The Biden administration on Tuesday announced that Nivory Gordon, Jr. will serve as the Alabama state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.

President Joe Biden’s announcement included a string of regional and state appointments of Rural Development state directors and Farm Service Agency (FSA) state executive directors.

Today we welcome five new @usdafsa state executive directors and seven @usdaRD state directors who will carry out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensure the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard https://t.co/Q8rKl53nVy

— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) October 12, 2021

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack praised the list of individuals selected by the administration to serve the interests of rural America.

“These twelve individuals are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”

Gordon holds over three decades of experience with USDA Rural Development. Upon joining the agency in 1989, he has held numerous positions spanning from assistant county supervisor to area director. The agriculture professional launched his career in 1987 as a co-op student at Alabama A&M University.

Gordon is the first black individual to hold the position of Alabama state director for USDA Rural Development.

He obtained an undergraduate degree in agricultural education and later went on to earn a master’s degree in agricultural management in 1992. The Wilcox County native currently resides in his home county and operates a family farm in Furman.

The stated goal of Rural Development state directors is to partake in service which benefits citizens residing in rural areas of the state in which they are appointed to oversee.

According to the release, state directors are charged with coordinating with the department’s national office to promote the mission of Rural Development to develop a productive and diverse state workforce.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL