BANGOR —Timothy Hobbs has been selected by USDA Rural Development by President Donald J. Trump to serve as State Director in Maine. Hobbs officially began his leadership position at the agency on November 26.

State Director Timothy Hobbs said, "I am honored to lead this key agency in Maine, which is vital to the well-being and future of our rural communities. Working alongside our partners in the state, we will help Maine people finance homes, invest in essential community facilities, and empower rural business to thrive."

As State Director, Hobbs will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to build prosperity in rural Maine.

Hobbs joins the agency after serving as Director of Development and Grower Relations at the Maine Potato Board, a position he held for over 15 years. In this capacity, he was an advocate for 250 potato farmers, helping to give them a voice in Washington DC to improve agricultural production in Maine. He has also held the position of Executive Director for the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District, and owned and operated a small family business with locations in Presque Isle and Caribou. Hobbs holds an Associate's Degree in Drafting Technology from Northern Maine Community College.

A life-long Maine resident, Hobbs looks forward to leading USDA Rural Development's efforts to support infrastructure improvements; finance business development; create homeownership; empower community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care, and to invest in the quality of life for residents living in rural areas of Maine.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; home ownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.me.

USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 54 employees working to deliver the agency's Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.