NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C.

Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623
Tim McNeilly (202) 690-0498

GONZALEZ NAMES RODNEY E. HOOD TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT POST

     WASHINGTON, September 8, 2004--Acting Agriculture Under Secretary for USDA Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez today announced the selection of Rodney E. Hood as Associate Administrator for Rural Development's housing programs.

     "Rodney Hood shares our compassion and devotion for addressing the housing needs of rural America," said Gonzalez. "He brings a wealth of experience related to housing issues and will play a critical role in carrying out the Bush Administration's homeownership programs."

     Hood, of Durham, North Carolina, comes to USDA after serving as Marketing Director and Group Sales Manager for North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. In that capacity, he was involved in individual life sales, multi-product sales, and group benefits. Hood has nearly two decades of experience in affordable housing and community development, including employment with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Bank of America, and G.E. Capital Corporation.

     Hood received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is also an active member in numerous civic organizations, including The North Carolina School of the Arts, of Winston-Salem, N.C. and The Nature Conservancy, The National Endowments for the Arts and the Duke Ellington School for the Arts of Washington, D.C.

     USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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