Acting Chief Weller named permanent head of NRCS

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2013 – Natural Resources Conservation Service Acting Chief Jason Weller was today named permanent head of that agency, seven months after succeeding former Chief Dave White.

Prior to his current role at NRCS, Weller served as NRCS’s Acting Associate Chief for Conservation and as Chief of Staff. He previously served as a staff member for the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and on the U.S. House Budget Committee, where he helped construct the annual congressional budget for agriculture, environment and energy programs.

Weller is a native of northern California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and a graduate degree in public policy from the University of Michigan.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) “applauded” Weller’s permanent appointment in a press release, noting his “support and understanding of the locally-led conservation process and the critical role of conservation districts within that process, as well as his thoughtful navigation of the current national budgetary climate, and strong, working knowledge of Washington, D.C.”

NACD drew special attention to the challenges of Chief Weller’s role in the changing farm bill climate. The group said it is “confident” Weller will provide the “permanency and stability” needed to lead NRCS in an “uncertain” time.  

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