Mar 31, 2021

USDA announces Oscar Gonzales as Assistant Secretary for Administration

Posted Mar 31, 2021 4:06 PM

The Department of Agriculture this week announced the appointment of Oscar Gonzales as Assistant Secretary for administration. Gonzales, nominated by President Joe Biden, previously served in the Obama administration in several senior positions with USDA, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for administration.

He also served as the California State Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency, where he oversaw FSA programs across 58 counties in the nation's largest agricultural producing state.

His government background includes working for top California leaders, including Governor Gray Davis and others. Most recently, Gonzales served as Vice President for Government Relations, Western States, for Goldman Sachs. Before that, he was Vice President for Community and Government Relations for Aura Financial.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says Gonzales "has dedicated his life and career to fighting for underserved and marginalized communities." Vilsack says Gonzales will help USDA ensure equity across the department. Prior to serving in government, Gonzales worked with various nonprofit organizations.