Mike Sexton Appointed as Iowa Rural Development Director

If no one funds local news, your community is just rumors. Help Decorah News bring facts home. Rep. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, will leave his position in the state Legislature to head Iowa's Rural Development office under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sexton, who recently chaired the Iowa House Agriculture Committee, was first elected in 2014. His new position, which is a presidential appointment, was announced Friday by USDA and Iowa House Republicans. "It truly has been an honor to serve for House District 7 and the people of Iowa as a State Representative," Sexton said in a news release. "I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of my constituents over these years, and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues to advance meaningful legislation. I carry with me immense gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and progress we've achieved together." Sexton is also a fourth-generation farmer and raises sheep outside of Rockwell City. Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said Sexton was a "steadfast leader" for Iowa's agricultural community. "Representative Sexton's commitment, and his tireless work ethic will leave a lasting impact," Grassley said in a news release. "…His advocacy for our farmers and rural communities has helped strengthen our state's backbone. I wish him the very best." Sexton will now lead Iowa's USDA Rural Development office which manages federal funding for energy, broadband development, water infrastructure and more in rural communities. Sexton replaces acting director Kate Sand, who followed former President Joe Biden's appointee Theresa Greenfield. Sexton's appointment was announced among a slew of appointments to other states. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins welcomed the new appointees in a statement Friday. "Today's new USDA presidential appointments will help carry forward the important work of serving the people who feed and fuel our country, delivering real results for rural America, putting our Farmers First," Rollins said. "Together, we will continue to strengthen our food supply, protect our family farms, and ensure USDA is working on behalf of the American people." Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.