The United States Senate confirmed the nomination of Gale A.
Buchanan, former dean and director of the University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, as Under
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Also confirmed by the Senate on May 12 for USDA appointments
were Boyd Rutherford as assistant secretary for administration,
Linda Strachan as assistant secretary for congressional
relations and Marc Kesselman as general counsel.

“I’m pleased today that the U.S. Senate has acted to confirm
the nominations to four very important positions at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Mike
Johanns.

“Each of these nominees has demonstrated remarkable leadership
abilities throughout their careers in both public and private
service,” he said, “and I’m confident that they will greatly
contribute to fulfilling USDA’s mission of service to our
citizens. I look forward to working with them in delivering the
programs and services that are the hallmark of USDA’s
commitment to our employees and the people we serve.”

Buchanan was dean and director of the UGA CAES until he retired
in April 2005. He served for 20 years on the Auburn University
faculty before moving to Georgia as associate director for the
Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and resident director
of the Coastal Plain Experiment Station.