is a diligent public servant with a distinguished track record of achievements," said Johanns. "Ryan's leadership abilities and his understanding of rural issues will be a tremendous asset to President Bush's leadership team and our rural development efforts in New Mexico."

Gleason currently serves as a research/data manager for the Rio Rancho Economic Development Corporation. Formerly, Gleason was a legislative analyst for the New Mexico House of Representatives and served as legislative assistant for United States Senator Pete Domenici.

Gleason earned a bachelor of arts in history from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas; a masters degree in public administration from Texas Tech University and doctor of jurisprudence from Texas Tech School of Law of Lubbock, Texas.

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 more than $63 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, more than 1.1 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.