Bio for Gilbert G. Gonzalez, Jr.
Acting Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary for Policy and Planning
Rural Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture

On December 21, 2001, Gilbert G. Gonzalez was appointed by Secretary Ann M. Veneman to be the Deputy Under Secretary for Policy and Planning for Rural Development and, on December 10, 2003, appointed as Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development. In this position Mr. Gonzalez oversees the policies and programs of the Rural Development Mission Area. Rural Development consists of three agencies:  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service and Rural Housing Service that provide $14 billion annual funding authority for grants, loans, and technical assistance to rural residents, communities and businesses and an $80 billion portfolio of existing business, housing, and infrastructure loans to rural America.

Mr. Gonzalez has been active in banking, housing and economic development efforts in the state of Texas since 1984. Mr. Gonzalez was Founding President of the Community Development Loan Fund, Inc. (CDLF), a for-profit multi-bank community development corporation, a successful collaborative effort between the City of San Antonio and 21 banks. Created in 1993, served credit needs of small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses in San Antonio, Bexar and surrounding counties. In 1997 formed the Community Development Loan Corporation (CDLC), a non-profit affiliate to complement the CDLF's lending efforts and diversify its funding base. Mr. Gonzalez was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the CDLF and CDLC. In 1997, became certified under the U.S. Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Program.

Mr. Gonzalez served on numerous boards and commissions including, the City of San Antonio Enterprise Community Commission, Texas Mezzanine Fund, Inc., the Fannie Mae Advisory Council and Texas Community Development Financial Institution Coalition.

Mr. Gonzalez brings a dynamic banking background to the Rural Development mission. Prior to founding the CDLF, he was a commercial loan officer for the Money Store Investment Corporation, a business development specialist for the University of Texas Small Business Development Center, and an Assistant Vice President of Budgeting and Finance for First Gibraltar Bank.

Mr. Gonzalez is active in Men's Leadership Ministry and Youth Ministry. Mr. Gonzalez received a bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

(August 2002)

Mr. Gonzalez's Activities in Rural America

Office of the Under Secretary Home ... Rural Development Home ... USDA Home ... Questions/Comments