Bronaugh confirmed as USDA deputy secretary

Jewel Bronaugh was confirmed by the Senate on May 13 to serve as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making her the first woman of color to serve in the role.

Bronaugh previously served as Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University.

“Dr. Bronaugh has a long, distinguished career as an educator and champion for farmers and rural communities,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “She speaks respectfully of producers and rural Americans, and believes that as a public servant, her job is to find a way to help those who need it. I look forward to working with Dr. Bronaugh to ensure USDA lives up to its calling as the People’s Department, to be a Department that serves all people equally and fairly.”and says he looks forward to working with her “to ensure the department serves all people equally and fairly.”

In spring 2019, Bronaugh launched the Virginia Farmer Stress Task Force to raise awareness and coordinate resources to address farmer stress and mental health challenges in Virginia. In the fall of 2020, she helped establish the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund and Program, the first statewide program of its kind to address food access within historically marginalized communities.

Bronaugh received her PhD in career and technical education from Virginia Tech. She is passionate about the advancement of youth leadership in agriculture. Bronaugh is from Petersburg, Virginia.