SHARON HOLMES NAMED DIRECTOR OF FSA'S OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS Media Contact: Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474

NEWS Farm Service Agency Public Affairs Staff 1400 Independence Ave SW Stop 0506, Room 3624-South Washington, D.C. 20250-0506 Release No. 1721.02 Dann Stuart (202) 690-0474 dan_stuart@wdc.usda.gov SHARON HOLMES NAMED DIRECTOR OF FSA'S OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2002 -- USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator James R. Little today announced the appointment of Sharon Holmes as Director for FSA's Office of Civil Rights (OCR), effective immediately. "Sharon Holmes brings to this position an in-depth knowledge of civil rights policies," said Little. "She will provide vigorous oversight of FSA's continuing commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all FSA customers, partners and employees." As Director, Holmes will manage the enforcement of civil rights compliance throughout FSA, ensuring that Agency programs are developed and administered without discrimination. She will also direct Agency efforts to maintain a diverse work force through equitable hiring practices and a non-discriminatory work environment. Prior to her current position, Holmes spent three years as Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. In this position, she managed employee complaints adjudication, alternate dispute resolution programs, and a $2 billion grant program for states and community organizations. From 1993 to 1998, she was the Associate Director for Diversity and Workforce Analysis, Office of Civil Rights, Environmental Protection Agency. Holmes has a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Washington University and a master's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland. FSA ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance; and international export credit programs. For more information on FSA's civil rights efforts, visit OCR's Web site at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/about_us/civil/civil_rights.htm # NOTE: Farm Service Agency (FSA) news releases and media advisories are available on the Web at FSA's home page: http://www.fsa.usda.gov