WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2006-- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Gene DeRossett as State Director for USDA Rural Development in Michigan.

"Gene DeRossett has distinguished himself as a businessman and lawmaker," said Johanns. "He will serve the residents of Michigan well as we work to enhance economic opportunities in rural areas. I'm proud to welcome him to President Bush's leadership team."

DeRossett, a resident of Manchester, Michigan, served in the Michigan Legislature as a state representative from 1999 to 2004. As a lawmaker, he chaired the Agriculture and Resource Management Committee and the Transportation Committee. He is a licensed real estate agent and licensed general contractor, being a founder and president of DeRossett Construction, Inc.

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 $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, over 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.