Indiana Department of Ag Names Deputy Director

Deputy Director for ISDA

isda_logoA former Indiana FFA Association executive director is returning to Indiana agriculture. Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann has appointed Melissa Rekeweg to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as the new Deputy Director. She started her duties there this week.

“It’s really exciting to think about the possibilities Indiana agriculture has and the staff that is on board. There are a lot of new things coming forth, a lot of changes with water quality, economic development. We have a number of new initiatives getting started, and really just having that leadership of Ted McKinney and to support the goals and vision that he has along with the Lt. Governor. It’s something that it think is really going to grow Indiana agriculture and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

The position of an assistant director will free up director Ted McKinney for more time touring the state.

“I will be in the office every day to allow Ted more opportunity to be out and speak about agriculture all across the state, to speak to producers and your average consumers so that they understand what is occurring in Indiana agriculture.”

Rekeweg told HAT that ag has always been a part of her life, having grown up on a Carroll County grain and livestock farm.

“So with that I was very active in FFA, served as a state officer, became an ag teacher in the state of Indiana. Then from that point I went on to serve as the executive director of Indiana FFA. I stepped back from agriculture for a number of years when we lived in Wabash, Indiana. I was involved in banking, and when we moved to Indianapolis got back involved and worked with Perkins Funding through the department of education and also became the director of career and technical education which encompasses agriculture education also.”

Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann says her work with students and young farmers will provide helpful perspective for ISDA.

“Melissa has a sterling reputation and lifelong experience in Indiana agriculture,” said ISDA Director Ted McKinney. “We’re delighted to have her join our team and expect only the best from her as she helps further solidly Indiana as a global leader in agriculture.”

Rekeweg currently resides in Zionsville with her husband, Matt and their two children.

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