USDA announces new senior staff appointments in D.C.

USAgNet - 11/20/2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced significant appointments to its senior staff in Washington, D.C., strengthening its leadership in key areas.

Eric Womack steps into the role of Deputy General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel. Bringing a wealth of legal experience, Womack has an 18-year history with the Department of Justice's Civil Division and has served as Associate Counsel in the White House Counsel’s Office.

His expertise extends to areas like the debt ceiling, artificial intelligence, and competition policy. Womack, a New York University School of Law graduate, also worked with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and as a law clerk for Judge James Turk.

Brian Sowyrda has been named the new Director of External Affairs in the Office of Congressional Relations. His background includes strategic engagement and planning, honed through senior positions on Capitol Hill and various campaigns.

Sowyrda, a Trinity College Dublin alumnus with a Master’s in International Relations, has served as Chief of Staff for Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Xochitl Torres Small, and played a key role in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Elaine Trevino becomes the Associate Administrator in the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Trevino’s recent achievements include her involvement with the Department of Transportation to ease U.S. export-import bottlenecks and her contribution to the White House Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force.

With prior experience as President of the Almond Alliance of California and Deputy Secretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Trevino brings valuable insight into international export and trade programs.

These appointments underscore the USDA's commitment to strengthening its team with experienced and knowledgeable leaders, poised to tackle the diverse challenges in agriculture, legal, and international trade sectors.

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