RALEIGH — North State Journal publisher Neal Robbins has been appointed deputy under secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a role that will place him in senior leadership over tens of billions of dollars in housing, utility and community development programs serving rural America.
His appointment was part of a broader leadership announcement by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins at last weekend’s Iowa State Fair, which included President Donald Trump’s nominations for several top USDA positions.
“America’s farmers and ranchers have a fighter and a friend in the White House and we have announced a top-notch team at USDA who have hit the ground running and are executing President Trump’s America first vision,” Rollins said in the announcement.
Other selections included Glen R. Smith of Atlantic, Iowa, nominated as under secretary for Rural Development; Dr. Mindy Brashears, nominated as under secretary for Food Safety; and Yvette Herrell of New Mexico, nominated as assistant secretary for Congressional Relations, along with several additional senior staff appointments in U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies.
Rural Development administers programs that finance housing, improve water and waste systems, expand broadband, develop electric infrastructure, and provide grants and loans to rural businesses and community facilities.
Robbins, a native of Asheboro, holds a degree in chemical engineering from NC State, where he was a Park Scholar, and business and law degrees from Wake Forest University. His career includes work in manufacturing, law, rural economic development and financial transactions, as well as service in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
“Rural Development is at its best when it delivers affordable, accessible and commonsense solutions that truly change lives,” Robbins said. “We will focus on outcomes, not optics — ensuring that every dollar produces lasting value for rural families, businesses and communities while being good stewards of the taxpayer’s investment.”
Robbins also reflected on his work leading North State Journal.
“North State Journal was created with a North Carolina-first attitude, and I have enjoyed the past decade of work as we grew the only statewide newspaper,” Robbins said. “Now my focus will turn to President Trump’s America First agenda by supporting rural Americans and the businesses and communities where they work and live.”
Asked why he chose to take the position, Robbins said, “Now is the time to accomplish the goals of the American people evidenced by President Trump’s historic victory in November. I am from a rural area in North Carolina, and I cannot pass up the opportunity to help make an impact on those communities. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins and Under Secretary designee Glen Smith, who are both national leaders in agriculture.”
Regarding the future of North State Journal, Robbins said the publication remains “in the capable hands of a great leadership team.”
Robbins cited senior editor Cory Lavalette and the paper’s subject-level editors on the editorial side, and noted that Charlotte Publishing president Trip Hoffend, North State Media vice president Jim Sills and Charlotte Publishing chief operating officer William King will lead the business operations. Robbins said more details about the transition will be announced in the coming weeks.
USDA’s Rural Development programs operate in partnership with state and local governments, tribal entities, nonprofits and private lenders. In many cases, these programs address infrastructure needs in sparsely populated areas where the cost of delivery is higher and private investment is limited. Projects financed by the agency range from water treatment facilities and rural hospitals to distance learning programs and renewable energy installations.
Robbins will join USDA leadership as the department works to implement its current budget priorities and oversee a nationwide portfolio of loans, grants and guarantees intended to support the long-term viability of rural communities.
