Littleton’s Manuel joins Obama team

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama Administration announced that Virginia Manuel of Littleton will serve as Maine state director for rural development at the USDA. 
“Virginia Manuel will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“Rebuilding and revitalizing rural America is a top priority for the Obama Administration and I am very honored to have been chosen as a member of their team. I look forward to assisting the USDA to provide leadership on housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs and also help the U.S. Department of Agriculture touch the lives of many Maine and Aroostook County citizens every day,” says Manuel of her appointment.”
“In every state, the agriculture and rural communities are unique and have varied needs and concerns. My role will be to work with USDA to ensure that local needs are met,” she added.
Manuel is the founder of Manuel and Associates, which provides strategic planning and development services to connect Maine organizations with international business, government, academic, and civic leaders. She is currently the chairperson of the Aroostook County Democratic Committee and an elected member of the Maine Democratic State Committee. Manuel also worked for the Department of Commerce from 1994 to 2001 as a special assistant in the Office of the Assistant Secretary, International Economic Policy, and as a senior advisor in market access and compliance.
Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. The programs are designed to improve economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
Manuel will assume her responsibilities in September and she will be based in Bangor.