Val Dolcini will serve as California state executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

"Val Dolcini has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Dolcini has served as a senior manager for the Office of Government Relations in Accenture LLP since 2005. Before then Dolcini served as Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante's policy director where he advised on agriculture, rural development, and business issues.

Dolcini served as executive director of the FSA in California during the Clinton administration. Dolcini oversaw 200 employees in 32 county offices. He played a key role in developing the FSA's budget and operational plans.

The Obama administration has tapped Robert Piceno as the Arizona FSA state executive director. Piceno held the same post from 1993-1998. He administered commodity, land use, and conservation programs.

In the 1980s, Piceno served as an administrative officer for the Arizona State Personnel Division and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Among the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, plus ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase farms.