McMullen Leaving House For USDA Post
Rep. Ryan McMullen said today he will resign his House seat in mid-July to become State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The announcement came as U. S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled several Obama Administration nominations to federal agriculture posts across the country.
“My legislative career has focused on needs of the chiefly rural Oklahomans I represent in the Legislature,” said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. “I am honored to play an even larger leadership role in addressing the challenges facing rural Oklahoma’s communities and small businesses.”
USDA Rural Development coordinates federal assistance to rural areas of the nation, focusing on preserving and improving the quality of life for rural Americans. McMullen will be responsible for leading these efforts across Oklahoma, as he becomes head of the approximately 100 employees and 13 regional offices that comprise USDA Rural Development’s commitment in Oklahoma.
In 2004 McMullen was elected to the legislature at the age of 25, and has served a district that includes the four counties of Washita, Kiowa, Caddo, and Canadian, stretching from the Oklahoma City suburbs and encompassing a large amount of rural southwestern Oklahoma. McMullen defeated fellow Democrat John English, son of former Congressman Glenn English, in the primary and some speculate English may seek the seat again.
Early in McMullen’s career, he was elected by colleagues to serve in one of five elected leadership positions in the House of Representatives. McMullen’s service as Chairman of the Democratic Caucus made him the youngest legislator in Oklahoma history to be elected to House leadership. He currently serves as the ranking member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
The announcement came as U. S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled several Obama Administration nominations to federal agriculture posts across the country.
“My legislative career has focused on needs of the chiefly rural Oklahomans I represent in the Legislature,” said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. “I am honored to play an even larger leadership role in addressing the challenges facing rural Oklahoma’s communities and small businesses.”
USDA Rural Development coordinates federal assistance to rural areas of the nation, focusing on preserving and improving the quality of life for rural Americans. McMullen will be responsible for leading these efforts across Oklahoma, as he becomes head of the approximately 100 employees and 13 regional offices that comprise USDA Rural Development’s commitment in Oklahoma.
In 2004 McMullen was elected to the legislature at the age of 25, and has served a district that includes the four counties of Washita, Kiowa, Caddo, and Canadian, stretching from the Oklahoma City suburbs and encompassing a large amount of rural southwestern Oklahoma. McMullen defeated fellow Democrat John English, son of former Congressman Glenn English, in the primary and some speculate English may seek the seat again.
Early in McMullen’s career, he was elected by colleagues to serve in one of five elected leadership positions in the House of Representatives. McMullen’s service as Chairman of the Democratic Caucus made him the youngest legislator in Oklahoma history to be elected to House leadership. He currently serves as the ranking member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
Labels: Ryan McMullen, USDA
posted by Mike McCarville @ 10:33 AM
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