ALBUQUERQUE, NM, July 26, 2019 – USDA Rural Development State Director Arthur A. Garcia has promoted Ray Melton a long time USDA RD employee as the agency’s rural business program director. 

Melton oversees thirteen business programs administered by USDA Rural Development. All of the programs were created to expand economic opportunities in rural communities of less than 50,000 residents. 

After being named the business program director Melton said, “I have committed my life in the lending industry and at USDA Rural Development to provide the rural residents of New Mexico the best possible financing opportunities to expand their rural business. This new position will allow me to continue my commitment to rural New Mexico.” 

In the last five fiscal years, the USDA Rural Development business program provided $64.5 million for 283 business projects in rural New Mexico. 

Melton is a lifelong New Mexico native who grew up on his family’s ranch in the Ft. Sumner area which has been in business since 1849. He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) and completed the Western State School of Banking course of study from the Anderson School of Business at the University of New Mexico (UNM).

From his office in Roswell, Melton will oversee the business program and his staff of seven located in Albuquerque, Aztec, Las Cruces and Roswell. However, he can be contacted by calling 505-761-4950 in Albuquerque or by email at ray.melton@usda,gov