Long-time staffer for Senator Harry Reid was named last week by President Joe Biden to fill the position of State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency. Sarah Adler has held that position in the state for most of the existence of the office, with Phil Cowee the most recent Director under the Trump administration.
Prior to joining USDA, Lucas Ingvoldstad was the Senior Director of Government and External Affairs for Eolus North America, a utility-scale renewable energy developer focusing on solar, wind, and battery storage projects throughout the Mountain West. Previously, he served seven years as a senior advisor to U.S. Majority Leader Harry Reid, where he focused on energy, agriculture, and natural resource issues. Ingvoldstad attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his Master of Science degree in Land Use Planning Policy in 2011 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2005.
Kelli Kelly runs the Fallon Food Hub and is an advocate for small farmers across the state and has worked with Ingvoldstad over the years. “I am excited to hear about the appointment of Lucas to the position of State Director for Rural Development. Lucas has a proven background of green energy development, stewardship of public lands, and government affairs,” she said. “I look forward to partnering with him on projects to improve quality of life, economic development, and infrastructure for the benefit of rural communities in Nevada, especially Churchill County.”
RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal, and high-poverty areas.
Under the Biden administration, USDA is focused on transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate, smart food, and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
“Our state offices are on the frontlines of providing critical USDA programs and services,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I am thrilled to welcome these nine talented and dedicated public servants to the team as we continue to build back better for the American people.”
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