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Published on 05/17/06

Buchanan appointment confirmed by U.S. Senate

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.

Faith Peppers is the director of public affairs with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.