U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Judith Canales as Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative programs at USDA Rural Development. The Secretary says she has extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of the unique issues facing rural America.

Canales most recently served as Executive Director of the Maverick County Development Corporation in Eagle Pass, Texas. In 1996 she was appointed Deputy State Director for Texas Rural Development by President Bill Clinton. She has also worked as Acting Associate Administrator for Rural Business and Cooperative Service in Washington, D.C.