FSA, Rural Development directors appointed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — New directors of the Illinois Farm Service Agency and Illinois Rural Development were appointed by the Trump administration May 2.

William J. Graff, a life-long grain and livestock farmer from Middletown in Logan County, returns to his post as U.S. Department of Agriculture’ s FSA state executive director.

Jesus Ortega, of Villa Park, was appointed state director for USDA Rural Development.

FSA

Graff brings many years of experience to the post in his fourth appointment as state FSA executive director. He was appointed for each of President George W. Bush’s two terms, serving from 2001-2009. He returned to the position in November 2017 when he was appointed by President Donald Trump.

Graff attended Illinois State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural industry management in 1981.

Growing up on a farm, Graff started his own operation while in high school, growing corn, soybeans, and wheat while raising and exhibiting show pigs and cattle at the local county and state fairs.

He’s been a member of the Logan County Farm Bureau for nearly 50 years, serving on the board of directors for 13 years and three years as county president.

Graff has also been a member of many associations and served on multiple boards and committees, including the Illinois Farm Bureau Farm Bill Committee, the Illinois State Fair Advisory Board, and agriculture advisory committees for U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald and multiple congressmen.

He’s a member of the Illinois Beef Association and served on their Board of Governors, and is past president of the Illinois State University Agricultural Alumni Association.

Previously, Graff has served as a volunteer fireman, township supervisor, township trustee, and school board member. Graff and his family are members of the Lincoln Christian Church

Graff and his wife, Judi, currently own and operate a farm, where they have a purebred cattle operation and raise corn, soybeans and hay.

His family has farmed in central Illinois since 1824.

Rural Development

Ortega comes with experience in the political and program management sector, with a degree in political science and international studies from Loyola University Chicago in 2019.

“He discovered he had a passion for effective government and efficient public policy that helps Americans prosper and move the great country forward,” according to the USDA Rural Development press release.

“Born and raised in Illinois, Ortega was thrilled when offered the opportunity to be the state director for Rural Development. He considers serving the people of the Land of Lincoln a great honor.

“He and his wife, Claire, are delighted to be expecting their firstborn in the coming months and excited to be establishing roots in central Illinois.”

In the coming weeks, Ortega will be focused on visiting each of the 11 Rural Development offices to meet staff and visit project sites, engaging with stakeholders and learning how Rural Development can improve its service for applicants.

Ortega aims to bring refreshed innovation, energy, and an outside perspective to improving the way Illinois Rural Development can achieve its mission and goals for the people of Illinois.

His past work includes serving as an intern for several state representatives and senators. He was a board member for weDignify at Loyola, executive marketing coordinator for the Latin America and Latino Studies Program at Loyola, Illinois Opportunity Project field organizer, regional field director for Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ campaign, regional political director for Vivek Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, and regional director for President Trump’s campaign, according to his LinkedIn page.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again.”