How did it feel to be appointed to the Michigan Director position by the President of the United States?

A. We were honored, excited, humbled. We feel that way today. The appointment and the process leading up to it were surreal. The vetting process is understandably long and detailed. The process was well managed and completely confidential. All of my many years working with Senator Stabenow prepared me for the process leading up to the appointment. Her encouragement meant more than she will ever know to me and my family. Due to my work with the Senator, I had a leg up because I’ve worked with the agency (USDA) for twenty years. I understood the programs and knew many of the staff. Yes, we were and are very excited!

How did family, friends and co-workers react to your appointment?

A. People were surprised and had lots of questions. They too, could not be more supportive. Their words of congratulations meant a lot. It was a relief for us to tell them what was going on after months of confidentiality.

What will you emphasize as Michigan Director?

A. First and foremost, I will work hard to make sure everyone enjoys access to the organization, our wonderful people and the many programs we have that are about economic and community development and prosperity in rural Michigan. I want our employees to know that they are supported and highly appreciated. The people who work for Rural Development are incredible. They know their jobs and the programs they administer. They work hand-in-hand with constituencies to listen and learn about needs and opportunities so that people and organizations find resources that can help, whether it be financial or technical assistance. Our employees have the values and character to put the needs of the public first and foremost. They are a joy to work with and support.

What do you want the people of Michigan to know about Rural Development?

A. I want everyone to know that this organization is for, by and about them. There is nothing partisan about our organization, programs, services or decisions. We are open, ready to serve. We want people to know we are easy to work with. We are readily accessible with nine offices in Michigan, including Traverse City. We also want people to learn about our programs because they were created to serve them. We have a large number of programs that are amazingly diverse. From funding fire trucks or equipment for first responders to programs that support business development, housing, high speed broadband, community infrastructure like sewers and water supplies and much, much more. It’s unfortunate that there is so much mistrust of government. That can represent a burden or gap that we need to take the lead in surmounting. Ultimately, I hope everyone will explore partnering with us for assistance and solutions. I can assure everyone, that you they will be welcomed, treated with respect and receive all the help and support that we can provide. If we can’t help, we will tell you, and try to connect you with another state or federal agency who may assist you. If we can help through our many programs and services, we will do everything we can to be clear, responsive and diligent about making them available.

What are the national priorities of RD? How about priorities for Michigan?

A. Recently, President Biden used his first State of the Union address to talk about where our country has been and where we are going. The country has faced deep challenges over the past year, and the people of rural America know this better than anyone. But rural communities are resilient, and as the success of rural America goes, so goes the rest of the country.

Our priorities are the same in the nation as they are in Michigan.

First, recovery from Covid. We are making great progress with infection rates. I must admit that I still have my ear to the ground with concern about the potential of another variant. So, while signs of great hope are around us, many of our communities and businesses still have a long way to go to recover. You simply can’t shut down the lifeblood of a community and imagine it’s going to bounce back over night. Many businesses and therefore communities lost cash flow, reserve capital, employees and customers. We will not turn our backs on them. The role of Venture North in responding to the Covid crisis in their ten northwest Michigan counties was amazing and a model we need to replicate throughout the state. Over a million raised through philanthropy and grants, including one from RD. Over 300 grants to businesses with 9 or fewer employees in ten counties with grant decisions based 100 percent on recommendations from local teams. Collaboration at its very best. Venture North’s efforts to now support those same businesses with growth capital is precisely what should be done. We want to support and be part of their ongoing help for small businesses in response to this global disaster. Some may not know that these are the very businesses that make up well over 90 percent of all businesses in northwest Michigan.

Second, climate change and the resiliency of rural communities. We could spend a long time talking about this. We need to reach a point where people understand what is happening and why. With understanding, we need to unify our governments, businesses and communities around making all the moves we can to slow and, if possible, reverse the impacts. Our organization needs to helping foster understanding and a call to action in rural communities. We need to be retooling programs and services to respond. We need to continue and intensify the programs we have dealing with energy alternatives and efficiencies. We also need to make energy conservation an element in all applications for funding. Third – but perhaps most important – equitable access for all to our programs, services and funding and technical assistance. This needs to be a steady, unrelenting drum beat. We need to preach, advocate and provide complete and universal access every day in everything we do. Where there are doubts, we need to redouble efforts to reach out. Access is a fundamental right and a need. Much like Venture North, we need to achieve full emersion in areas of economic distress and with underrepresented populations – including ethnic minorities, veterans, women and people of all ages, needs and abilities. We need to go to communities and people whenever possible and not make them come to us. We need sustained and effective communication to get everyone to the table and ensure that the benefits we provide are shared and enjoyed by everyone. This is an essential need and everyone can help. Trust is something we all need to work at every day.

Are there other priorities for northwest Michigan where RD can be particularly helpful?

A: I think many of the priorities are common across most areas of rural Michigan. Like affordable housing; municipal facilities; water infrastructure; broadband; support for small businesses including startups; energy efficiency; and new product development. As you know, the breadth of our programs is constrained only by our willingness to adapt and be creative. I cannot overemphasize the importance for communities in all rural areas to develop the capacity to seek, secure and manage the resources we can provide. We are here to help in any way we can.