Neal Robbins (BS ’01) 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.

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, NC, received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from NC State in 2001, where he was Park Scholar. Additionally, he holds 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.

When asked why he chose to take the position, Robbins said, “I am from a rural area in North Carolina, and I cannot pass up the opportunity to help make an impact on those communities.”

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.

This is a modified version of an article published by A.P. Dillon for the North State Journal.