WASHINGTON — Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the latest slate of presidential appointments, bringing new leadership to key roles within the Department. These appointees have been selected to implement President Trump’s America First agenda at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers remain a top priority.

“USDA is doing incredible work to put Farmers First all across the nation. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are rolling back regulations, expanding market access, and uplifting rural America. I welcome our latest Presidential Appointees to the People’s Department and look forward to continuing our fight to put Farmers First,” said Secretary Rollins.

Dr. Justin Ransom serves as Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), bringing with him over two decades of strategic leadership

responsibilities in food safety, quality systems, animal welfare, and sustainability. His experience spans major food system organizations, including Tyson Foods, McDonald’s, and OSI Group. Dr. Ransom began his career at the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, where he played a key role in developing technical standards for the National School Lunch Program, instrument grading systems and trade facilitation.

Michelle Bekkering serves as Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. She has served the Director of National Engagement at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Bekkering has also worked at the International Republican Institute from posts in Washington, D.C. and Indonesia. She served in numerous positions in the U.S. Government including the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and as an aide to Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA). Bekkering grew up on a diversified family farm and currently resides with her husband Mark and daughter Hadley in Washington, D.C.

Peter Laudeman serves as the Senior Policy Advisor for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Laudeman most recently served as the Director of Trade Policy for U.S. Wheat Associates. Prior to U.S. Wheat Associates, Laudeman worked in the agricultural biotechnology and crop protection industry as well as for the National Corn Growers Association.

Jacqueline Thomas serves as Director of External Communications for USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. Most recently, she served as a Director of Public Affairs at a K Street communications firm, as a Communications Director for a Republican member in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in the first Trump Administration as Deputy Press Secretary at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.