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Release No. 0139.02
Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
VENEMAN SELECTS ROBERTO SALAZAR AS ADMINISTRATOR
OF FNS
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2002 -- Agriculture
Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of Roberto Salazar as the
administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition
Service (FNS). Salazar will officially join FNS on April 22, 2002.
Salazar comes to FNS from USDA’s Rural
Development agency in New Mexico where he served as the state director. He was
responsible for programs designed to improve the quality of life in the state
through federal programs that provide direct financial investment in business,
housing and utilities infrastructure.
“Roberto Salazar brings a wealth of knowledge
to USDA,” said Veneman. “His experience in state and federal agencies will
enhance our food and nutrition programs.”
Salazar previously served as the director of the
New Mexico Human Services Department’s Child Support Enforcement and Income
Support Divisions, where he administered the Food Stamp, Aid to Families with
Dependent Children (AFDC) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
programs.
“Roberto brings a wealth of experience in the
management and administration of programs, particularly for needy individuals
and families. He will be a valuable team member at the Food and Nutrition
Service,” said Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Eric
M. Bost.
Salazar has held senior management positions with
the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the U.S. Department of
Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency. He was the executive director
of the Hispanic Radio Network where he oversaw the development, production and
international syndication of educational radio programs to over 160 stations in
18 countries.
FNS administers 15 nutrition assistance programs,
including the Food Stamp Program, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program,
the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and commodity
assistance programs, to provide a nutrition safety net for at-risk families and
children.
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