WASHINGTON, September 10, 2007 – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Rick E. Rice as the West Virginia State Director of USDA Rural Development.

"Rick's successful business ventures, management experience and strong community ties in West Virginia provide a solid foundation for him to join the USDA team," said Johanns. "I'm confident he will help us to create jobs, business and housing opportunities for rural citizens in West Virginia."

Rice is a former Midwest Regional Manager for a major pharmaceutical chain, started an advertising firm and later owned a retail franchise. He has earned the Distinguished West Virginian Award and the Lighthouse Award for Leadership. Rice attended West Virginia Wesleyan College on academic scholarship and also attended West Virginia University. A resident of Buckhannon, W.Va., Rick Rice and wife, Lee Ann, have three children.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 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 .