New Senior Staff to Oversee Implementation of President Trump’s Agricultural Vision

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a group of senior staff appointments in Washington, D.C., naming several individuals to prominent roles on January 21, 2025.

These positions were created to strengthen the federal government’s focus on American agriculture, reflecting President Trump’s commitment to putting farmers, ranchers, and producers at the forefront of national policy.

Each appointee brings a background in areas such as agricultural advocacy, government affairs, and legal expertise, ensuring that the USDA’s leadership team remains well positioned to advance the America First agenda.

The appointees have been selected with the goal of reinforcing the Department’s dedication to delivering practical solutions for rural and farming communities across the country.

They include Kailee Tkacz Buller, who will serve as Chief of Staff.

Buller most recently worked as President and CEO of both the National Oilseed Processors Association and the Edible Oil Producers Association, in addition to holding numerous leadership roles at the Department of Agriculture during the first Trump Administration.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University at Buffalo and was also appointed by Governor Youngkin as the 8th Congressional District Representative of the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Another key addition is Preston Parry, named Deputy Chief of Staff.

Parry most recently served as Strategic Assistant to the President and CEO at the America First Policy Institute.

During President Trump’s first term, he supported the White House Domestic Policy Council as Executive Assistant to its Director, coordinating policy initiatives and acting as primary liaison to the Office of the Staff Secretary.

Raised in Tucson, Arizona, he holds a Political Science degree from Utah Valley University.

The leadership team will also feature Jennifer Tiller, taking on dual responsibilities as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.

Prior to this appointment, Tiller served as the Deputy Staff Director for the House Committee on Agriculture.

She brings a strong academic background, including graduate degrees from Marist College and Syracuse University, focusing on policy and public affairs that are integral to administering federal nutrition and consumer protection programs.

In addition to these roles, the USDA has named Ralph Linden as Principal Deputy General Counsel.

Linden has an extensive history at the Department, having worked in the Office of the General Counsel from 1982 to 2021.

During the first Trump Administration, he took on the role of Acting Deputy General Counsel.

Linden’s experience provides institutional knowledge and continuity, a vital asset for an agency charged with diverse responsibilities encompassing food safety, trade, conservation, and agricultural research.

He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Law and has spent his career advising on legal matters related to federal programs.

Enhancing the communication strategy within the Department is another focal point of the reorganization.

Audra Weeks will step in as Deputy Director of Communications.

Previously, Weeks served as Deputy Press Secretary at the USDA during the first Trump Administration before transitioning to the national press team for President Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign.

Her background also includes time as Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and work in crisis management for private-sector clients in the food and agriculture industries.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida, a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, and an MBA from Indiana University.

Dominic Restuccia will serve as the White House Liaison, providing critical coordination between the Department of Agriculture and the Executive Office of the President.

Restuccia spent time as a legislative assistant for Representative Mike Bishop and Senator Mike Lee, contributing to legislative research and policy development.

Originally from Michigan, he graduated from Hillsdale College and has maintained a strong interest in issues impacting rural constituents.

The Department’s leadership change underscores an ongoing effort to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of American agricultural stakeholders, whether they are involved in production, processing, or distribution.