PD_USDA_Undersecretary-for-Food-Nutrition-and-Consumer-Services

Position Description

underSecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Department of Agriculture

Overview

Senate Committee

Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry

Agency Mission

To provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition and related issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management; to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our nation’s natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds and healthy private working lands.¹ _{Partnership for Public Service position description}

Position Overview

The undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services is responsible for administering the department’s nutrition and food assistance programs and for promoting dietary guidelines.² _FNS.USDA.gov

Compensation

Level III $165,300 (5 U.S.C. § 5314)³ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

Secretary of Agriculture⁴ _{Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/OrgChart.asp?curp=1&LDIBookId=19&LDISectio
Id=180&LDIOrgId=152018}

Responsibilities

Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) had a budget of $112.237 billion.⁵ The undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services delivers billions of dollars in food stamps. _{FY 2015 Department of Agriculture Budget}

Primary Responsibilities

® Supervises the department’s 15 federal nutrition assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and school meals⁶ _FNS.USDA.gov
® Works with public, private and nonprofit partners to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education⁷ _FNS.USDA.gov
® Manages efforts to reduce and prevent fraud, and spend taxpayer dollars on FNS programs more efficiently⁸ _FNS.USDA.gov

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Extensive management and leadership experience with government service programs in the food/nutrition and/or anti-poverty space
® Graduate degree (preferred)

Competencies

® Willingness to travel extensively
® Ability to listen, and energy and passion for the mission, in order to engage and support career staff, state agencies and nongovernmental organizations

Past Appointees

Kevin Concannon (2009 to 2017): Director, Iowa Department of Human Services; Commissioner, Maine Department of Human Services; Director, Oregon Department of Human Services⁹ _{huffingtonpost.com/author/kevin-w-concannon}
Nancy Montanez-Johner (2006 to 2009): Director, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; Chief Executive Officer for the Western Service Area, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; Manager, Professional Partner Program, Region III Behavioral Health Services¹⁰ _{GeorgeWBush-whitehouse.archives.gov}
Eric M. Bost (2001 to 2006): Commissioner, Texas Department of Human Services; Chief Executive Officer, Texas Department of Human Services; Deputy Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security¹¹ _{2001-2009.state.gov}
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