Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that she will leave her position at the end of February, according to the Hagstrom Report. Harden did not give a reason for leaving, but said, “Today is bittersweet for me as I announce my decision to step down as deputy secretary at the end of February.” Harden succeeded Kathleen Merrigan as deputy secretary on August 12, 2013. Harden was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.
Michael Scuse, the undersecretaray for farm and foreign agricultural services, will serve as acting deputy secretary. Alexis Taylor, the current deputy undersecretary for farm and foreign Agricultural Services, will assume the duties of undersecretary.
“I am proud of what our department has accomplished since 2009 to bring economic opportunity that will help rural America thrive for generations to come. And although I will not be part of the many great and transformational things USDA will accomplish over the next year, I am more committed than ever to USDA’s mission,” Harden said.
“As deputy secretary,” she added, “I am proud to lead the implementation of the 2014 farm bill. The farm bill, like USDA, impacts every American and millions of people around the world, and I was grateful to play a small part in helping to achieve important, meaningful reforms for the future of agriculture through its implementation.
“Krysta Harden shares a special bond with rural America and agriculture that is deeply rooted in her family history and personal values, embodying the mission of USDA in a genuine way,” Vilsack said. “I greatly appreciate her many years of service to the Obama administration and to USDA. But more than anything, I am grateful for her friendship, sound judgment and leadership as a key member of my team since 2009.”
“Her tenure at USDA first as assistant secretary for congressional relations, then as my chief of staff, and finally as deputy secretary, underscore her unique talents as a leader and a champion for rural America,” Vilsack said.
