Biden Administration Appoints Sherry Hamel to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Maine

Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Sherry Hamel as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Maine Farm Service Agency (FSA). Hamel joined the Maine FSA team on Jan. 3, 2022.

“Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”

Hamel is a career employee of FSA with over 29 years of service to the agricultural community in Maine. Hamel began her career with FSA in 1992 while attending the University of Maine where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout her career with FSA Hamel has held multiple roles from Legal Assistant and Farm Loan Specialist to Executive Officer. She was appointed as the Acting State Executive Director in January 2021. Hamel is a native of eastern Maine where she currently resides with her family.

As SED, Hamel will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Maine.  These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.

“The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural producers we serve,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations.  “These leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success.”

Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.