WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2006-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of John W. Rounsaville as Mississippi State Director of USDA Rural Development. Rounsaville currently serves as policy advisor and director of intergovernmental affairs on the staff of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

"While on the governor's staff, Mr. Rounsaville worked on economic development proposals, along with legislative and policy issues. Additionally, he has strong ties to representatives from all levels of government. He will make a great contribution to USDA as we continue to provide jobs, economic opportunities and safe housing to the residents of rural Mississippi through our Rural Development programs," said Johanns.

In addition to his state government experience, Rounsaville is a former deputy chief of staff for Mississippi U.S. Representative Charles W. Pickering. Rounsaville also served as chairman of several task forces appointed by the governor, including the Gulf Region Utility Authority Task Force (Hurricane Katrina Recovery) and is a recipient of the Mississippi Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Rounsaville holds an MBA in Agribusiness Management. He lives in Madison, Miss.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $72 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. Over 1.2 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.