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Release No. 0403.03

Jean Daniel (703) 305-2286

VENEMAN SELECTS KATE COLER AS DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY 
FOR FOOD, NUTRITION AND CONSUMER SERVICES

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2003—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of Kate Coler as the deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services (FNCS). In that position, Coler will provide policy direction for the nation’s food assistance programs as well as nutrition policy and promotion.

 “Kate Coler brings a wealth of knowledge to the office of the under secretary,” Veneman said. “Her experience in food and nutrition issues and programs will be a valuable asset to USDA.”

 Coler previously served as the deputy administrator for the Food Stamp Program, where she was responsible for successfully implementing provisions in the 2002 Farm Bill that expanded eligibility for the Food Stamp Program, developing comprehensive outreach initiatives to inform eligible people about the program and oversight of the final conversion from paper-based coupons to electronic benefit transfer (EBT).

“Kate’s efforts to fully implement EBT and ensure that expansion of eligibility requirements were successfully implemented, and publicized, have transformed the Food Stamp Program for the better,” said Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Eric M. Bost. “Kate brings knowledge of nutrition assistance, a background of innovative stewardship of the Food Stamp Program and leadership skills to the deputy under secretary position.”

Prior to joining USDA, Coler served as the director of government relations for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) where she was responsible for developing and implementing legislative strategy for FMI’s interests in agriculture issues, nutrition programs and foreign trade.

Coler’s previous experience also includes serving as the federal legislative representative for the American Bankers Association and a legislative director for Congressman Tom Latham (R-Iowa).

A native of Minnesota, Coler received a bachelor’s degree in political science and business administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She assumes her new duties on Dec. 1, 2003.

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