NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact:  Jody Fagan, 208.685.6978

USDA NAMES IDAHO NATIVE AS NEW NRCS OFFICIAL

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2004—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Bruce Knight recently announced several new leadership changes within the agency, including the naming of an Idahoan for regional assistant chief.

Knight named Sara Braasch as regional assistant chief—West. Prior to joining NRCS, Braasch served as the executive director of the Idaho Rural Partnership. Previously, she served as the executive vice president of the Idaho Cattle Association, and worked on Senator Larry Craig’s staff during the 1996 Farm Bill. In addition, she is the past chair of the Idaho Food Quality Institute and the Idaho Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Steering Committee.

In her new position, Braasch will provide leadership for NRCS programs and activities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pacific Basin, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Knight also named Dana D. York, director of Operations Management and Oversight since 2001, as associate chief. She will become NRCS’ first female associate chief. In addition, Knight announced the restructuring of the agency’s six regional offices to three—East, Central and West. The three regional assistant chiefs will be stationed at NRCS’ national headquarters in Washington, D.C. They include Richard I. Coombe, East; Merlin E. Bartz, Central; and Sara Braasch, West.

“I am pleased to name these individuals to prominent leadership positions within NRCS,” Knight said. “Each of them brings tremendous talents, professionalism and a commitment to this agency’s mission—to conserve, maintain and enhance the quality of the nation’s natural resources.”

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

< Back to News Releases