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LAS
CRUCES, N.M., August 26, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns
announced the appointment of New Mexico native Annabelle Romero as
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Farm Bill Forum
in Las Cruces, New Mexico today.
"Annabelle
Romero shares my deep commitment to ensure USDA programs and
services can be equally accessed by all Americans," said
Johanns. "I'm delighted that she will serve in this important
role as her diverse background and knowledge of USDA will help
strengthen our ability to meet the needs of everyone we
serve."
As
deputy assistant secretary, Romero will serve as the principal
advisor to Assistant Secretary Vernon Parker for Civil Rights on
policy and coordinating the program activities of the Office of
Civil Rights. She will also serve as liaison to the seven USDA
mission areas.
Since
June 2003, Romero has served as USDA's Director of Native American
Programs, leading the ongoing consultations with Tribal Nations to
ensure USDA's wide range of programs are available to American
Indians and Alaska Natives across the country. Romero began her
tenure at USDA in April of 2002 as Special Assistant to former
Assistant Secretary for Administration Lou Gallegos. In this
position she worked closely with minority groups.
Prior to
coming to USDA, Romero served at the White House as Director of
White House Personnel, where she managed the staffing needs of the
White House Office, Office of the Vice President and Office of
Policy Development. Romero has a record of strong management skills
with more than 20 years in the public and private sectors including
staff positions with Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, Congressman
Tom Campbell of California and Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas.
Romero is a native of Belen, New Mexico but now
resides in Churchton, Maryland with her husband Stuart.
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