USDA appoints first permanent chief diversity and inclusion officer

The United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., appointed its first permanent chief diversity and inclusion officer.

L’Tonya Davis has been hired for the role and was previously working at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as director of the office of communications and project management in the FDA’s office of regulatory affairs.

“We’d like to congratulate L’Tonya Davis as the first permanent chief diversity and inclusion officer for the USDA and their commitment to serve all people with a workforce that reflects the diversity and strengths of our nation,” says Natasha Rankin MBA, CAE, Irrigation Association CEO. “We appreciate USDA’s leadership with this effort and recognize that a diverse and inclusive irrigation industry is critical to cultivating the professional, expert workforce our industry needs for our businesses to thrive.”

Davis has demonstrated a strong commitment to hiring and developing a workforce that reflects the rich and diverse tapestry of America and to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential, says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Davis will lead USDA in its ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility across the department and will oversee the implementation of USDA’s first-ever DEIA Strategic Plan.

“As part of our commitment to provide equitable services and mission delivery to all, USDA is also focused on its greatest asset – its people,” Vilsack adds. “USDA is working to provide equitable service and mission delivery to all, including the dedicated employees who are at the heart of the service we aim to provide. Our workforce will benefit from Ms. Davis’s leadership and her commitment to ensuring our programs benefit every American.”

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