WASHINGTON — Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has named Ann Wright deputy undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs.
In her new post, Ms. Wright will have oversight of programs that facilitate domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and as well as laws related to the health and care of animals and plants, according to the U.S.D.A. Her portfolio also encompasses U.S.D.A. participation in setting national and international standards.
Ms. Wright most recently was a senior policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, specializing in issues before the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Earlier, she was a policy analyst for Consumers Union on energy and trade issues and has worked with farmers and non-profit organizations at the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition in Washington.
Before that Ms. Wright was a policy advisor on agriculture issues for senators Paul Simon of Illinois and Paul Wellstone of Minnesota.
"Ann has a strong background in trade, and she will be a vocal advocate for expanding agriculture markets abroad," Mr. Vilsack said. "Her knowledge and understanding of both domestic and international issues will help set a course for future growth in agricultural exports."
A native of central Illinois, Ms. Wright received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Illinois State University, Normal.