Washington, D.C., June 12, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of Matt Herrick as Director of Communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The position was recently vacated by Matt Paul. Secretary Vilsack also announced the appointment of Alyn Kiel as Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications in USDA's Office of Communications.
"These individuals bring a wealth of experience and energy to USDA, along with sound judgment, strong leadership and a long history of service to U.S. agriculture and the American people," said Vilsack.
Matt Herrick has more than 15 years of communications experience with federal agencies, non-profits and media. Formerly, Herrick was Spokesperson and Press Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and also served as Oxfam America's Director of Media and Public Relations. Between 2007 and 2012, Herrick served in a variety of leadership positions with USDA, including Press Secretary, specializing in agricultural production and trade, farm programs, economics, and global food security. He has a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., and a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Alyn Kiel has worked for USDA for the past five years. Most recently, she served as Speechwriter to the Secretary, and has previously served in USDA's office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services and at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Alyn holds a bachelor's of science degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications from Michigan State University.
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