U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Personnel Appointments

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WASHINGTON, April 12, 2023 The United States Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will serve in leadership positions in Washington, D.C.

Jamal Habibi has been promoted to chief of staff for trade and external agricultural affairs

Most recently, Habibi has served as Chief of Staff for the Rural Housing Service since February 2021. As Chief of Staff, Habibi has supported American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) implementation efforts and collaborated with the White House and various federal agencies to develop USDA commitments that stimulate new housing supply and provide greater protection for renters in rural communities. Prior to his USDA appointment, Habibi was a Senior Associate at the Opportunity Finance Network. During the Obama administration, Habibi served as director of outreach at the Treasury Department and special assistant at the USDA. Habibi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Russellie Bongolan has been promoted to White House Liaison Officer

Bongolan has served as Deputy White House Liaison since September 2022. Previously, she served as Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics, promoting key USDA priorities, including equity, program modernization and climate change. Prior to her appointment, she served as political director to Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and deputy director of Georgia coalitions for the Biden-Harris campaign. Bongolan has over ten years of experience in the public and private sectors working on veteran health administration and education technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from the University of California at Irvine and a master of science in social work from Columbia University.

Aliza Drewes has been appointed Senior Energy Advisor for Rural Utilities

Drewes joins the USDA after most recently serving as Founder and Executive Director of Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment (RIPE), where she worked to advance fair value for voluntary agricultural stewardship as part of the National Climate Policy. . She has worked at the intersection of economics and environmental policy for over 20 years, including advising on corporate social responsibility, advising on state and federal policy, and representing associations. professional family farmers and non-profit organizations. While serving with the National Governors Association, Drewes advised governors’ offices and facilitated bipartisan policy recommendations on energy, water and climate issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

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