Art GarciaALBUQUERQUE, NM, December 11, 2017 --The Trump Administration recently appointed Arthur A. Garcia as the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in New Mexico. Garcia began his new role on Monday November 27, 2017.

Garcia brings years of experience to USDA Rural Development. On April 1, 2002 Garcia was appointed by President George W. Bush as the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service in Washington DC. He served in this capacity until May 2004 when he was asked by the White House to become the Director of the CDFI Fund at the US Department of the Treasury where he stayed in this position until December 6, 2006. At that time he returned to Albuquerque when he accepted the position of Housing Program Director for Rural Development, New Mexico.

As State Director, Garcia will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural New Mexico.

Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.