U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) State Director roles. Box Elder County Commissioner Stan Summers was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Utah.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.

FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.

“I’m just a dairy farmer’s son, who’s genuinely proud to serve rural America and represent the needs of the farmers, ranchers, and the friends and neighbors that make rural Utah home,” said Summers. “Under the work and vision provided by President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA Rural Development will continue to strive for improvement in the way we meet the needs of our communities. It’s rural cities and towns that drive Utah’s economy, and I’m determined to ensure rural is at the center of all we do moving forward.”

Stan recently completed his third term as a County Commissioner for Box Elder County.  During his time as a county commissioner Stan also served as President of the Utah Association of Counties, Chair of the Utah Association of County Commissioners and Councils, and Chair of Bear River Association of Governments.  Additionally, Stan has served as a board member for several organizations including NADO (National Association of Development Organizations), the Utah Constitutional Defense Council, the Intermountain Health Corporate Board, and the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Utah.

State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Prior to his public service career, Stan successfully owned and operated multiple businesses, underscoring his commitment to community and economic development. His extensive experience in strategic planning, policy guidance, and collaborative leadership positions him to effectively support Utah’s agricultural communities and rural development initiatives in his USDA role. 

The State FSA Director for Utah has yet to be named. To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.