The Trump administration has nominated Stephen Censky to serve as deputy secretary of Agriculture. Censky has served as the CEO of the American Soybean Association since 1996.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says he’s pleased with the nomination, noting Censky’s experience and leadership skills will enhance the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“I am extremely pleased with the nomination for this key position and am hopeful that the Senate will take it up in short order,” Perdue said.
Censky grew up on a soybean, corn and diversified livestock farm near Jackson, Minn.
He graduated from South Dakota State University and began his career working as a legislative assistant for then- Sen. Jim Abdnor (R-South Dakota).
He later held positions in USDA in both the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, eventually serving as administrator of Foreign Agriculture Service.
“Nobody in agriculture is more equipped to assist Secretary Perdue in meeting the needs of farmers with practical solutions than Steve,” American Soybean Association President Ron Moore said in a statement. “He is a perfect fit for this role, and we give him our strongest endorsement.”
The deputy secretary traditionally manages the department’s day-to-day operations.
The Senate has not announced when it will hold its hearing on Censky’s nomination.