Most recently, Cosby was the state conservationist for Ohio and has been serving as acting chief of NRCS. He'll officially assume the role on Monday, USDA announced Wednesday. His career at USDA began over 42 years ago in 1979 as a student trainee in Iowa, according to the department.
Throughout his career, Cosby has held various leadership positions in Iowa, Missouri, and Idaho. Positions include an area resource conservationist, assistant state conservationist for field operations, and deputy state conservationist, for those states, respectively.
Cosby grew up on a cotton farm in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, with his eight siblings. The farm spans three generations and was bought by his great-grandfather in the late 1800s.
National Association of Conservation Districts President Michael Crowder said he is confident Cosby will lead NRCS in the right direction.
“His extensive experience in conservation as a farmer, a sportsman and state conservationist will further strengthen NRCS’ impact on the nation’s land as we work with our national partners to support America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners,” Crowder said.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack also appointed Meryl Harrell as deputy undersecretary for USDA's office of Natural Resources and Environment. She also starts Monday.
She recently served as the executive director of the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a “conservation nonprofit dedicated to providing stewardship to protected public lands in the Southern Appalachian region,” according to SAWS’ website..
Harrell also worked eight years in former President Barack Obama’s administration in USDA’s NRE as chief of staff and senior adviser to the undersecretary. She has also worked for The Wilderness Society in Washington, D.C.
These appointments are important for LICA members and their customers who work on many programs administered by USDA through the NRCS.