Dinsmore appointed USDA rural development state director

President Joe Biden announced that Andrew Dinsmore has been appointed U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Delaware-Maryland, effective July 15.

State directors serve as CEOs of rural development in their respective states and territories. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the national office, state directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of rural development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse and inclusive state workforce.

Dinsmore said, “I am honored to be appointed by President Biden and grateful for the privilege to serve Delaware and Maryland’s rural towns, residents and businesses to increase economic opportunities and improve quality-of-life standards and conditions. I look forward to leading and contributing to the USDA Rural Development Delaware-Maryland state office.”

Dinsmore comes to USDA after 14 years in the Delaware office of U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, where he built and sustained effective relationships with small businesses, municipalities and nonprofits and worked to deliver resources to the state’s affordable housing, manufacturing, utility and transportation sectors. In recent years, he helped manage the congressionally directed spending process for organizations seeking federal appropriations, which helped secure $300 million in funding for Delaware-based projects.

Prior to his congressional role, Dinsmore spent several years working on the ground in community and economic development, first running a Habitat for Humanity chapter in eastern Kentucky and later a sustainable development program for farmers in east Africa. Dinsmore has a bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College in Ohio and master’s from the University of Delaware.

Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, go to rd.usda.gov.